VSC doesn't seem to be working

Hi guys,

Edit: I just realized I am actually talking about TRAC.

I have an 09 TRD Offroad and I just wanted to ask others how their limited slip has been working in 2WD. I have been doing lots of driving on ice patched roads here in Colorado and have been experiencing lots of one wheel spinning, especially on starting from a stopped position and while climbing inclines. This even happens when I am being light on the accelerator

Is this normal? Shouldn't a limited slip do more than this? Or is it because I have a locker that it's not really a limited slip?

Thanks,
Matt

 

Does the little amber indicator illuminate when you have wheelspin? Do you hear the brake/trac/vsc motor whir as it brakes the wheel? Does the engine power cut down while the wheelspin occurs?

 

I've been wanting to find this out, and this may be as good a place as any. Could someone explain to me all of these new traction aids in the 09+s?

My '07 has a mechanical LSD, and that's all. What's the difference between VSC, TRAC, and the electronically controlled AUTO LSD?

 

I have only noticed the amber light coming on when none of the wheels are getting traction and the back end is starting to creep. It flashes and beeps.

When only one wheel is spinning, I hear a whir but it just sounds like the wheel spinning. The engine power isn't cutting down either when this happens.

A couple times today I was pulling away from an icy stop and the wheel is just spinning freely as it creeps slowing across the ice, then it catches dry pavement and jerks the truck forward. This also happens when I am pulling out of a driveway and one wheel is sitting on loose dirt/gravel - the spin and lurch.

What do you think?

Matt

 

It sure doesn't sound like the traction control is activating. Mine will spin just a bit before the light comes on and I can feel the engine power drop and hear the ABS/TRAC/VSC pump whir.

 

One thread here. Somebody else's scan/illustration below:


Not mine--->

 

its not a real lsd...its done by the brake system

you have to turn it on, which is sounds like your not. if its on the auto lsd light will be on, its red. im not too impressed with it, but it does work for the most part just not as good imo as a mechanical.

 

Just what I was thinking.

 

A lot of us are seeking the truth on the new systems... trd09 posted this on another thread (8-22-09):


With all the confusion on how the many different traction systems alphabet soup work, I did some research and figured I'd throw this together.


Trac- Cuts power and brakes spinning wheel(s). “Traction Control”

VSC- Controls spins by braking select wheels. “Stability Control”

AutoLSD- Brakes spinning wheels to emulate LSD- does not cut power. Avail only in 2WD mode.

ATRAC- Avail only on OR models. Similar ALSD operation except available in 4WD mode.




When you start an 09 Tacoma:


Trac- On
VSC- On
AutoLSD- Off


When wheels spin, cuts power and brakes spinning wheel. If slide is detected, “beep beep beep” and slide is corrected.




Quick push of button:


Trac- limited op (see below)
VSC- On
AutoLSD- On


When wheel spins, brakes spinning wheel but does not cut power (ALSD function). If slide is detected, “beep beep beep” etc. Will only brake select wheels to control spin when spin is detected.




Hold down button while stopped:


Trac- Off
VSC- Off
AutoLSD- Off


When wheel spins, it will keep spinning. No slide corrections under 30 mph. ie, used for donuts, etc. VSC is always enabled over 30 mph.




ATRAC- Only on OR models. Provides “AutoLSD” in 4WD mode (braking spinning wheels but not cutting power).


In 4WD mode (ex OR), only disable feature is VSC by holding button down (no ALSD), but again activates over 30mph.

 

The only thing you do by "turning on" the ALSD is to tell the computer not to cut engine power when trying to control wheel slip.

When you start the truck, the traction control should be on; there is no indicator for this, it just is.

If you're stuck and you want limited slip without cutting engine power, you press the button.

 

i know how it works, he is asking about the alsd..which is not on till you turn it on. trac is on, but thats not the same thing. they both work with braking, but trac cuts power...alsd does not. alsd imo works much better than trac in 2wd. I also do not believe the braking is as aggressive on trac as it is with the alsd, but that just an observation.

 

Since I posted the above, I added all the details to my signature... at least for a while to help get it clear what the new Tacoma drive modes do and when they are doing it!

 

I would have to say its to much skinny peddle and not enough of you in 4 wheel drive when you need to be.The traction system is for when you are moving at a steady speed(ie loss of control at crusing speed),It is not a magic button that gives you tires of glue that stick to the road like they are studded.If you are taking off or going up a hill it is of little help as is an LSD! the LSD in those situations will equal a fishtail 9 times out of ten as will the locker.Put it in 4 wheel drive and stop thinking you saving fuel or you have traction on demand and all this confusion and post after post on this subject will end.And we will not see a bunch of "I totaled my truck in the snow what Happen?"posts.My 2cents on it

 

and Just in case the VSC is not any different than what I posted for A-Trac 'Vehical Stability control'.Is for when you are In motion at a steady speed.Not the wonder button.Do like our Dads did put it in 4x4