2009 Auto LSD and traction control system

So we had a few inches of snow today, and I took a few drives out in 2WD, to see how the different modes work. I have a 09 4x4 accesscab without a-trac. There have been a few threads about the new auto LSD VS the previous mechanical LSD. In the slippery stuff with the traction control mode on default mode (cutting power to spinning wheels and braking) works well. Limiting the power does help prevent the wheels from spinning. hitting the traction control button activates the Auto LSD. I have to admit it that it too works well when slippery. The braking of the slipping wheel sends power to the the wheel with traction very smoothly. It weems to work like a mechanical slip diff. Almost feels like a locker at times! (in the snow anyway) And then there is the option to turn it all off (holding down the button) and it drives like a 2wd truck with a normal open diff. Just my thoughts on the new 09 LSD system.

 

That sounds great. I've been trying to decide whether my first tacoma should be a 2009 or whether I could live with a used one because of the upgrade to the traction control and stability control programs. I'm curious to see if anybody else has any feedback on this. Snow and ice are certainly a concern for a few months of the year where I live and I think it would be nice to have it if it works really well, particularly if it would keep the rear end from sliding out while climbing a hill and hitting some black ice.

 

If it makes you feel better a tens of thousands of 05-08 owners manage to get thru winter ok. Sure the 09' is 'safer', for winter driving most would probably see a bigger 'safety' benefit if only a 2wd truck. Otherwise if 4wd, in snow you'll be in 4wd anyway, where the safety stuff (VSC & TRAC) is shutoff, so no diff from an 05-08 model.

 

Few things that made me choose an 09 versus an 08 -

Seat and Side Airbags (much more than previous, look at the brochure)
XM built in Antenna
Built in Back Up Camera

I was sold on the safety from the air bags and back up camera, the traction control and stability control are just icing on the cake in my opinion...

Rob

 

vsc is still on in 4hi unless you turn it off
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I used to have it on my old nissan titan and I hated it...just my personal opinion though.

 

I personally would prefer to have all the traction systems turned off by default, with only the option to activate them when you want them on. Or leave the auto LSD always on rather than the antislip traction control.

 

I agree with you. It really only benefits the 2wd's. But the auto LSD seems to work well for a quasi limited slip system on a open diff.

 

the only problem is in winter you begin to rely on the stability control. it works great. i love it

 

Arent you guys in Quebec required to have winter tires now? So does the VSC ever really kick on?

Snow tires works so well that would think only way to have it VSC intervene is intentionally throw the wheel or gun it.

 

it dont take much for vsc to kick in... the littlest fishtail and it starts beeping....no matter what tires you have
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I have the dunlop rover which has the snow flake symbol on them. They are approved for winter (legal tire for winter in quebec) but still not as good as the pure winter tire.
FREESAMPLE is right, it does not take much for the vsc to kick in. very sensitive
works good. all trucks should have this

 

Does the TRD Off Road still have a locker on the '09? I mean an E-locker and A-Trac.

 

yes, my 09 has both...it is kind of weird to ALWAYA have the system effective, sure it is safe. but sometime i want to kick out the rear end a bit, then realize i have to let off the gas, turn everything off (still not sure i am disabling everything) look for the next corner and hit the gas...kind of ruins the flow of adrenaline....thought spinning 180/360/540 on the ice does add some adren to the equation!!

how do you turn everything off AND what are the differences in all these features???

thanks in advance!

 

Still learning this stuff...Would it make sense to activate the auto LSD in rain or just let the VSC do its thing?

 

It should be mentioned that TRAC is much less intrusive on the 09's than in past years....Doesn't limit throttle too much unless you're really givin'er.