[pokerface]

Hi guys

Thought I'd ask this, since the owner's manual doesn't fully explain it.

What does my 04 HL w/ 5sp auto do when I switch the tranny to ECT Snow mode?

I know winter mode for MB means slower throttle response and second-gear starts (also engages a second reverse gear) to minimize wheelspin, as well as earlier upshifts.

Does the Highlander have the equivalent? I can feel the car isn't as quick, but I cannot feel if the change is in the transmission's programming. Might be just a throttle thing?

Edit: Also another thing, there is no VSC off switch on the V6 AWD.. which I thought is a potential problem. VSC kills momentum in order to regain traction.. but if you're stuck in deep snow or ice, you would need wheelspin in order to get back onto the road.. VSC would just kill it immediately (literally I'd be moving at 5kmh...)

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts were on this...

On the other hand, I find that it is possible to drift the Highlander if you take a corner at just the right angle and correct amount of gas.. so it's not entirely a killjoy. I don't play around with it much, but it's interesting to discover what the truck can/cannot do. Obviously this Toyota was set up for stability rather than performance.