[ARTIFACT]

My RAV4 is automatic.

I DID read the FAQ, and the manual... I am still wondering... Not many details really...

• Why not leave ECT PWR on ALL the time, and enjoy extra horsepower? Will it damage my engine?
• I understand that gas mileage "may be reduced" as the instructions say, but how bad is it really?
• What does it do exactly? Is it just telling the Auto transmission to let me rev higher before switching up? Is it ignition, timing related? or...)

I ask because I find my RAV4 pretty sluggish, and am tempted to leave ECT PWR on. Manual does not say much...

Thank you/

 

[Pim]

Your car most likely is a 4.2 version.
If your car feels sluggish, it might also be that the engine needs some cleaning.
Sparkplugs + wiring, throttle body (inside), fuel and air filters might need cleaning to improve reaction times.
Might also save you on fuel consumption.
Greetz

Pim

 

[ARTIFACT]

Thank you

It's a 2000 so I thought this was the right section. Interesting!

 

[Mick Hatzo]

It is the right section. Automatic 4.1 Rav's do have the button in question.

The Power button increases the REVs and forces the gearbox to remain in a lower gear for longer. Think of it as a "sports function" to accelerate faster.

You could leave it on but as you already noted the gas mileage will drop and the wears and tears of the affected components will be slightly greater.

Don't panic though. I don't mean that the engine-tranny will fall apart or that you would have to refill every 20 miles.

Think of it as driving normally vs driving more aggressively.

 

[hd72m]

2000 is a 4.1,I have a 97 auto and only use mine if I am in some hills or carrying a heavy load.
You can leave it on all the time and it will not hurt anything, the autos in the 4.1 are about bulletproof.
"Is it ignition, timing related" No it does not change anything except when it shifts up or down.

 

[hd72m]

"I find my RAV4 pretty sluggish"
Has it always been this way?
How long have you had it.

 

[ARTIFACT]

Hey thanks for the concerns

I bought it around a year ago. The guy who is a mechanic said he did the belt and tuned it up.

I don't trust the guy he closed shop since, and also LIED to me said it was the AWD version when he listed the ad... Found out too late that it was in fact the 2WD

anyway... I plan to buy the HAYNES Manual, and run though the maintenance and tune-up procedures. I'll do it all myself so I KNOW what goes on from then on

 

[Pim]

The 2000 version is 4.1 up till august production date.
After that they switched to 4.2
So in fact: both are possible.
Greetz

Pim

 

[Mick Hatzo]

I am not 100% sure, but I don't think there is an ECT/PWR button in 4.2 Rav's. Not on the center console at least. Maybe it's located close to the gear selector but I doubt that.

Anyway, a photo of the car / button or more information about it would clarify that once and for all!!!

(Definitely as off-topic as it can get :mrgreen.

 

[richmanmo11]

What does the buttton do, is it like sport mode in a car, does it inject more fuel or increase air intake?

 

[iowagold]

richmanmo11

do you have the copy of the owners manual?

 

[richmanmo11]

richmanmo11

do you have the copy of the owners manual?

My car did, those pages for it ripped out