Hi we have just picked up a hiace super custom and are total novices!! We are finding the site so helpful but need help on a couple of things. How do we best use the overdrive and what is the function of the button 'PWR ECT' Any help and advice much appreciated!
- (#8993) pete and carol, 5 Jun 03 13:16
Sorry Pete & Carol, I can't help with "PWR ECT" (does PWR mean "power" and does the button energise the ECT, whatever that might be.( Electrically Controlled T ? perhaps?)
Ref the overdrive button, you have an autobox which, dependant upon road speed, engine speed, load etc, will change through the four gears, automatically. However, you can use the overdrive button, ie, a display on the dashboard should say "Overdrive off", to keep the gearbox from changing up to fourth gear. This is sometimes handy, at low speeds, on hilly roads or, when towing etc but, in practice, it's probably best to leave the overdrive on so that you don't have to remember to make the switch when the vehicle gets up speed. This switch should, of course, only be used at low vehicle speeds.
- (#8994) John Davis, 5 Jun 03 14:59
I've assumed that ect stands for electronically controlled transmission
Anyway all it does is hold it in each gear longer - good for hilly areas or when heavily laden/towing
If you ever have cause to medddle with the kickdown cable you will find it influences the ect also
On mine the tighter the kickdown setting the lower the rpm when gearchange occurs
John has explained the overdrive function - I sometimes switch it off if I want to do a brisk overtaking manouver. (the word brisk being relative here!)
Chris
- (#8995) chris turner, 5 Jun 03 17:06
I use the overdrive on my vans just like a fifth gear.
Although there is an O/D off light on my Estima, I can't see one on my Liteace (?) Got used to it though.
- (#10135) Alan Bickley (oxon), 30 Jul 03 17:10
I have a k reg toyota townace and i see the mention of kick down settings has mine got these and what are they and i would like to check the pipes for blockages but don't which or where to find them. I lifted the passenger seat took one look and changed my mind. anyone can explain how and where (picture that would be great)
- (#10136) shirley, 30 Jul 03 17:22
Shirley, if you have an automatic you have kickdown.
Just drive at a steady rate on a clear bit of road, then floor the accelerator and the box should kick down a gear and give you a bigger push. If that works and you don't know what you are looking at leave it alone.
The cable connects the pump (or carb) to the gearbox.
- (#10137) Clive, 31 Jul 03 1:58
Who ever said take your townace to the mount garage in whelley wigan pat on the back. they were spot on the cost was more than expected but after 18months of sluggish driving and lack of power we are sorted. although i had new timming belt and two services done at the garage i said pemberton m.o.t I think it was called this bloke led me to think that the filters had not been changed they were he thought the original jap parts so what happened when i had a full service 18 months ago and the 2 since. plus the timming was out 15 degrees. now all i have to do is avoid the speed traps. thanks again who ever you was but i wish i could get my money back from the other garage. we go to yorkshire on a saturday an dup to last week it has been costing me about 29.00 return but this week it only cost me 20.00 thanks to the mount garage. and to be honest we were doing 70/80 alot of the time thats about 380 klm for about 20.00 paul thinks that is about 220 miles for 20.00 but not sure but pleased.
- (#10311) shirley, 18 Aug 03 18:37