Some Toyota trucks and big SUVs have this tempting button that says "ETC PWR". What does this ETC Power mean? Does it add extra power to your vehicle? Or does it help you accelerate faster thanks to some other changes in the way your powertrain works?
Today, we are going to tell you everything we know about the "ECT PWR" button in your Toyota Tacoma and will help you understand how and when you should use this option. Unfortunately for many of us, this is not the magic button that boosts power in your engine. But it does something else.
Let's see what!
What means ECT PWR in your Toyota?
While PWR clearly stands for 'power', it still doesn't mean that this function somehow changes the way your engine works. ETC stands for "electronically controlled transmission" and it means that your Toyota is equipped with an automatic transmission that allows you to change some settings of the unit.
So, the ECT PWR button says that it helps you change something in the transmission to make it seem that your Tacoma now has more power. Now it should be a little clearer than before.
How does the ETC PWR button work?
This is exactly the same as the "Sport Mode" in some other vehicles. But the ETC PWR button's function is optimized for the Tacoma. As a truck, this vehicle won't need a lot of aggressiveness and sport when it runs. But it will need some extra push when it tows or hauls something heavy.
The ETC PWR button actually activates the special mode of transmission. In this mode, the automatic transmission shifts at a higher RPM allowing you to drive more aggressively. When the engine rotates to a higher RPM, the vehicle accelerates faster, easily overtakes other vehicles on the road, and can tow some weight without sluggishly moving on the right side of the road.
In return for this advantage, you will have to put up with higher fuel consumption. Your gas mileage may change up to 10-15% when you activate the ETC PWR button in your Tacoma. This means that driving with the ETC PWR function activated at all times can lead to higher fuel consumption and higher costs.
When should you press that ETC PWR button?
This button is OK to be pressed at all times when you need faster acceleration or more responsiveness from your truck.
Here are some examples:
- you tow a big and heavy trailer and want more speed and dynamic in your truck;
- you haul something heavy in the bed and want some more speed;
- you tow something and need to go up the hill, the vehicle seems to struggle;
- you are driving in heavy traffic and need to overtake other vehicles safely and fast;
- you want more aggressive driving with sporty feelings.
The ETC PWR function is not good for fuel economy or for off-roading. Also, you shouldn't apply it for a long time. Just use the button when needed and then turn the function off when you keep driving on the highway at a constant speed or in the city with no other traffic around.
Can you use the ETC PWR function at all times?
Yes, you can use this function constantly but this will lead to basically two bad things:
- your engine and transmission will get more wear and eventually fail earlier than in other Tacoma trucks;
- the fuel consumption will be higher than if you drive with the ETC PWR function off.
So, we wouldn't recommend applying this function at all times. This may lead to engine problems because the engine will have to rotate at higher speeds and may overheat. Also, the transmission will need to withstand more loads. In the end, this will lead to the premature death of your powertrain and a lot of investment to get the vehicle back on the road.
Also, you will not want to pay more money for the privilege of seeing your tachometer needle go up higher than usual. The ETC PWR function is not exactly the same as the Sport Mode function in some other cars. It's designed for the truck and for functional needs rather than for fun.
Final thoughts
Now you know what the ETC PWR button does in your vehicle and what it takes when you activate it. We don't recommend turning the function on at all times but you may do it if you want more aggressive driving in your vehicle.
Remember that the Tacoma engine and transmission can die much earlier if you torture them with the ETC PWR function.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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