Simplified Guide to Traction Controls (TRAC, AUTO LSD, TRAC OFF, VSC OFF)

If I understand correctly, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control are related but don't work together. MTS is giving the electronic system a heads up as to which terrain you're working worth and Crawl Control turns the selector into speed settings and it handles all acceleration and braking.

The speed settings appear to be suggested for the same terrain as the MTS, I guess with MTS it just means you're working the throttle.

I watched a bunch of videos last night, the technology in the Crawl Control is pretty impressive but I'm sure the hardcore off-road enthusiasts will consider it blasphemy.

 

Yes, they will... as they did A-TRAC. You only need to read all my exchanges with them back to Dec. 2009!

Funny thing is, I am an old time off roader (hard core?)! I also raced in the Baja 1000 and was a pit captain at several off road races. I love Jeeps (but will never own one again, I don't think), and the solid axle days. However, one must learn to appreciate and at least try new technology!

 

I have to think of TRAC Off as Traction Off-road since that's its intended purpose, to add traction off-road.

 

That's a good note!

 

Something else to add. I just read this on ttguide.net. You also turn off Trailer Sway Control when you hold the button down for 3 seconds, if installed.

 

I have read through this thread and everytime i think i understand, i think i dont. Like some said manual doesnt help.

In my '10 2x4, i know if i try and spin tires in mud/ice, LSD (swerving car icon) pops up on dash... sends power to opposite tire to compaensate, correct?

If i was to push button just once, would that be correct choice if trying to navigate ice/mud if encountered?


Now the real confusion comes with the 4x4... just picked up a '12 4x4 Reg Cab.

H4... encounter mud. Does hitting button once/hold for 3 seconds benefit in an off road situation?

Same w/L4... i do understand there is only one choice here, but none the less, what benefit?

Im sorry for a repeated question, but reading through every reply/response and picture and manual has got me thinking to much i believe.

 

I am happy you asked. I agree it borders on insanity. You should just try the truck traction options yourself. To give you my answer for your questions...

1) It brakes the spinning tire rather than sending power to the traction tire, but really it is doing both.

2) Pushing the button once increases the traction, yes.

3) Again, hitting buttom improves traction control. Holding it in shuts the traction control off. One tire spinning is never better unless you need to fling out snow or mud from bad tires.

4) In L4, only the Off Road TRD has the added benefit of A-TRAC which brakes any spinning tire just enough to match the rotation of traction tires, like lockers front and back but without the negative steering difficulty of lockers.
The other option in L4 is the rear locker, but that is for emergecy use per Toyota and has the steering handicap mentioned above. Two rear tires locked together do improve the ability to get through problem conditions should A-TRAC not do it. I have not seen that happen, however.

Hope that helps a little.

 

When any of the mentioned systems come on are they always accompanied by a light on the dash? Do they sometimes go on with no dash light? Had my front tires lock up on ice but no dash light… trying to figure out if it’s one of these systems or a mechanical issue

 

In my experience, the answers to your questions are yes and no, respectively. Sounds like more of a mechanical issue to me.

 

You can see where I recreated the issue here. Only happens when I hit the small ice patch. Have any thoughts?

https://youtube.com/shorts/BJMwtpZFWTw?feature=share

 

ohhh boy its not even friday yet.


You were on the brakes to limit speed in reverse at idle... tire in the video went over a patch of ice and stopped rotating. Nothing is wrong here.

 

I wasn’t applying brake when tire locked