My lesson of the day: Don't use ECT while offroad! (1 Viewer)

[CruiseOrlando]

I had my ECT "Power" button on, and then went offroading. I'd forgotten it was on.

While trying to be gentle with the throttle with some obstacles, I got a lot of "WHAO!"... in other words, you give it just a little skinny pedal, expecting a small result, but no - she'd practically jump forward! Made it quite difficult to predict results.

I was trying to figure out the change in behavior, and it really didn't come to me until I was on the way home and noticed the "PWR" was still lit on the dash.

Lesson learned, take that crap off when you need control - it does behave a bit erratically with it engaged.

 

[NLXTACY]

My ScanGuage blocks it and the CEL. So I need to remember to check every now and the

 

[kbahus]

Weird, I have not turned mine off in all of the years I have owned the truck and never noticed it being that sensitive. Could it be the linkage between the steering wheel and the gas pedal?

 

[Stevesnj]

Was ECT an option? I don't have the button on my 96.

 

[Splangy]

Are you sure it wasnt just because you were in low? I thought the power button just changed the shift points.

 

[NLXTACY]

Was ECT an option? I don't have the button on my 96.

You have it, it's labeled PWR and its on the console next to 2ND. Unless you are diesel or 5spd

 

[Stevesnj]

wow, i never knew thats the ECT, I never turned it off (light on) during wheeling. Well the light doesn't turn on, bulb may be blown..lol. Maybe I should read the owners manual again..lol

 

[NLXTACY]

wow, i never knew thats the ECT, I never turned it off (light on) during wheeling. Well the light doesn't turn on, bulb may be blown..lol. Maybe I should read the owners manual again..lol

It's probably more common that the switch doesn't work. All you need is one spilled coffee to take it out. I've replaced mine twice over the past 15 years

 

[Stevesnj]

It's probably more common that the switch doesn't work. All you need is one spilled coffee to take it out. I've replaced mine twice over the past 15 years

Tnks, i have electrical cleaner, gonna try that first.

 

[NLXTACY]

Tnks, i have electrical cleaner, gonna try that first.

So did I

PWR and 2ND share a board. Mine was shorted. Good luck tho!

 

[Stevesnj]

So did I

PWR and 2ND share a board. Mine was shorted. Good luck tho!

Ahh didnt know that, grrr oh well, tnks again

 

[Wrench]

Are you sure it wasnt just because you were in low? I thought the power button just changed the shift points.

BINGO!

 

[scottryana]

I can tell you that shift to 2nd from 1st in low is harsh, with the ECT on and the higher shift point it hits hard! I use 2nd gear start a lot when in low.

 

[Bluetribal]

I can tell you that shift to 2nd from 1st in low is harsh, with the ECT on and the higher shift point it hits hard! I use 2nd gear start a lot when in low.

That is a great TIP.

 

[CruiseOrlando]

Two comments on comments:

One, this is a 94. No start from 2nd. It was in "D" most of the time anyway.

Two, this was from a dead stop - just trying to ease over a rock or whatever. No shifting involved - just wanted to smoothly navigate. Pedal application was consistant and easy - what would happen was the truck would start to slowly creep, then jump forward.

This behavior is not experienced when ECT is off - at least all the other times I've had it in Low range.

These were not difficult obstacles. I just didn't want to go fast over them, and felt like I didn't have control over the truck.

You bastards with 2nd gear start suck

 

[azTony]

Mine is a 93 and does not have this problem. The ECT only changes the shift patterns not the throttle control. I would experiment on flat ground with and then without the ECT switch on. Report back with your findings.

 

[Wrench]

Yeah he's got a problem. ECT only changes the shift points. Does not add 100 HP.

 

[IdahoDoug]

ECT does not affect throttle input. All it does is delay shifts to higher RPMs, and make downshifts happen more quickly. I would not be surprised to find that in low range it is completely disabled, though I have not seen info to that effect. Someone good with wiring diagrams could probably tell with a factory service manual. Low range changes a few things. If you are not used to low range, a little throttle goes a long way.

DougM

 

[CruiseOrlando]

Okay, so I'll go play somewhere again and see if it behaves differently.

As I stated before, this was a different experience vs. what I was expecting due to past experience (read: I've done this a few times before, and this behavior was out of the ordinary).

I would agree that it just affects shift points. But hey, it DOES say "PWR", so maybe it's got a secret turbo inside there that pops out when you push the button. LOL.

 

[dannyp]

I actually make it a point to have the pwr light on when I'm off road because it'll hold lower gears longer. I don't ever use it on road because I'm a gas miser(if that's possible in a LC) but off road its always on. I had a couple experiences on long steep climbs were it would upshift mid climb and even pedal to the floor it wouldn't kick down like it does with that little light on.