A-TRAC/TRAC/AUTO LSD Explained (Easy to understand, I hope!)

Actually, yes there is... This is on the door next to the driver:



However, it isn't an operational limit as much as it is a safety limit. With the differential locked, steering is more difficult since the tires cannot rotate at different speeds.

Use the locker to get unstuck.

Use the A-TRAC to keep from getting stuck in the first place!

 

That might be the nicest thing i have ever seen you say about Atrac

 

Yes, and so can A-TRAC... so, if Toyota made A-TRAC usuable all the time you are in Low Range... but (per Toyota) made the locker usable only if you are stuck and up to 5 mph, then what do you think makes sense to be in, to keep from getting stuck?

Remember, this is my third Off Road Tacoma with locker... so I know the value of it and have used it often before my 2010 Taco. The A-TRAC is just so much better as it works the front and rear axle tires, individually... and no steering difficulty/ binding/ etc.

 

Remember that A-TRAC only does its thing when a tire begins to spin... If a tire spins, you are not moving ahead very fast... if at all... so you will mostly always be doing less than 3 mph before A-TRAC wakes up... rear locked or not.

I suppose the reason there is a de-activation of the spin sensors over 3 mph when the rear is locked, is so you can bonzai-it in the mud and not stop the spinning too suddenly. Seems Toyota is really concerned about too much speed and control of the truck when locked...?

 

I printed all the modes out and gona keep in my truck brahh! no way i can remember all that.... Thanks!

 

De nada... but printing just the Toyota chart on using the VSC OFF switch and maybe the one nice chart that was created will be the most help... Maybe my 9 Drive Modes list, too? It is nice to visualize everything on the papers, but using it all will be your biggest help.

 

David, is ABS off when A-TRAC is on in 4low (RR Locker is not engaged)?

EDIT: I guess anyone with 09+ OR 4X4 can respond.

 

... here is the lights in action:





Now, here are the lights with the rear locked:

 

OK. So ABS is only off with the RR Locker engaged.

 

One other question. In 4Low above 3mph (when ATRAC shuts off), is there any traction control working (TRAC)?

 

A-TRAC does not 'shut off' above 3 mph (unless you also have the rear locked). But, in reality it is not on anytime unless you get wheel spin/ traction loss. That usually drops you to zero mph, anyway!

TRAC is only in H4 and H2.
L4 is open diff. unless you turn on A-TRAC or lock the rear diff.
So, without A-TRAC or the rear locker, you would have more traction in H4 with TRAC. In factm, I can climb a steep hill further in H4 TRAC than L4... and when I turn on A-TRAC I then can get to or just past the point I reached in H4... and that was further than with the rear locker, and no A-TRAC.

 

Got it.

I should have looked at the 9 traction modes to find my answer now that I think about it.

I was essentially trying to figure out the 'default' traction ontrol mode when you shift it in to 4low

^Until you press the ATRAC button.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

No, I would describe it as only works when you need it to, if you are moving fine than you don't need traction help. As soon as one tire on an axle spins, then your speed drops... if you are moving along, you will likely be on firm ground in a second or two. You only see/ hear A-TRAC when you are crawling. If one of the front and one of the rear spins, you stop moving, A-TRAC goes into action and transfers power by matching tire rotation.

 

OKAY, just to confirm... ABS is off ONLY with the Rear Locked... Low Range only or A-TRAC only, there is no ABS Off light.

 

Now, you see to me... momentum is something you need if you only have 2WD. The beauty of 4WD (and low range) is you can drive at safe speed over really tough terrain and not bounce and BREAK parts or get all shook up.

Different strokes... My truck is something I love and want to last... but still take me everywhere I want to go off road.