ECT Power Switch

ECT stands for Electronically Controlled Transmission, and is a feature attached to the automatic transmissions of
some older vehicles.
In cars without electronically controlled transmission switches, the gear is determined by a combination of the
engine RPM and speed of the vehicle. Generally, the automatic transmission will shift into a higher gear soon after
the engine exceeds 3,000 RPM. This is to optimize fuel economy.
But, as all drivers know, certain situations call for a higher torque output that can only be achieved at higher
RPMs. For instance, quick acceleration is not going to be available at 2,500 RPM, so sports drivers usually keep
their RPMs much, much closer to redlining than the manufacturer would like.
Besides sports driving, a suitable time to engage ECT Power is when you are driving over mountain passes and
the additional torque generated by higher RPMs is needed to maintain speed while climbing steep inclines.
This last weekend I took the family to Hiroshima (home of Mazda and the Mazda Automotive Museum) for a minivacation. The mountains between Osaka and Hiroshima are fairly steep, and my Hilux Surf would ascend the
inclines at first, but as soon as the the speed exceeded, say, 120 km/h, the automatic transmission would shift into
a higher gear; the engine RPM thus decreased and we were left torque-less and this would cause a loss of speed
on the inclines.
So I engaged ECT Power. What difference! After engaging ECT Power, I was easily able to maintain a constant
climb speed without having to floor the accelerator to force it into a lower gear.
Some vehicles equipped with ECT Power switches are (some models): Toyota Hilux Surf also known as 4Runner;
Isuzu Wizard (Rodeo); Toyota Tacoma; Toyota Avalon; Nissan Pathfinder; and the Lexus IS200.
Warning: Engaging ECT Power full time will dramatic decrease your fuel economy.

This entry was posted in Auto Advice on August 24, 2013 by admin.

My odometer seems to be clocking up extra

miles, why?
All Models: The Hilux Surf as sold in Japan is fitted with a speedometer
that reads in KPH (Kilometres per hour). When converting the vehicle to
UK standards the Speedo face is usually replaced with one that indicates
the correct speed in MPH. The odometer however remains in Km, if your
miles appear to be clocking up too quickly, its probably because they
are actually Kilometres.
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Red button in front of my gear lever, What is it?

All Automatic Models: Pressing this allows you to move the gear lever
out of park without turning the ignition on.
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ECT button, Whats this for?

All Automatic Models: This stands for Electronically Controlled
Transmission and changes the operational mode of the automatic
gearbox, comparable to sport mode on most auto boxes as it holds on to
each gear for longer. ECT light illuminates on dash when selected.

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Idle-up button/knob, Whats this?

All Diesel Models: This increases the idle speed. Useful when warming
up the vehicle in very cold weather, powering a winch or jump-starting
another vehicle. On some vehicles this will only operate when in park
and/or neutral.
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O/D switch, What does it do?

All Automatic Models: The automatic surfs are fitted with a 3-speed
plus overdrive gearbox, effectively a 4-speed gearbox. By turning the
overdrive off ("O/D off" light is illuminated on 2nd & 3rd Gen clocks,
above stereo on 1st Gens) you will prevent the transmission from
selecting top gear. This also causes the torque converter to lock up
earlier, at around 42 to 44 mph (normally it locks up at around 52mph).
This can be useful for example when climbing steep hills, particularly
when heavily laden or towing.
In normal use to ensure best longevity and economy the overdrive should
be left engaged (i.e. dash light off).
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4wd system, How and when do I use it?

2nd Gen: The first thing to note is that this is a part-time 4wd system.
The vehicle is not fitted with a centre differential and therefore 4wd must
never be used under normal conditions on surfaces with a high level of
grip. Using 4wd on tarmac under normal condition will cause transmission
wind-up and may result in damage to the drivetrain of your Surf.
H2: Rear wheel drive only: Normal operation.
H4: 4 wheels driven: Press red button on side of 4wd selector. Indicator
will illuminate in centre of dash when fully engaged. You may
select/deselect this mode at speeds up to 100Kph. Must only be used on
loose surfaces such as mud, snow etc.
L4: 4 wheels driven, Lo-Ratio engaged: Select neutral on main gearbox,
move 4wd selector lever fully back (position of button on side not
important). Must only be used on loose surfaces such as deep mud, sharp
inclines, descents etc where there is both a loose surface and a
requirement for additional torque, lower speeds etc.

3rd Gen: The 3rd Gen Surf has a multi-mode 4wd system.
It may be used in 2wd Hi-ratio, driven by the rear wheels only, 4wd Hiratio with an open centre differential. 4wd Hi-ratio with the centre
differential locked and 4wd Lo-Ratio with the centre differential locked.
H2: Rear wheel drive only: Normal operation, best for less wear & tear on
components, best fuel economy & performance.
H4: 4 wheels driven, open centre differential: Press red button on side of
4wd selector. 4 wheel Indicator will illuminate in centre of dash when fully
engaged. You may select/deselect this mode at speeds up to 100Kph. May
be used anytime extra traction is desired
H4L: 4 wheels driven, centre differential locked: Move 4wd-selector lever
fully back (position of button on side not important), 4 wheel Indicator
and centre diff light will illuminate in centre of dash when fully engaged.
You may select/deselect this mode at speeds up to 5Kph. Must only be
used on loose surfaces such as mud, snow etc.
L4L: 4 wheels driven, centre differential locked, Lo-Ratio engaged: 4
wheel Indicator and centre diff light will illuminate in centre of dash when
fully engaged. Select neutral on main gearbox, move 4wd selector-lever
fully back, push to the right and then forwards.
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Why can I only tune in radio 2 and very little

else?
All Models: Most Surfs will come fitted with some form of stereo system,
often a very attractive and well featured one, however all is not always as
it seems.
The Japanese stereos tune in a different range of frequencies to those
used here so will max out too soon, preventing you from receiving the full
range of stations. Additionally they broadcast on odd numbered decimals
e.g. 88.5 or 92.3 etc, whilst here we use even decimals such as 98.2 or
104.4 etc. This means you will rarely fully tune in a station, but usually
tend to be off just a bit.
A band expander can be fitted to shift the tuning range upwards, in
theory allowing you to receive the full range of stations, however many
cannot compensate for the difference between the odd and even decimal
tuning, so whilst the full range may be obtained reception quality often
remains low.
Another difficulty with the expanders is that the display will not
accurately reflect the actual frequency being received. Whilst some have
had good success with such band expanders, the vast majority have
eventually resorted to ditching the original stereo in favour of one

designed for this market. See here for how to ditch that stereo.
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Sat-Nav system, How do I make it work in

Ireland/UK?
All Models: Some Surfs come fitted with a sat-nav system, sometimes
combined with a TV tuner (more on that below) which many
new/prospective owners view as a terrific asset. The reality is somewhat
different. The short answer is you dont. To date nobody has managed to
get a mapping disc for this part of the world, which is compatible with the
Japanese spec sat-nav systems as fitted to the Surfs.
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TV system, How do I make it work in the

UK/Ireland?
All Models: Many Surfs come fitted with a TV system which may initially
seem a fantastic thing to have. Unfortunately, as with the stereos and the
sat-nav, its not as great as it seems. The Japanese use the American
NTSC broadcast system for its TV signals, whilst here in Ireland/UK we use
the PAL system. Whilst it is possible to get adapters to convert incoming
PAL to NTSC to enable use of the TV system it is not economically viable.
Some systems however include multi-region DVD players, these may still
be of use if you can obtain NTSC discs. You can also usually use the
displays to monitor cameras (NTSC) you may fit, e.g. a reversing camera.
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Stereo, How do I remove it to fit a better one?

2nd Gen: There is an excellent guide to changing the stereo available at
installdr for the 2nd Gen models, it is for a LHD US 4Runner but perfectly
applicable to the Surf. Click here to view it. Wiring adapters to connect an
ISO standard stereo to the Toyota loom are available from the Hilux Surf
shop.
3rd Gen: To change the stereo on the 3rd Gen, first remove the two screws
from the base of the storage area under the front armrest. Remove the
two screws from the front edge of this console where it meets the next
section, level with the front of the handbrake. Slide this section rearward
about an inch. The section surrounding the gear levers may now be lifted
up at the rear edge and pulled rearwards an inch or two. Next pull of the
two slider knobs on the heating control panel, the fascia on this heating
control panel must now be removed, this is tricky as it is quite fragile and

must be prised off, behind this two screws are now visible, remove these.
The centre section of the dash may now be removed, grasp the lower
edge and pull rearward a few inches, the wiring to the cigar lighter,
ashtray, clock, hazard and HRW switches can now be disconnected. Lift
the panel clear and you can now access the radio mounting brackets. The
stereo may now be changed, if required reference can now be made to
the directions given above for the 2nd Gen, as the mounting method and
wiring are the same. You may skip to step 16 of the Remove and Install
section. Dont forget the same wiring loom from the Hilux Surf shop will
greatly assist in achieving a professional installation.
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Timing belt light, Its just come on, what do I do

now?
All Diesel Models: This will light up every 100,000Kms to remind you
that your timing belt must renewed. The belt must be renewed when due
as failure of the belt can lead to severe and costly damage to your
engine. Do not reset the warning light until the belt has been renewed.
To reset the light various methods are employed for the different
Generations as listed below
2nd Gen: On these models there is a rubber bung in the perspex on the
clocks. Remove this and using a slender object such as a pencil you can
push the reset button.
3rd Gen: On the 3rd Gen its somewhat more complicated.
Where conventional dials are fitted, use the following procedure.
Remove Dial/Clocks assembly. (Refer to suitable manual)
At the rear you will find a location where there are two screw holes with a screw
fitted to only one of them. Remove this screw and insert in the alternate location hole.
Replace the dials assembly.
Where Optitron (Lexus style with digital odometer) dials are fitted, use the following
procedure.
Set the digital display to ODO
Turn off IGN
Holding the TRIP reset button, turn on IGN
Hold TRIP for 5sec.
The digital display will show "1"
Pressing the TRIP will advance the number 1, 2, 3, 4 etc...
Each represents 10,000k. So 10 = 100,000
When you get to "10" press and hold TRIP for 5sec.
Display resets back to the ODO reading

Turn off IGN and then back on.

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Red cylindrical object in glovebox/footwell, What

is it?
All Models: If you have found a red cylindrical object either in your
glovebox or clipped to the side of the passenger footwell, dont play with
it. This is an emergency roadside flare carried in Japanese vehicles. These
are not permitted in vehicles in the UK/Ireland and should have been
removed before sale, so please hand it into your nearest Police/Garda
station and they will dispose of it in the correct manner. You should never
attempt to dispose of or use the flare yourself, this contains explosive
elements which may have become unpredictable with age, please pass
on to the authorities as soon as practical.
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Heated rear window not working?

All Models: A disconnected or broken wire in the tailgate often causes
this. Remove the inner panel and examine the wires connected to the
window (you may have to lower the window slightly to do this). One or
more of these wires may have become disconnected from the glass, or
the wire may have broken either at the connector or further along its
length.
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Speed bell, Please make it go away!

1st Gen: Some 1st Gen Surfs have a bell that begins to chime if you go
over approx. 65mph, for details on disabling it look here.
2nd Gen: Some 2nd Gen Surfs have a bell that begins to chime if you go
over approx. 65mph, for details on disabling it look here.
3rd Gen: As yet there are no known occurrences of this bell on the
imported 3rd Gen models.
***EDIT 27/07/06*** It can be found on a 3rd Gen! Marky in the UK has
just encountered this, as soon as he gets it removed, I hope to be able to
ad the details here.
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Opening Rear Window

All Models: This can be opened either from the switch in the cabin, or by
using the key in the tailgate.
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Hard/Soft Button
2nd & 3rd Gen only: Its for your suspension.
Some models have adjustable suspension fitted. This permits the
selection of two settings, hard and soft. This does not affect the springs
or the load carrying capability of the Surf, but alters the dampers
response. Some users advocate using soft on the road and hard for offroad, others use the hard setting when the vehicle is laden, or at
motorway speeds, whilst others prefer it permanently set to hard.
Eventually, it comes down to your own personal preferences. When the
dampers (usually incorrectly referred to as shock absorbers) require
replacement, aftermarket non-adjustable types are normally fitted as this
is the most economical solution and permits an upgrading of the
dampers.
If your hard/soft button does not appear to have any effect, it may be
that the dampers have been changed to non-adjustable ones.
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