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

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by David K, Jan 19, 2010.

  1. Oct 12, 2011 at 9:16 AM
    #201
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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

    1-26-11005_89646d330ba663ef03e57ed170e65aba6fad7945.jpg

    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!
     
  2. Oct 12, 2011 at 1:06 PM
    #202
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon Musk Moderator

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    The locker can help prevent u from getting stuck in the first place
     
  3. Oct 12, 2011 at 2:26 PM
    #203
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon Musk Moderator

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    Use both then
     
  4. Oct 12, 2011 at 2:31 PM
    #204
    jaw154

    jaw154 Well-Known Member

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    Soon...
    That might be the nicest thing i have ever seen you say about Atrac
     
  5. Oct 12, 2011 at 4:16 PM
    #205
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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? :rolleyes:

    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.
     
  6. Oct 12, 2011 at 4:22 PM
    #206
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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...?
     
  7. Oct 26, 2011 at 2:56 PM
    #207
    likeoof808

    likeoof808 Well-Known Member

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    I printed all the modes out and gona keep in my truck brahh! no way i can remember all that.... Thanks!
     
  8. Oct 26, 2011 at 5:28 PM
    #208
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  9. Nov 3, 2011 at 7:44 AM
    #209
    GP3

    GP3 Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  10. Nov 3, 2011 at 8:07 AM
    #210
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon Musk Moderator

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  11. Nov 3, 2011 at 8:56 AM
    #211
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ... here is the lights in action:

    1-26-11016_ffd81c1e8e8a00407bfb8ce753cafb08603ab6fd.jpg

    1-26-11009_0c9fbdf10689da40975c1f890d660a9da43c75f3.jpg

    Now, here are the lights with the rear locked:

    1-26-11007_e192a87c9336a68959bbf1719ec0f97087388b90.jpg
     
  12. Nov 3, 2011 at 9:21 AM
    #212
    GP3

    GP3 Well-Known Member

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    OK. So ABS is only off with the RR Locker engaged.
     
  13. Nov 3, 2011 at 9:22 AM
    #213
    GP3

    GP3 Well-Known Member

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    One other question. In 4Low above 3mph (when ATRAC shuts off), is there any traction control working (TRAC)?
     
  14. Nov 3, 2011 at 9:57 AM
    #214
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  15. Nov 3, 2011 at 10:00 AM
    #215
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    So if youre trying to keep up your momentum, its useless? I mean......If you need to get up to 10 mph, it deactivates?
     
  16. Nov 3, 2011 at 10:08 AM
    #216
    GP3

    GP3 Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  17. Nov 3, 2011 at 10:10 AM
    #217
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  18. Nov 3, 2011 at 10:50 AM
    #218
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  19. Nov 3, 2011 at 12:31 PM
    #219
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Not always the case. Most of the terrain out here ( that I have been on), requires momentum, and all tires to turn. If you slow down, your done for. The more I dive into the Atrac workings, the more I dont like it....
     
  20. Nov 3, 2011 at 12:34 PM
    #220
    David K

    David K [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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.
     

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