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DIALS/ BUTTONS/LIGHTS for 4WD/TRACTION CONTROLS

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by David K, Jan 26, 2011.

  1. Jan 26, 2011 at 3:47 PM
    #1
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Recently some have posted that the truck was 'stuck' in '4WD' because the light was on or blinking... only to later learn it was just the differential lock switch pushed in! That light is below the 4WD light...

    The lights are different... So, I just took some photos so we all can see. Let's go through the levels of traction activation and see what it all looks like:

    1-26-11021_ddd6770fd7f88d7e81c80c3d7d1c4f731ccd23be.jpg

    Normal dial position for paved roads or where traction assistance of 4WD (four wheel drive) is not needed.

    1-26-11014_2bf5fe4444b55452650b2afc2775ff632259b9bf.jpg

    The lower switch, next to mirror controls (car with skid lines below) is the VSC OFF switch. This also activates AUTO LSD when in 2WD with a quick push. Auto LSD is traction control without the engine output regulated.

    1-26-11012_2d80078b1525b690dafcfd6a9dc2af7b3e977e3b.jpg

    This is what comes on with AUTO LSD active. The VSC OFF light goes out above 30 mph.

    1-26-11013_05d1f707c3a1c5b1c82b4e510f94c4b96562fe76.jpg

    If you stop the truck and hold down the VSC OFF switch for 3+ seconds, VSC and TRAC both turn off for open differential(s) in H2 or H4.

    1-26-11020_dadd453c8516d8faf6bef5e59c3fab1085fc2b50.jpg

    Go into H4 (4WD High Range) from 0-60 mph if you need more traction because of poor conditions or off highway needs.

    1-26-11011_7f063a1adee9b62694577c295cca89f3e3f04806.jpg

    This is the 4WD High Range indicator light... two differentials and 4 tires. TRAC in H4 has no engine regulation, the same as AUTO LSD in H2.

    1-26-11019_4bd2218cfb453201361e5a17cc447f3f8dc5d0ef.jpg

    For more torque to power through deep snow or mud or to climb up or down steep grades, stop truck, put tranny into N (Neutral, not Park), and rotate dial to L4.

    1-26-11009_0c9fbdf10689da40975c1f890d660a9da43c75f3.jpg

    Low Range 4WD indicator light. VSC goes off in L4 and both differentails are open.

    1-26-11017_59eb5a83a5097cd53f29282abf96267d825e36da.jpg

    If your 4WD Tacoma is an '09 + Off Road TRD, you have 'Active Traction Control' (A-TRAC) that provides the 'brake-locking' of any non-traction (spinning) tires front or rear for tractor like crawling/ climbing. Gives traction control while in low range. Push this switch just once when in L4 and A-TRAC will activate when-ever needed to keep moving while in L4.

    1-26-11016_ffd81c1e8e8a00407bfb8ce753cafb08603ab6fd.jpg

    A-TRAC activated light.

    REAR LOCKER:

    1-26-11005_89646d330ba663ef03e57ed170e65aba6fad7945.jpg

    As Toyota states, use only as a last resort and turn off when out of trouble.

    1-26-11014_2bf5fe4444b55452650b2afc2775ff632259b9bf.jpg

    While in L4 (for 4WD Tacomas), press the RR DIFF LOCK switch. (I engaged it twice today while stopped)

    1-26-11007_e192a87c9336a68959bbf1719ec0f97087388b90.jpg

    The Rear Differential Lock indicator is the x'ed rear differential image. If it doesn't engage, or if it is pressed while in H4 or H2 (for 4WD Tacomas) it will BLINK! Remember, when locked there is no differential action to allow the tires to rotate at different speeds, as needed when turning.
     
  2. Jan 26, 2011 at 6:45 PM
    #2
    chaotichoax

    chaotichoax Well-Known Member

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    could use a better thread title but this is sticky worth...very informative
     
  3. Jan 26, 2011 at 7:21 PM
    #3
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Really? I thought that said exactly what I was posting about! It is more about the dials, buttons and lights than actually using them..I have already posted plenty on using them... click the link in my sig.

    But, thanks for the comment!
     
  4. Jan 26, 2011 at 7:47 PM
    #4
    HuntnTruk

    HuntnTruk Tacohead

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    So once in L4 and you activate Atrac does it always default to on when you put it in L4? I guess I want to know what it defaults to when switching from H2 to H4 to L4. Thank you atrac master
     
  5. Jan 26, 2011 at 8:01 PM
    #5
    Series1000

    Series1000 Well-Known Member

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    Lots
    I wish I had more dials-buttons and lights :(
     
  6. Jan 26, 2011 at 10:58 PM
    #6
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes Grasshopper...

    Push the A-TRAC button once while engaged in L4... and for the rest of your truck's natural life it will be in A-TRAC each time you go into L4 (unless you push the button again)...

    :D
     
  7. Jan 26, 2011 at 11:03 PM
    #7
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    If that were true, then a lot of folks posting on TW have never seen it. I did this thread because of the post were someone thought their 4WD light was blinking... and it was the Rear Diff. Locker light! They asked here the day before they were going to go to the dealer.

    You can press that RR DIFF LOCKER button anytime and the light for it will start blinking. The 4WD light has 2 differentials on it and the RR DIFF LOCKER light has an X where the rear differential goes, and no front differential showing... See above photos.
     
  8. Jan 26, 2011 at 11:20 PM
    #8
    4WD

    4WD cRaZy oLdmAn

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    Good informative thread as usual David !! I still need to PM ya about a job prospect we talked about earlier, their situation may be changing soon (which would be good for you buddy ) I'll keep you posted....;)
     
  9. Jan 26, 2011 at 11:24 PM
    #9
    A7XTaco

    A7XTaco Member

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    What does RSCA mean?

    Also, what exactly does down hill assist actually do?
     
  10. Jan 26, 2011 at 11:24 PM
    #10
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Pictures are worth 1000 words , nice thread David
     
  11. Jan 27, 2011 at 8:51 AM
    #11
    PreRunnerSeth

    PreRunnerSeth Well-Known Member

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    RSCA Turns off the side curtain airbags for off roading situations.

    Downhill assist, the truck automatically controls braking and other systems to control downhill speed.
     
  12. Jan 27, 2011 at 10:32 AM
    #12
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Wow, thank you amigo... A cold Pacifico is waiting for you here! I need work... rent is almost due!!! Love the sunny, dry weather!
     
  13. Jan 27, 2011 at 10:37 AM
    #13
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Exactly!

    Downhill assist only works in L4 and it is a crawl feature that on super steep, rocky down grades... won't let the brakes lock a tire and cause a skid (which could get you sideways leading to a roll over)... You don't need to touch the brakes at all... It will give you a controlled speed of 2-3 mph and just go with it as you go down. Real fun!!
     
  14. Jan 27, 2011 at 3:52 PM
    #14
    A7XTaco

    A7XTaco Member

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    Thanks David,

    So I'm guessing the main function of downhill assist is it hits the brakes on each wheel individually to keep the truck going the direction the wheels are pointed? It also limits the top speed of the truck by applying the brakes?

    The only thing I can find on here is everyone saying its noisy and they feel like they have some loss of control over the truck. The only vehicles I'm personally familiar with that have a traction control system similar to that are BMWs, and they do a excellent job of it.

    So I'm also guessing the side airbags are triggered by the angle the truck is leaning. Does any one know at what angle they will fire if the RSCA is not disabled? Am I correct on this?


    Bryan
     
  15. Jan 27, 2011 at 4:13 PM
    #15
    boxxed

    boxxed Well-Known Member

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    Please clarify.. So the only way the rr diff loc will work is if you are in L4? My rr diff lock button has been accidently hit and was flashing, while in H2. I am thinking it was never really engaged.

    thanks again for the info.
     
  16. Jan 27, 2011 at 4:41 PM
    #16
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    What is the advantage over 4L in low gear or 2nd ?
     
  17. Jan 27, 2011 at 4:49 PM
    #17
    Crazyfrog

    Crazyfrog Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the post! I vote sticky on this one. Very helpful info.
     
  18. Jan 27, 2011 at 5:39 PM
    #18
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It makes a ticking sound... not loud... it is amazing... yes, the truck will descend a steep bad road safely and it won't panic like a driver could... It just creeps you down the grade and you just steer. It works great and does exactly what it advertises... Some people also think the sky is falling or the globe is warming, too!
     
  19. Jan 27, 2011 at 5:43 PM
    #19
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes, if you have a 4WD Tacoma the rear locker only engages when you are in LOW RANGE (L4).

    The Off Road TRD PreRunners don't have 4WD, so their rear locker works in 2WD.

    Yes, it flashes to tell you "Sorry Charley, try again"... Don't worry about it doing anything while flashing.
     
  20. Jan 27, 2011 at 5:48 PM
    #20
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I think it is an advatage because your speed could increase as you descend and would then have to step on the brakes... which could start you sliding.

    The downhill asist is like ABS on steroids... doesn't matter what gear you are in while in L4... it is pulsing the various brakes to slow the downhill speed without sliding or going any faster.

    You just need to try it... it is a kick to be driving down a cliff like grade and not touch the brake pedal... takes some getting used to!
     

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