3rd Gen Traction Control Modes Explained

You had it right. I took someone with me and the right front was spinning and in the air when I was in the truck and touched down when I was out so it left no marks but looked like it was sitting on the ground. I tested the other modes and they all seem to be working. I assume it is normal for it to sound like a dryer full of marbles when the traction control stuff is working.

 

Awesome! At least you know everything is in good working order.

Yeah, you get some odd sounds with the ABS pump doing its thing. But even with my Sport, it tackles stuff really well.

We've had cars that had louder and quieter ABS systems. The Taco is in the middle somewhere.

 

Nice to hear from another member who has experience in 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen TRAC systems. I told myself I wouldn’t come back in here until I heard it candidly from someone else with similar experiences. Post #10, I agree with the latter part of the sentence all the way. 3rd Gen TRAC is fairly strong.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-off-road-capable-is-a-stock-2017-sr5-4x4.541295/

 

Guys... great thread. I don't own a Tacoma but just reading about your different traction settings and use.

I have a '12 GX 460 and last month added crawl and MTS with just a module replacement, a new console switch and zero point calibration for the crawl to go live. All 460's from '10+ at any trim level can be converted with both for less than $500. MTS can actually stand by itself without adding crawl if one wants. The MTS module for '10-'13 runs less than $150 from Japan and the '10-'18 console switch for crawl can run between $275-$350. The '14+ MTS module is around $190. Here is the kicker on crawl... one can probably do that one for $10-$20 in toggle switches. Wiring schematics show just different connections being used. I originally thought skid control ECUs mattered but in the end all 460's have necessary hardware for crawl and MTS to work. MTS is actually only available in Canadian GXs in North America. No 460's sold in US with MTS.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-2nd-gen-2010-present/859762-dac-versus-crawl-control.html


I wonder how hard to convert Tacoma? If ABS actuator... probably a non-starter but food for thought.

Work is being done on the FJ and certain model 4Runners can be converted.

FJ

 

Oh boy, now you have done it!!! LOL

 

So in a few minutes research, it looks like on '12 GX 460 it only comes with hydraulic brake master cylinder. (And the later FJ too I think)
The Tacoma 3rd gen OR and Pro (which have MTS and Crawl Control or A-TRAC) come with hydraulic brake master cylinder, and all other trims pneumatic. The master cylinder also includes the skid control ECU. So for the Tacoma, a new hydraulic brake master cylinder (and the associated wiring) would PROBABLY be needed.

 

BigWhiteTRD: Good info... I wondered what the limitation was. I gleaned a lot of info from Russian Prado threads from a few years back.


EDIT: The 460's do have "crawl only" as an option but it is on a special order fully loaded top tier model.

 

Didn't quite know where to ask this question, so I'm putting it here. Yesterday while trying to fit into a tight spot I reversed, then put in gear a little faster than I normally would have since people were waiting, I think I was completely stopped but its possible I was barely rolling back. The traction control light lit up and the brakes were sounding like I locked them up on ice. It was a completely dry day and I was on asphalt. I assume it's normal? But dang it was loud and sounded terrible.

 

Maybe you shifted into reverse so fast, the center-of-gravity sensor got dizzy?
Normally, the limited slip (TRAC) and stability (VSC) controls don't go into action on slow, reversing, dry pavement!

 

I had reversed, then put it into drive... So I was in drive. Maybe it did get a little confused. I thought my transmission was grinding, but fortunately noticed the traction control light lit up.

 

Not typically normal, but just today, as I was turning left and accelerating (on a street, dry pavement) the traction control noise was heard. I did not see if the light came on, too. I hear the noise breifly on uneven pavement too, like when the one side of the truck goes to a lower pavement. Such as when they install a new pipe in a street and have not finished returning the street to the original condition.

 

Auto or manual?
Almost definitely the hill hold.
I can assure you that I can get this sometimes with auto when I am abusive.
It will fire on the OR with that ridiculously stupid version of hill hold with a tiny rollback. As little as 2 inches seems detectable to the skid control ECU.

Think you can call that 'normal' but "undesirable".
Note, non PRO/OR With vacuum booster seems to have much more 'normal hill hold.

 

It's an auto. That makes a little sense.

 

I guess I drive the poor man's 4 WD Tacoma. I don't have the crawl control. I was looking at that when I was considering a Subaru Outback, but after driving Tacomas for years, I just had to have me another Tacoma, 2nd 4 wheel drive. Back in 1985, there was no such thing as all these traction controls other than limited slip differential and 4 wd, which everybody thought was all you needed. Apparently not, anymore.

 

Crawl Control is simply "cruise control" in L4 so all you do is steer. It comes only on the Off Road TRD automatic 4x4s. It has (as can be seen in the videos) a neat way to get out of stucks all on its own. My Tacoma is older and has A-TRAC without the Crawl or Multi-Terrain Select. I simply feather-foot the accelerator and can get my truck to climb out, if I intentionally get it stuck in testing (turn off A-TRAC so their is no traction control just two open differentials).

 

I'm not really sure what the owner's manual is talking about with locking or unlocking the differential. None of that existed back when I got my first 4 X 4 in 1985, but back then, you had to get out and turn the front hubs if you wanted to put the vehicle in 4 wheel drive. I had one of the first ECT automatic transmissions, which I hated. Every subsequent truck afterwards, I specified as having manual transmissions. Now, it seems next to impossible to get a manual shifter on a 4 cylinder 4 X 4. Why, I have no idea. It's also next to impossible to get intermittent wipers ( have them now because I just installed them.) and cruise control, something that should be standard equipment on every vehicle out there and is on the Subaru Outback I looked at before buying my present Tacoma. I found the Subarus to have poor ground clearance, even though they think 8.7 inches is high off the ground.

 

The owners manual sucks in that it contains all the features for all the models and doesn't explain some functions very well. The SR / SR5 / Sport / Limited do not have a locking rear diff. Only the OR / Pro.

If you were talking about the T case, it is a matter of turning the knob then waiting for the ECU to verify everything and do the deed. There is an automatic system to lock in the front wheels called ADD. The hubs are permanently locked with solid splines. There is an actuated collar on the right shaft that slides over to engage the front end. The diff gears and CVs are always spinning. The ADD just allows the ring and pinion to release.

That said, this is on my wish list:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/free-wheel-hub-conversion-3rd-gen.513930/

 

Thanks for the information. This truck is my second 4 X 4 in many years, and I am pleased that it is just a twist of the knob to engage 4 wheel drive. I'm not interested in doing too much off road like I did in my younger days. Granted, as owner of a horse farm, I often drive off road in wet pastures and my old 2wd model Tacoma got stuck quite often, remedied by me getting out the tractor. Last year's heavy snowfall made me want to get 4 wheel drive again because the wife and I got upset not being able to go anywhere. We had several weeks worth of food in the freezer so that was not an issue, but being stuck at home without being able to drive over and see friends got old very quickly. I am surprised at how advanced 4 wheel drive has become with the new trucks.

 

I remember back in 1985, thinking that since I had 4 wheel drive, I could go anywhere I wanted. Wrong. After sticking the truck in a corn field up to the transfer case and having help to get it out, and then backing into a snow covered ditch in West Virginia and having to manually dig the truck out, I became quite humble and very cautious of where I took the truck. Since, I have my present 2016, and all the muddy fields I would want, I still won't run it through the fields, knowing what I know about the limitations of 4 wheel drive. From what I see in your post and those of others, with the new things, A Traction control and locking differential, it may be possible to never get the vehicle stuck, and if it does, get it out, every time. That sounds good on paper, but I will only believe it if I see it in action. Just color me skeptical, since I am an honor graduate from "the school of hard knocks."

 

I am also one who remembers when 4WD was one front and one rear tire spinning. I have driven 4WD Jeeps, Chevies, Subarus, and Tacomas (with the locker). My 2010 is the first with traction control and sold me as soon as I tested it several times after getting it.