2017 SR5 - NON TRD. Are non-TRD 4x4 different systems?

New Tacoma sadly, the 2011 I got broadsided in......totaled it. So the new one has exhibited this behavior. I had 1 of the rear wheels on ice in a parking space I was backed into and all I got was a grinding noise and no forward movement. I had to put it in four wheel drive to get out of the parking space. I thought if one wheel had no traction the power was delivered to the one that did. Then one day. I was turning left across an icy intersection and heard this same grinding noise. Thanks in advance to anyone who knows the answer.

 

All Tacos have the same 4x4 system, mechanically speaking except for the locker / diff on the OR / Pro. After a lot of investigation by TW users, it has been found that the SR / SR5 / Sport / Limited have a darn good TRAC system that a mere notch below the OR / Pro. You can dig into that here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-traction-control-modes-explained.530695/

The first post has an excellent chart that describes the definitions and functions for each model.

The noise that you heard is simply the TRAC system firing getting traction to the other wheel. There is a lot of engine limitation in 2Hi, but you should have gotten some motion with the one wheel that had traction.

In a snowy parking lot, I did get no forward movement in 2Hi with both rear wheels in a rut. 4Hi got me moving.

 

There are differences both mechanically & electronic between the two. Mainly, the difference is in the TRD OR. The TRD OR has a rear diff locker, a different rear diff, a more advanced ATRAC system, CC (crawl control) and MTS (Multi-Terrain Select system), also different tires these being the main differences.

Hope that helps
Cheers!

 

atrac / MTS on the TRD OR 4x4's has a MUCH better electric boosted master cylinder / abs all in one unit capable of 2x the line pressures and much higher fidelity compared to the stock vacuum boosted master cylinder / separate abs unit of the rest of the trucks.

Also, rear locker. vs open diffs of everything else

 

My bad on the rear locker. I don't know why I keep forgetting that.

 

The TRD Sport also has the same stuff the SR5 does in terms of 4x4 and traction control systems. Only the Off Road and Pro have the special features like RR Locker, Crawl Control, and MTS

Also, MTS has taken the place of ATRAC.

 

Atrac is part of MTS it just is adjustable atrac with different levels of allowed slip.

 

Have your parking brake set? Wouldn't be surprised if you had a frozen drum back there helping make it more exciting...

 

No parking brake set, actually have not even used it yet. Truck has 2300 miles on it.

 

For a parking situation like that, use Auto LSD. That should get you out without having to engage 4WD.

 

Forgot to mention the disclaimer!

Just don’t floor it unless you want to feel a John Force sensation. Won’t be good in a tight spot. A little fuel goes a long way.