ECT SNOW mode

pokerface · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 09:49 AM

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.

drewdog · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 10:03 AM

"4-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and Snow Mode "

so says toyota's website for new highlander. i'm assuming it's just like you say - it controls the acceleration so it's easier to get going, slow down, etc. it probably also includes stability control.

all i know for sure is that it definitely made a difference and helped me this past weekend in n. jersey when we got hit with 18 in. of snow.....

marklin · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 01:25 PM

So if the ECT/Snow Mode really does what it claims to do, should I keep it on along the snowy/icy roads or should I turn it on only at start and turn it off once it's cruising?

Mark

peid · #4 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 02:07 PM

I would leave it on. Even at cruising speeds when it is winter, simply because it probably doesn't kick out of overdrive as easy either, given that added chance of wheelspin.

pokerface · #5 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 05:08 PM

The truck is stable enough in the slick stuff with VSC that I just leave it in regular. Maybe when the tires wear a bit I'll start noticing. If it was RWD or PT 4x4, then that would be another issue..

nhparrot · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

ECT SNOW is the system that operates the throttle motor to control engine output to reduce skidding of the driving wheels, guarantee takeoff acceleration, driving straightness and turning stability.

cesher · #7 (**permalink**) 02-22-2005, 04:48 PM

Just picked up my '05 Highlander over the weekend and had a quick question regarding snow mode....does this just get used when starting off in a snowy area and then get turned off once you're on the road? or does it stay on for the whole drive and act essentially as another form of traction control? The manual doesn't seem to really get into it.

Thanks in advance.

jim256 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 10:13 AM

IMHO, for sure, but as long as conditions are icy or slippery, it will help. With all the trac and yaw control it will do well compared to most cars but the Snow mode just aids in keeping things less aggressive which might cause slips or slides to start.

drewdog · #9 (**permalink**) 02-25-2005, 11:15 AM

on a similar note-

can someone explain the highlander's safety mechanism when u lose traction or if you're going to fast?

on 2 occassions, my highlander beeped at me and my acceleration died down (forcing me to slow down) but then immediately gave back control to me.

it sounds like part of the traction control system.....am i right?

jim256 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-26-2005, 09:23 AM

Yes, basically if the car senses that you have entered a curve with too much speed or throttle given your steering angle and the friction available to each wheel, it will selectively apply individual brakes and cut throttle to keep you on your steered line. I had the chance to experience this in a different vehicle make in a controlled track situation, and it is amazing what it will do if you are doing slolom maneuvers with your foot basically planted on the floorboard. You always will retain control of steering, and when you reduce throttle the car will recover to normal controls. I believe there is a flash graphic on the Highlander Toyota web site that illustrates how it works.

Generaljdog · #11 (**permalink**) 03-04-2005, 07:04 AM

I was told by the dealer, actually the salesperson, that the ECT Snow mode should only be used to start out when in heavy snow, then once you get going you should turn it off. That didn't make much sense to me. I had an ECT swith on my 4runner and was able to leave it on if I wanted to all the time. So what everyone with experience is saying is that when driving in snow or sleet, or on icy snowy roads, it's better to just leave the ECT Snow mode "ON" the entire time, then obviously for normal every day driving, it should be off?

jim256 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-04-2005, 08:42 AM

The salesman's advice may apply to the traction control, where having that Off can help you in rocking, in loose gravel, or heavy snow and you need all the fury you can get to get moving. Basically when you want to move cautiously and minimize wheel spin, trac control On and ECT just help keep everything on a more controlled basis in slippery conditions. I'd leave ECT on, but there are conditions in getting going where Trac Control can give you too little momentum. Check the manual on that and see if it ties in to what the salesman said. Using ECT all the time is no different than some cars which have a "sport" and "comfort" or "economy" setting. You're just changing shifting and engine mapping.

mikeb · #13 (**permalink**) 12-18-2005, 05:10 PM

We got some snow this week where I live and I've been driving around in ECT SNOW mode most of the time. I really liked the better fuel economy I got with it on. Is there any problem with using it almost all the time, whether it is needed or not?

jim256 · #14 (**permalink**) 12-19-2005, 09:02 AM

Your better fuel economy may well be just the result of your awareness, and thus a lighter foot on takeoff. It's just a program change in the shift software, deleting first gear, and generally changing the throttle management. No harm but slower acceleration.