New 2010 Tamoma

Hello, Have had a 2010 Tacoma automatic for a few months. I really like it. Have a 2004 GMC Duramax but needed a new truck for work (taxes). The Tacoma is fun and and is a very smooth ride. Will put close to 25,000 miles a year on it. Lets see how it does. Could not figure out how to post pictures but it is white with a tool box.

 

Welcome

 

Dont get addicted to this. lol

 

Is it a 4WD? Welcome!

 

Yes it is. Still could not post pic??

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from vermont

 

Yes it is with a couple of things to get unstuck with that I don't quite understand. Here is a pic with tool box.

 

my advice leave now and your bank account will thank you! oh and welcome!

 

Good photo... good job!

As for the traction features, note my signature below, with the 9 drive modes listed... If your 2010 is an Off Road TRD 4WD, then it is the same as mine and you have te 9 drive modes.

Basically, you have a limited slip system (TRAC) to improve traction and a VSC system to imprive control if you get into a skid... both can be turned off (at least temporarly)...

A quick push of the VSC Off switch (the button with the vehicle with wavey lines below) is the TRAC OFF MODE, which TURNS ON 'AUTO LSD' in 2WD... Yah, we know Toyota uses some poor choices in naming these things! AUTO LSD is like Posi Traction and helps the 2WD Tacomas get unstuck...

Come to a full stop and HOLD DOWN the VSC Off switch for 3+ seconds, and you turn off both the VSC and TRAC, and that makes your differential open, just like all the pre-2009 4WD Off Road Tacomas...

In H4 (4WD High Range), you have a 'stronger' limited slip in the front and rear like the AUTO LSD gave in 2WD (no engine regulation), it is called TRAC but is not the same as TRAC in 2WD. This new 4WD with TRAC is really amazing... I noticed the difference over my '05 and '01 right away (in deep sand).

You can turn off TRAC and VSC in H4 as well (hold the VSC Off switch down 3+ seconds while stopped). Can't imagine why you would want to... but Toyota gives us that option.

In L4 (4WD Low Range), there is no TRAC (or VSC)... standard is open differentials... However, we have A-TRAC (Active Traction Control)... push the button down by the cig. lighter to turn on the A-TRAC (and just leave it that way IMO)... A-TRAC will come on each time you go into L4 automatically (unless you turn it back off). A-TRAC is the dream system that makes our Tacomas have the traction of front and rear lockers... see my link below the 9 modes list for more details and videos of A-TRAC.

We still have a true rear locker as well, but A-TRAC may have made that obsolete... The rear locker is there if you get stuck or can't continue (mud or steep grade) and can be used with A-TRAC or without. All of us pre- 2009 Tacoma Off Roaders swear by the rear locker and insist on it being there... but once all have tested A-TRAC, that may change their minds. Toyota clear states to use the rear locker only for emergencies and not over 5 mph... A-TRAC hs no such warning, and stays on up to 30 mph.

Hope all this helps to understand the new features... NOW HAVE FUN!!!

 

Welcome to TW.

 

Welcome from Albuquerque!

Check out this...
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/south-west/32579-new-mexico-owners.html

and...
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/south-west/86781-multi-day-four-corners-area-meet-7-10-10-a.html

 

Thanks, everyone and especially David K this will really help

 

You know I am glad to help... I came here when I couldn't figure out the traction functions, as the owner's manual was so lacking and the sales staff didn't know or explain it well.

So, I made it my mission to clarify the mystery and make it easy to understand... Many here helped a LOT... and I took my Taco four wheeling and experimented with it...

I like writing information on various subjects that interest me... landscape irrigation, history, Baja California, traction control, ...!