3rd Gen Traction Control Modes Explained

Oh, not doubt that Toyota engineers did good and it is great that it also gave you that "Oh, what a feeling" feeling (as it has the rest of us)!
Please give a couple of details: H2, H4, or L4? Did you do a button push (TRAC/TRAC OFF)? Thank you!

 

Great post. Just read through this and some of David’s old ones. The new info would suggest that in 4H a quick push of VSC button (trac off) actually has the opposite effect of 2nd gen? Meaning the default is no engine regulation and quick push turns brake control off too?

 

4LO, no button pushed. What I like about the system is it TRACS beyond the 3mph range. I was about to try 4HI for the full pull up one of the steep hills, but decided to stop right before the top as the moguls were giving me second thoughts. But just like before, I stopped and engaged 4LO. No slip whatsoever. I think 4HI would have done it also.

I also accidentally went over a somewhat high drop off that I didn’t see. I felt the truck lean big time away from me. I thought I was done and i was totally alone. Not many heads were there. With the right front wheel off the ground, Input it in reverse and gave it some fuel. It moved a bit, heard the skid plate make contact, and all of a sudden it back right up off of it. Damn was I relieved!!! A also got into some deep sand. I’m not skilled in that department, but the system took over and got me out. Nothing but good things so far. Super impressed.

‘18 SR5. Did not press VSC button. Same stuff illuminates, minus ALSD. But I’m convinced we have it in 4LO at least.

 

I forgot to mention I noticed yesterday that ALSD in 2WD acted the same as 4LO. The back end tightens up big time. Feels like a locker is engaged.

I can pass on the videos to someone with a youtube account if anyone cares to. Not much to them, but it’s something I figure.

 

I was thinking about 4HI. I haven’t played with it much, so I can’t really comment on it. I have not noticed that tight feeling in the back when engaged and driving straight, but I’ve climbed up a couple of hills strongly with it. Only noticed the slip indicator go on once when a I was traversing some moguls. I can’t recall what lights go on aside from the 4HI symbol. I know what we have in 4LO. Be nice to figure out 4HI because my mind goes back to PB’s first vid where the front left wheel In the air was stopped by the system. That needs a strong system to do that.

 

There is no 3 MPH limit unless you have a locking rear differential and the limit is the A-TRAC being active at the same time... it goes off over 3 mph only if you are also locked... and comes back on under 3 mph (no button pushing). I will guess the MTS is the same if you lock the diff? So, as a rule... don't ever lock the diff until the MTS or A-TRAC is unable to move you... if that ever happens.

 

Correct, with the locker engaged. I never cared for that 3mph limit.

For your research to be complete, you have to step into a 2016/17/18 SR/5, Sport, or Limited and try the 4x4 system!

You’ll be tickled pink.

 

You seriously you don't need the locker unless you are stuck, and I don't think MTS/CRAWL/A-TRAC will let you get stuck. I only used mine when pulling others or for testing. The A-TRAC has never let me down and works better than my previous Tacomas with only the locker.

Your sig says SR5, but the locker is only on the Off Road TRD???

 

I owned an ‘08 and ‘12 OR and honestly don’t miss them. Lockers included :0)

 

Wow, too bad you didn't get to use the systems you had. I can't ever imagine having anything other than the Off Road 4x4. I just have used or needed it so often, traveling solo around Baja, as I do!

 

Too funny. I guess you drove my vehicle when I was using the locker/atrac to pull people out to safety here in Topanga’s craziness.

I can see you DON’T want to believe their is such a stout system and that we are experiencing such awesomeness. Hell, it should be called Free ATRAC. It acts just like it. Your problem is you’re being small minded. And you hold your Atrac too high on your shoulders. That’s obvious. It should be in your heart and soul just like our ALSD is.

And by the way, what does your sig say? 3rd Gems are a different beast whether you believe it or not. Now, I could care less. Onwards and thank you @Thechief86! You made it possible to get that monkey off my back when I realized the SR5 did not come with a mechanical lsd. Peace Ya’ll.

 

Hey, I am so happy you don't need A-TRAC because the third gens have TRAC in L4. This thread is all about learning not mud throwing. I apologize if I sounded disrespectful of your Tacoma. Peace!

 

David K, (aka patient guru of off road settings)

I just saw a Toyota Video that says MTS will turn off at greater than 7 mph. (Third Gen)

Did not know that. Does it go back on when I slow down?

So faster than 7 mph, with MTS on, do I have open diff in front and back in LO range?

https://youtu.be/WIoKJdSGtEQ


Thought I could cruise the desert with MTS always on from very slow to fast. Am I wrong?

 

I just responded to your PM...
The video says you need to not be over 7 mph to CHANGE the MTS terrain selection. It did not say it goes off.
It only works in LOW RANGE, so there is no going fast!

 

Wrongo sir I think.

Check 1:40 in the video.

Sorry - My Fast was relative term - like 15 mph vs dead slow

So MTS does nothing over 7 mph per video.

Still a little confused.

 

I just replied to your PM.
Listen to what he says at 1:11 and that was logical [you can change the settings under 7 mph]. You are correct that at 1:45 he blurts out it shuts off [over 7 mph], but that is not logical and a slip of the tongue, in my opinion. Why would he need to tell you to not be over 7 mph to change the terrain selection IF it shuts off over 7 mph? Let's do some real field testing of each drive mode, TRAC ON, TRAC OFF, CRAWL, LOCKER, ETC. I have been asking 3rd Gen owners to do what I did in 2009/2010 and some have gotten close, but I am ubber fussy for details! LOL

 

Over the course of the last few weeks, somewhere, I saw a chart that showed the sequence of modes to use, from best case scenario/rockin' down the highway to full blown stuck in the mud/surrounded by quicksand/ninety degree grade. Started with 2WD drive modes and went all the way through 4WD modes. Now I can't find where I saw it. Can anyone link me in the right direction?

 

Check the first post in this thread (top of Page 1).

 

Saw that, but what I remember seeing was a much simpler list.

 

There was this original thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...016-4x4-models-non-trd-offroad.437814/page-15

The spreadsheet started around Page 15. Maybe a bit further back?