Help - 2nd Gen 4x4 on snow - which traction control setting?

You'll only experience engine regulation when taking off from a stop.

Holding the button down when stopped shuts off all traction control, but not ABS. I like to keep the LSD functioning most of the time that I drive in snow on road - which is nearly half of the year.

 

Like I said... for snow plowing. That isn't like just regular driving in a foot of fluff.

 

4 low works great in deep snow when tires are aired down. You just need to be easy on the throttle.

Edit: Pic 1 is deep dense snow. Look at the picnic table. The snow is much more than axle deep. Tires are at 12 psi (I think) and the truck is floating on the snow. I crawled in 4 low first gear on a couple miles of deep snow to get to this spot.


Pic 2 is soft fluffy snow. Tires are not aired down at all to help me reach through to firm ground. 4 high here.

 

i suppose ill have to experiment more

 

Traction control button, press and hold for at least ten seconds

 

I wouldn't do that. I'd just push it once quick.

I've tried starting on snowy hills in mine with traction control completely disabled and it doesn't budge. All the power goes to the wheel with the least grip. If you press it once, you'll get Auto LSD and it'll move power back and forth on the rear axle and you'll have a much better chance of moving.

 

Did they change the programming of the skid control ECU at some point?
For mine, tapping once in 4H does absolutely nothing. Its default state there is TRAC. In 2H, tapping once switches from power regulation to ALSD.

 

In 4hi when tapping the button once turns of engine power management. The auto LSD doesn't light up in 4wd. The trac off light turns on. Its basically auto LSD in 4wd.

 

There's no engine power management in 4WD ever on mine. They must have added that to a newer MY.

 

What about for Sport? I have 4x4 Sport 2014. I haven't disabled anything yet while driving in snow in 4hi. Everything seems ok except for when the ABS kicks in.

 

They changed certain nanny systems over the years. Earlier years didn't even have the vehicle stability nanny systems. 09, I believe is when auto LSD was added.

 

Your tires are the problem. The stock Ruggedfails are barely adequate on wet pavement, let alone severe weather. On your next set of tires look for something with the Mountain Snowflake symbol on the sidewall indicating it's severe weather rated. Besides having excellent traction you also get the benefit of not being required to run chains during chain restrictions.

I'm running BFG KO2's in the shit show that has been the Columbia Gorge for the last 6 weeks. No issues at all getting around and we've had it far worse than Portland.

ETA: I have a TRD Sport. I generally turn the traction control off in this weather.