4x4 components

Hey guys,
Just got me my first 4x4 - 2015 Tacoma TRD Off Road. (previously been a Pre Runner guy)

Been reading the manual and it seems vague. Would appreciate some help concerning when to use/engage the various components.

• Start with 4H (when offroading and or the need arises, can do on the fly, correct?)
• If still stuck, go into neutral and do 4L (what gear?)
• If I'm still stuck, do I do the a-trac or locking diff? And, what gear should I use them in, what situation, and do I go into neutral or what?

Thanks for the help and sorry for the ignorance.
Mitch

 

Use all of those to avoid getting stuck in the first place. You can shift into 4h on the fly but not while spinning the tires and as long as you're not going faster than 55. I don't have atrac or a locker...
So I shouldn't speak to them.

 

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

 

That is an awesome thread. I'm gonna check it later when I have time to read more.

 

Still a little confused, sent the OP a pm requesting a consultation.

 

ANYTIME you are in L4 (Low Range 4WD), the A-TRAC should be on standby. It only works if the tires spin... it's automatic. Go into L4, press the A-TRAC button, and that's it... Unless it's pressed again, it will always be 'active' if needed. There is NO reason to not use the A-TRAC every time in Low Range.

Getting stuck could be a thing of the past with traction systems in the Off Road TRD.

The Rear Locker may NEVER be needed, but it is fun to play with the truck and see the differences the 10 different drive modes you have will do!

2012 and Newer Off Road 4WD Tacomas:

1) H2 TRAC (limited slip with engine output regulation)
2) H2 AUTO LSD (TRAC with engine regulation OFF, VSC off to 30 mph)
3) H2 VSC OFF (No TRAC No VSC)

4) H4 TRAC (same as #1, but on all 4)
5) H4 TRAC OFF (same as #2, but on all 4)
6) H4 VSC OFF (same as #3)

7) L4 (no traction control, open differentials)
8) L4 A-TRAC (near slip free traction control all 4 tires)
9) L4 Rear Locker (locked rear differential, open front differential)
10) L4 A-TRAC + REAR LOCKED (locked rear, and traction control on front under 3 mph)

[2009-2011 4WD Tacomas do not have a mode called 'TRAC OFF' in H4. In H4, the mode was called TRAC but did not have engine regulation (same as TRAC OFF now)]

#1, 4, 7 are the factory standard modes when you turn on the truck in H2, H4, L4. The A-TRAC will remain on after the initial button press unless it is pressed again. The Rear Locker also will stay locked until it is deactivated.

#2 and 5 require a quick press of the VSC OFF button to activate or turn back off.

#3 and 6 require the truck be stopped and the VSC OFF button be held down for a few seconds (until indicator light comes on). A quick press de-activates the mode.

The Rear Locker is not always easily activated. Start from a stop, press button (light blinks) and crawl forward... if light doesn't go solid, turn the steering wheel all the way ONE direction, and creep ahead... that typically always makes the light go solid.

 

As to when to use them... when the others don't work!

The standard mode is where you begin... if tire spin or bogging down, go from #1 to #2, then #4 to #5. If you are off the pavement, just go right to #4.

If severe off road, then go to #8! The only step beyond if needed is #10.

I NEVER have a use for #3, #6, #7... spinning tires may be fun for kids, but serve no purpose in getting somewhere.