The mysterious ECT button

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Joined
Apr 11, 2015
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10
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86
Location
Idaho
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What does it do? Who uses it? To press or depress, that is the question.
Also, whether tis’ nobler to use the “sport” vs normal setting on the shocks. I can’t tell a difference.
 
Electronic(ally) Control(led) Transmission, according to Mr. T.
I assume it's the same across all versions: it changes the preset xmsn shift points form one table to another. There are only two tables.

Can't help you with the shocks; it's personal preference.
 
Yes, it does change the shifting patterns. Engine revs higher before shifting and the torque converter does not lock up until a much higher speed. The torque converter also seems to slip more.

It's sort of a false power thing. I never use it anymore and don't recommend it. Stick in the normal mode and you'll get better economy and run more like a diesel should.

It'll lock-up in 3rd gear at 70km/h, if you leave it in the normal mode. I think the power mode lock-up is more like 90km/h. Being in lock up means the torque converter is not slipping, and this means less heat into the radiator. Being in lock-up also means more power to the wheels. The torque converter in these transmissions is dyno proven to loose 10kW (13hp) in heat!! The surge of power you feel when it locks up is that 13hp coming back.

The OD switch is however VERY useful. It does not impact the lock-up speed, but is great for hills, passing etc. The OD switch shifts between 3rd/4th, and still allows lock-up in both.

If you need more power for taking off from a stop (like if you're towing for example), put the shifter into 2nd, and the vehicle will take off in 1st gear, you'll get a nice hard shift with solid power from 1st to 2nd. Then manually shift into D when the rpms get up there. If you have your OD switch off, it'll shift into 3rd, again you can ride the rpms up, then hit the OD switch and it'll put you in 4th.

So basically, just using the shifter between 2nd/D and using the OD button On/Off, you can have full control of your transmission, with low torque converter slip, and quick torque converter lock-up. This shift also allows you to use engine braking on hills. Even when I tow my camper trailer the engine compression is enough to hold it all back on an 8% grade with minimum application of brakes.

A343F is great transmission. Having been in my friends HDJ81 with A442 many times, I must say I like my A343F much better.
 
Yes, it does change the shifting patterns. Engine revs higher before shifting and the torque converter does not lock up until a much higher speed. The torque converter also seems to slip more.

It's sort of a false power thing. I never use it anymore and don't recommend it. Stick in the normal mode and you'll get better economy and run more like a diesel should.

It'll lock-up in 3rd gear at 70km/h, if you leave it in the normal mode. I think the power mode lock-up is more like 90km/h. Being in lock up means the torque converter is not slipping, and this means less heat into the radiator. Being in lock-up also means more power to the wheels. The torque converter in these transmissions is dyno proven to loose 10kW (13hp) in heat!! The surge of power you feel when it locks up is that 13hp coming back.

The OD switch is however VERY useful. It does not impact the lock-up speed, but is great for hills, passing etc. The OD switch shifts between 3rd/4th, and still allows lock-up in both.

If you need more power for taking off from a stop (like if you're towing for example), put the shifter into 2nd, and the vehicle will take off in 1st gear, you'll get a nice hard shift with solid power from 1st to 2nd. Then manually shift into D when the rpms get up there. If you have your OD switch off, it'll shift into 3rd, again you can ride the rpms up, then hit the OD switch and it'll put you in 4th.

So basically, just using the shifter between 2nd/D and using the OD button On/Off, you can have full control of your transmission, with low torque converter slip, and quick torque converter lock-up. This shift also allows you to use engine braking on hills. Even when I tow my camper trailer the engine compression is enough to hold it all back on an 8% grade with minimum application of brakes.


but, but but.... It's iike a second turbo!

:)
 
Differing opinions apparently, from folks that know much more than I. How about the shock setting toggle? I really can't tell any difference with it on or off. Is mine busted, or is this a "feature" that later disappeared for good reason?
 
Unless you still have the original factory shocks, that switch will do nothing. On mine it was a barely noticeable difference, being slightly stiffer and harsher in the "Sport" mode than "Norm."
 
Is mine busted, or is this a "feature" that later disappeared for good reason?

Yes and yes:D Technology on 4wds was changing fast in them days. This model was replaced by the 9* series Prado which has lots of buttons etc.
 
Wow. Thanks for the explanation GTS I can see the O/D button really helping me out now I know how it works in practice!

I've just finished dialing in the first iteration of the FMIC on my LJ71, its running strong and cool thanks to your super informative posts. Now I'm making more power the transmission is behaving better but is still really annoying, I never saw myself ever buying an automatic vehicle and a 5 speed swap isn't in the cards especially considering I have a spare transmission with 50k. So I've resigned myself to embracing the auto!
 
Wow. Thanks for the explanation GTS I can see the O/D button really helping me out now I know how it works in practice!

I've just finished dialing in the first iteration of the FMIC on my LJ71, its running strong and cool thanks to your super informative posts. Now I'm making more power the transmission is behaving better but is still really annoying, I never saw myself ever buying an automatic vehicle and a 5 speed swap isn't in the cards especially considering I have a spare transmission with 50k. So I've resigned myself to embracing the auto!

You're welcome! Yeah, ultimately I wish I had the R151 Manual to be honest. The extra gear would be nice to have while towing. That said auto is nice when stuck in rush hour traffic, and also nice when wheeling over difficult obstacles/terrain.
 
I thought it was the "ect" button for those who don't know how to say "etc"!
 
Yes, it does change the shifting patterns. Engine revs higher before shifting and the torque converter does not lock up until a much higher speed. The torque converter also seems to slip more.

It's sort of a false power thing. I never use it anymore and don't recommend it. Stick in the normal mode and you'll get better economy and run more like a diesel should.

It'll lock-up in 3rd gear at 70km/h, if you leave it in the normal mode. I think the power mode lock-up is more like 90km/h. Being in lock up means the torque converter is not slipping, and this means less heat into the radiator. Being in lock-up also means more power to the wheels. The torque converter in these transmissions is dyno proven to loose 10kW (13hp) in heat!! The surge of power you feel when it locks up is that 13hp coming back.

The OD switch is however VERY useful. It does not impact the lock-up speed, but is great for hills, passing etc. The OD switch shifts between 3rd/4th, and still allows lock-up in both.

If you need more power for taking off from a stop (like if you're towing for example), put the shifter into 2nd, and the vehicle will take off in 1st gear, you'll get a nice hard shift with solid power from 1st to 2nd. Then manually shift into D when the rpms get up there. If you have your OD switch off, it'll shift into 3rd, again you can ride the rpms up, then hit the OD switch and it'll put you in 4th.

So basically, just using the shifter between 2nd/D and using the OD button On/Off, you can have full control of your transmission, with low torque converter slip, and quick torque converter lock-up. This shift also allows you to use engine braking on hills. Even when I tow my camper trailer the engine compression is enough to hold it all back on an 8% grade with minimum application of brakes.

A343F is great transmission. Having been in my friends HDJ81 with A442 many times, I must say I like my A343F much better.
gonna be that guy and revive this, but i need to know Im understanding this right

I got a kzj with the a343f, trans is getting hot when driving up long hills (Ill pull over when it gets to 110c)

So with overdrive on lockup occurs in 4th
with overdrive off lockup occurs in 3rd
but with overdrive on, theres no lockup in 3rd?

have I got this right? also I know that lockup in 4th happens at about 80kmh, what speed does lockup happen in 3rd?
 

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