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"Drive Systems" maze: what is ON in 2WD mode?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Thighmaster, Mar 10, 2012.

  1. Mar 10, 2012 at 8:41 PM
    #1
    Thighmaster

    Thighmaster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    {I have read some decent threads on this mess already but I am still a bit lost}
    My 2012 TRD Off Road is less than on day old... I can't figure out what traction systems are "on" when I turn the key, starting out in generic 2WD mode. Is there any power distributed to the front wheels?
     
  2. Mar 10, 2012 at 8:43 PM
    #2
    Warhorseforever

    Warhorseforever Will The Thrill

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    All of this should be in your manual DK should be along shortly though. I'll find some threads that explain it a little better. Welcome to the forum. IBDK.
     
  3. Mar 10, 2012 at 8:44 PM
    #3
    Warhorseforever

    Warhorseforever Will The Thrill

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    Here:http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...uto-lsd-explained-easy-understand-i-hope.html

     
  4. Mar 10, 2012 at 8:47 PM
    #4
    Fightnfire

    Fightnfire Recklessly tired

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    No power to the front at all in key on 2WD. Your truck does not have any type of AWD. You have a light limited slip with traction control (just key on) and you have a strong limited slip if you push the button once. ALSD. Then, while stopped if you push and hold the button you have open diffs.

    That process is similar in 4H except you jump straight to strong limited slip, push and hold the button for open diffs.

    If you have an off-road you have a locker and A-trac for extra traction.
     
  5. Mar 10, 2012 at 8:48 PM
    #5
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    IBDK
     
  6. Mar 11, 2012 at 9:00 AM
    #6
    Thighmaster

    Thighmaster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Got it - no power to the front wheels at all when starting her up. Limited slip on the rear. Thanks.
    Thanks both of you for your help. OzT I had seen your previous threads on this issue, appreciate it.
     
  7. Mar 11, 2012 at 9:46 AM
    #7
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Wa
     
  8. Mar 11, 2012 at 11:42 AM
    #8
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for posting that info for him, and also here is the chart that applies to all 2009+ Tacomas:

    MODES_of_operation-1_b471e7cd2ee5ff8792509afba2a54dbad1d513c2.jpg
     
  9. Mar 11, 2012 at 9:23 PM
    #9
    Thighmaster

    Thighmaster [OP] Well-Known Member

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  10. Mar 20, 2012 at 3:27 PM
    #10
    Thighmaster

    Thighmaster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Recently saw the YouTube with the Tacoma pro from "Expeditions West" and it helped me understand when to use the rear locker and when to use the A-TRAC (sand vs uneven terrain, for example).
     
  11. Mar 20, 2012 at 3:43 PM
    #11
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    About sand...

    A-TRAC is only in low range, and unless you are burried and need to crawl out (from fully inflated tires and not using TRAC in H4), keep it in high range (with TRAC on).. or deflate your tires.

    On sand, you want to float on top and not dig in... and that is best done with non-aggressive and deflated tires, and in high range.

    Aggressive (mud terrain and 3 ply tires) tend to want to dig you deeper and will require more air removed to float on the sand, than all terrain or highway tires.

    Low Range has lots of torque and the tires will try to spin... and that only digs you in.

    Traction control limits spin (TRAC) and staying in high range helps prevent digging in.
     
  12. Apr 22, 2012 at 10:06 AM
    #12
    Thighmaster

    Thighmaster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That seems pretty clear. Thanks.
     
  13. Apr 22, 2012 at 10:39 AM
    #13
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    Glad it helped... please don't hesitate to ask if anything isn't clear!
     
  14. May 1, 2012 at 12:52 AM
    #14
    Thighmaster

    Thighmaster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Can you list EACH mode, including 2WD as well, and when you would use each?
    I don't understand the diagram when it says TRAC OFF not available in 4 hi and lo.
     
  15. May 1, 2012 at 8:49 AM
    #15
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    YES... first let me answer the second question:

    What the chart says is the driver cannot choose the 'TRAC OFF MODE' in H4 and L4...

    This is just a poor use of terms by Toyota. They call AUTO LSD the 'TRAC OFF MODE'... which only works in 2WD.

    So, in 4WD you cannot turn on 2WD's AUTO LSD (TRAC OFF MODE).

    In H4 your normal mode is TRAC without engine regulation, and you can turn off the TRAC which is what Toyota calls the 'VSC OFF MODE' (TRAC and VSC both off).

    In L4 you have no traction controls (except the Off Road TRD's A-TRAC).

    ========================================================

    In my sig. is a link to: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-controls-trac-auto-lsd-trac-rear-locker.html


    In there is this:

    UP TO NINE DRIVE MODES

    1) Normal street driving: H2 TRAC ON and VSC is on.

    2) Slippery conditions, to get moving from a stuck: H2 AUTO LSD ON (VSC is off under 30 mph). Press VSC button once while moving or stopped.

    3) Spinning tires prefered: H2 VSC OFF/ TRAC OFF. Press and hold down VSC button 3+ seconds, while stopped.

    4) Loose dirt, sand, snow: H4 TRAC ON and VSC is on.

    5) Spinning tires prefered, off pavement: H4 VSC OFF/ TRAC OFF. Press and hold down VSC button 3+ seconds, while stopped.

    6) Spinning tires prefered with low gearing torque: L4 (with A-TRAC off)

    7) Steep grades, large rocks, deep mud, severe traction conditions: L4 with A-TRAC ON. Press A-TRAC button once.

    8) Spinning tires in front only: L4 with REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKED.

    9) L4 REAR LOCKED and A-TRAC ON. A-TRAC comes on automatically when speed drops to under 3 mph to provide front traction to get you going, again.

    ALL Tacomas have 1-3. ALL 4WD Tacomas have 1-6. ONLY 4WD OFF ROAD TRD Tacomas have 1-9.
     
  16. May 1, 2012 at 5:28 PM
    #16
    Thighmaster

    Thighmaster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You da man DK. Thanks again.
     
  17. May 1, 2012 at 5:45 PM
    #17
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    Just a fan of 4WD systems... and like you, I wanted to know! The problem is most don't know what they have or how to use it... be it poor salesman at purchase, poor research on their part or just poor information from Toyota.

    Calling AUTO LSD: 'TRAC OFF MODE' instead of "Enhanced Trac Mode", and calling the traction control in 4WD-HI: 'TRAC' instead of AUTO LSD or "Super Trac" doesn't help understand the systems!

    Just remember:
    TRAC in H2 is less/lighter/weaker traction than TRAC in H4. Also,
    TRAC in H2 is less/lighter/weaker traction than AUTO LSD (TRAC OFF) in H2.
    To turn off TRAC and turn off AUTO LSD is the VSC OFF MODE.
     
  18. May 2, 2012 at 3:44 AM
    #18
    Thighmaster

    Thighmaster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I love the options, but wish the names and controls were more intuitive, you know?
    I will print out your nine step guide and put it on my visor.
     
  19. May 12, 2012 at 2:23 PM
    #19
    Thighmaster

    Thighmaster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I took your nine mode list and edited to make it easier for my wife to understand, typed it up on a small card and put it on the driver side visor in case she gets stuck. {She doesn't drive the Taco often enough to remember all this}
     
  20. May 12, 2012 at 4:08 PM
    #20
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    It is really for the few of us who have a 'need' to know how they work or what is happening at each choice.

    The simple fact is, is your Tacoma is a 4WD, then just going into H4 (high range 4WD) will be most often the only thing you need to do!

    If your Tacoma is a 2WD, then pushing the VSC switch once to activate AUTO LSD is about your best choice for getting unstuck in a low traction situation.

    If your Tacoma is a 4WD OFF ROAD, then you have the ultimate in traction assist systems for severe conditions, in L4 (low range 4WD) with both the Rear Diff. Locker and the A-TRAC device.
     

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