ETC/Overdrive Button the same?

gen2celica · Jul 12, 2017

Hi all. I have an 86 Celica GT, with (i think) the a140l transmission. I was going to buy one from a wrecking yard, then they told me that theirs was an a140e. Upon closer examination on the internet, it looks like the only difference is that the a140e transmissions have an ETC button, for shifting at a higher RPM. However, the guy from the wrecking yard told me that the car that the supposed a140e is coming out of does not have an etc button... just a regular overdrive button... like mine. Should i get the tranny and put it in, or is this going to cause serious problems? I read one post which said that I would need an entirely different harness and TPS, but if he can't find an ETC button in his car, should I be worried about it? After all it is only an 86... but those came with like 3 different ECU's so im hesitant. I'm just trying to flip the car and make a little money, but these are some unexpected complications that I would like to get resolved so I can get it out of my driveway. Anything helps.

-gen2celica

71Corolla · Jul 12, 2017

O/D button is not the same as ECT, for example some Toyota's had the O/D button but no transmission computer. The gotcha for you will be if you get a transmission that is designed to be shifted electronically (ECT) and your car doesn't do this, the transmission will never shift correctly.

The transmission the wrecking yard is looking to sell sounds like the correct unit but would need to know the exact car it is coming out of to be sure.

Bitter · Jul 12, 2017

L transmissions are hydraulically controlled, no computer shift solenoids. E transmissions are computer controlled. Double check what trans you have and what trans you're getting, I don't think the L and E will swap.
http://etereman.com/blog/toyota-tra...ota-transmission-2/good-general-information-on-the-a140l-automatic-transmission
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_A_transmission#A140E
Cause it sounds like you have the A140E, not the L since you have the ECT-S button.

71Corolla · Jul 12, 2017

I think he's saying his car doesn't have the ECT switch.

Bitter · Jul 12, 2017

Whoops, either way sounds like the wrong trans and they won't interchange. Can't put an E in a L and can't put a L in an E, well I guess you could put a L in an E but you'd probably set a bunch of codes, have a light on, etc. An E in a L would put the trans to 3rd gear since there's no control for the shift solenoids at all, it would just go to the default of all solenoids off which is 3rd gear for forward in D.

gen2celica · Jul 12, 2017

Thanks guys. Well here's the kicker. The car at the junk yard is in their computer as an a140e tranny, but he says there is no etc button... so im not sure if they came with an etc button, or if none of them did

71Corolla · Jul 12, 2017

Post the VIN of your car and the donor car. Base model gen2 Camry had no ECT so probably the same transmission as you have, another potential donor.

Bitter · Jul 13, 2017

What's wrong with your L trans? Could be a simple fix like an apple cored governor gear and not need a whole trans.

ETC/Overdrive Button the same?

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