Need Some Explaining on My Truck

I was slightly apprehensive about where to post my question? I decided maybe here, because I'm asking questions related to our generation?

A little quick BIO... I came from the German car scene for many years. In 2014, I was able to get my beloved jeep Wrangler, it was a lemon, so I was able to get another 4 door Wrangler in 2017... I was in a bad ATV accident leaving me with permanent problems, so I wasn't able to really get out and utilize my Wrangler like I wanted.

My 2017 jeep had major transmission issues, so I sadly had to get out of it. Needing a rig to pull my horse trailer, I then purchased a Tacoma. And as much as I miss my Jeep, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS TACOMA!, And I wasn't a truck person .

So here I am admitting, I'm as green as green can be when it comes to off-roading. I go off roads and play in the mud and snow. But that's about it.

I need some remedial explanation on how all the "off-road" features, or button's () work?

I have came across some amazing articles on these boards, but it's.like I'm this deer, looking into bright headlights.

I'm hoping, or maybe it can't be dummed down anymore, but someone could be patient and help me understand? I WOULD BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-the-3rd-gen-tacoma.411911/

Start here.

 

If you are looking for information on how the various "traction features" work, they are explained in https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-traction-control-modes-explained.530695/

 

The sun visor has a condensed version of how to operate the 4-wheel drive.

 

Welcome to the world of Tacomas, Becca.
I have owned three 4x4 Off Road Tacomas (2001, 2005, 2010) and found the new traction controls (TRAC and A-TRAC) a huge gain in the Tacoma's off-road abilities or never getting stick again features!

The 3rd Gen has enhanced A-TRAC in the automatic transmission trucks to MTS (Multi Terrain Select) which is adjusting the 'strength' of the A-TRAC system by allows different levels of slip, based on road surface. The other new feature is CRAWL, which is a 'cruise control' for low range. Permits you to just steer and leave the gas alone. It can help you get unstuck, if you ever get stuck in the first place. These are features only when you are in Low Range (slow crawling up or down steep-rugged terrain or through mud/ snow, etc.).

Most of the time you are off the pavement, High Range (H4) Four Wheel Drive, will do all you need. Pretty much the standard mode, with nothing extra to do. Should you have an issue with tires spinning off road, try pressing quickly the VSC button, to see how that works for you. If things get worse, just switch in to Low Range, MTS, Crawl... Try everything out before you really need them! remember the 4WD is only for slippery or rough conditions, NOT dry pavement.

Finally, air pressure in the tires can be the biggest aid when off roading. Lowering the pressure by at least 50% will give you the most improved traction off road and in deep sand. Get a fast electric air pump to re-inflate after you are done off roading. The MV-50 pump is good and not too pricey.

Ask questions so we can help... and I will bow to those with the 3rd Gen Off Road 4WD Tacomas, who actually use the features!

 

I think the easiest way to describe the 4 wheel drive system on these trucks is Traction Control. The system measures wheels speed through the ABS system and when is sees a wheel spin faster than others, the ABS will pulse the brake on that wheel to bring it back to the same speed as the others. This forces the other wheels to spin and move the truck forward.

All the settings on the dial and buttons just give varying levels of this traction control.


Not sure if that is what you are looking for or not...

 

Well my friend you have sat in the best Truck out there. You will find all the answers you want here on TW. Good luck with your new Toy for many years.

 

Welcome! These trucks are Very capable off road in stock form.

 

This. I say the same thing to my customers in my industry. Your owners manual is gold. I’ll bet that if new products did not come with owner’s manuals, people would be up in arms demanding the manufacture supply them with a comprehensive “how to use and maintain guide”. Luckily they already do. The table of contents and index are its search bars.

 

lets start at the very very basics and we can move up from there. Sorry, this may sound patronizing but folks don’t just “know” things so better to set a floor for the topics.

4x4 vs 4x2. I think you will understand that when only two tires get engine power the truck will more easily get stuck then if “four” tires get engine power. Hence, you put it in 4x4 and now your front tires get power too and you can go over more difficult terrain.

BUT
Even when I’m 4x4 not all four tires get engine power (well, they do, but learning an open differential has a 50/50 power split will break some folks here). I digress. Even in four wheel drive one of the front wheels and one of the back wheels could both end up with less traction. In an open differential the two tires (one front one back) will spin and the two tires on the sticky stuff won’t move you forward. Everything you ask the engine to give will make the two tires on the slippery stuff just spin faster.

So, a “Locker”
What a locker does is it “locks” the tire one one side to the tire on the other side. So one tire cannot just spin, it HAS to go the same speed as the other tire. In our trucks, if you have it, this would be in the back (and NOT the front). This is kind of the best situation. Sure, one of the front tires AND both back tires could be on something slippery and you really need that other front tire, but it’s “less” likely.

So, what about A-Trac or MTS?
Remember that spinning tire and how that locker fixes that? Well, applying the brakes to the one spinning tire would do the same thing, that’s what a-trac and MTS do, they stop the spinning tire with the brakes and let the power go to the OTHER tire. AND, it works on the front AND the back. So, best case you have a locker in the front and a locker in the back, but that puts a LOT of stress on components (imagine all engine power, in low range, going to ONE tire, pushing a 5000lb truck up a steep hill while wedged into a rock). So, you the brakes helping at all times, and if you need more you have a locker.

too elementary? Sorry, hard to tell folks knowledge level. Plus, Iwas in the bathroom anyways.

 

Pump 87 no premium

 

Yes explains it all but then i get in my truck and every button is a cartoon drawing and i am totally lost. go easy i am a 76 year old, old fart!

 

Great Info there...

Ed

****

 

In the Owners Manual (thickest book) - turn to pages 16 through 22. These point to each button with a pictorial view, then has link to the corresponding page explaining the use of the button. Helps those of us who grew up learning to read words on our buttons rather than hieroglyphics!

 

Owners manual isn't in depth, and certainly doesn't dumb down the "how to for dummies."

 

True, but at the highest level OP's issue was deciphering the hieroglyphics on buttons to at least know which button is which. Once armed with that the owners manual gives a basic overview for him to FA&FO or ask targeted questions about specifics and have a foundation for understanding the answers.

 

I think the OP is a woman.

Here’s the disconnect I see with what the OP is after. If the owners manual isn’t detailed enough, but you’re also looking for a dumbed down for dummies guide as you said, wouldn’t something like a factory service manual be way too overwhelming??

Was enough research done into the vehicle and it’s features before you bought it? Perhaps your salesperson can give you an overview.

 

https://lmgtfy.app/?q=3rd+gen+tacoma+off+road+system+explained

 

Your question is very broad and already covered in the owners manual. Do you have any specific questions?

 

spelled out in the manual, but for me age 76, i don't remember what the book said,is true. i need to make a cheat sheet to keep handy in the truck.
getting old sucks, you should see me doing my own oil changes. you would LOL.