3rd Gen Traction Control Modes Explained

No kidding. One thing to mess up your truck on a rock being an ass. But mess it up on purpose on a cheap ass jackstand? Shoot that's TW level material.

 

That is so true.

It would have taken next to nothing to do it better, just a couple wood shims or a bit of rubber padding. Hell, with all the frame rust stuff, I put rubber pads on my jack cup and stands. If I really got my safety monkey hat out, I might say to recycle those abused stands also.

 

Thanks for the info

 

This thread rocks. Tough to remember what trim has what....some guy was convinced Sport didn't have even rudimentary TRAC(S) sent him here and his owner's manual........he is now a TW member ahahhahahaahahaha sucker!

 

Good work!

 

All 2WD models and All 4WD models share the SAME traction systems [TRAC, AUTO LSD, & TRAC OFF] EXCEPT the TRD OFF-ROADs... Only they have the locking rear differential.

The 4WD Off Roads also have A-TRAC (manuals) or MTS & CRAWL (automatics).
A-TRAC and MTS (Multi-Terrain-Select) are enhanced, super limited-slip, traction control very close to a locker but on both the front and rear tires without the negative steering issues of locked differentials off-roading. Only use the locker if all else fails... as Toyota says, use only for emergency.

 

Great summary, clears up the confusion for me...

Will definitely be referencing this a time or two until I get used to which setting does what. That is, once I get out and "get a little mud on the tires..."

 

Is this the hydraulic boosted brake for my '19 OR 4x4 MT?

 

Yes, it is the electro-hydraulic brake master that is on the OR and Pro tacoma currently

 

Makes A-Trac possible!

 

True that... I didn't know the truck had these gizmos when I got it back in 2009... Had to discover it. I then asked here about what these did... got a good set of answers but it wasn't enough so I began testing and writing about them.

 

Perfect.. I was looking for this. Thank you. I’ve been having trouble trying to drift around snowy corners.. lol

 

Was frustrating to figure this out in my own

 

You just have to test it in a low-traction situation... sand, steep hill climb, deep ruts or big rocks where one or more tires is off the ground. Go as far as you can or until tires spin. Don't keep spinning the tires (the limited slip should prevent this).

I don't recommend testing in mud because who wants to get stuck in that! Sand is dry and clean and all you need to do for it is deflate the tires down to 10-15 psi.

Ok, here is the David K explanation. It may not be technically correct as I am not a Toyota mechanic, simply an avid four wheeler for all of my driving life (over 50 years)... I also have a 2010 Tacoma, so the later models may not follow this exactly. I just think it will help you get a grasp on how the systems work or why they are in our wonderful trucks.

TRAC is the standard mode, which is a 'light' limited slip. It cuts engine power and brakes any spinning tire. The engine power regulation (cut) can prevent you from getting through or up something, so the next step in traction assist is...

AUTO LSD in H2/ TRAC OFF in H4, which is a stronger limited slip that does not cut engine power. A quick press of the VSC off button (moving or stopped) puts you into this mode.

Pressing the button again or restarting the truck returns you to the standard TRAC mode.
2009-2011 Tacomas do not have a choice in H4, they are automatically in the stronger mode. The TRAC to TRAC OFF choice (TRAC with power regulation OFF) was added for the 2012 and later models.
[3rd Gens may be different, still, I have not personally driven one to verify]

In L4, the Second Gens have no traction assists EXCEPT the Off Road TRD, which has A-TRAC and a rear locking differential. A-TRAC (MTS in the 3rd Gen automatics) provides locker-like traction on all four corners. The advantage over lockers is that A-TRAC does not hinder steering on tight trails. The rear locker should only be used when A-TRAC needs help, if ever.

To turn off the traction aids in H2 or H4: Stop moving, then press and hold it the VSC off button until the VSC OFF light come on (3-5 seconds). Now, the tires can spin freely if there isn't any traction. This may be useful in snow or mud to clean out the tire tread. Press the button again or restart the truck to return to normal TRAC mode.

Glossary:

VSC = Vehicle Stability Control. A system that helps you stay on the coarse you are steering to by using the brakes to prevent spin-outs, at speed.

TRAC = Traction control using engine regulation (power cut) and brake force to slow a spinning tire and transfer power over to the tire with traction. A system that helps you get moving from a stop or stuck.

TRAC OFF = Traction Control using only brake force on a spinning tire. Engine regulation is turned OFF.

AUTO LSD = Same as TRAC OFF but in 2WD. The VSC is also turned off under 30 mph.

4x4 Off Road TRDs:

A-TRAC (Active Traction Control) a system for low range 4WD that simulates locking differentials on the front and rear axles to have maximum traction, minimum tire spin, and no steering difficulty. It is only 'active' when a tire begins to spin, matching rotation with the opposite tire on that axel.

DAC (Downhill Assist Control) allows you to concentrate on just the steering as it automatically moves your truck down steep, rutted, or rocky grades without fear of drifting sideways.

3rd Gens:

MTS (Multi Terrain Select) is A-TRAC with adjustable levels of traction assist based on the terrain.

CRAWL CONTROL is an über slow, cruise control for low range, and can get you out from being stuck in some situations.

 

Thank you for this summary, I read most of every thread and I was specifically looking for ——- When in MTS, should I have the auto locker on?

You answered it, thank you!!!!

Last weekend, I took my 18 ORD out in the mud for the first time, of course, I could not figure out any of the MTS or CRAWL modes. So I ran 4HI the whole time and got stuck everywhere. I was with about 20 rigs and everyone had a different idea/opinion on who the 3rd gen auto stuff works. One guy was like you should be running 4LO thru everything. I was so confused..........

 

I am not sure what you are saying... sorry. Why couldn't you figure out the modes?
MTS and CRAWL are LOW RANGE systems, so if you were only in H4, they do not come on.
In H4, the limited slip system (TRAC or TRAC OFF) are your selection choices, in addition to turning them off by going to VSC OFF MODE... which is open diffs with the chance of just one tire in front and one in the rear spinning.

LOW RANGE (L4) is when you need to climb up, down, or through a difficult surface... S-L-O-W-L-Y. IF you get stuck, go into L4 and use CRAWL to automatically extract you. Use MTS always in low range but only use the rear locker if you struggle getting up or through a bad area.

HIGH RANGE (H4) is normal speed driving over poor surfaces where tires may spin (sand, snow, ice, mud, wet pavement).

 

Thank you for the comments, I could not figure it out because 1. I was stuck. 2. To many people telling me what to do.

And 3. Don’t Laugh

I did not know to place in neutral to change mode.

Live and learn.

 

Don't sweat it. Most of us have been there. Shortly after I installed my 2WD LOW only switch I completely forgot the order of things. Thought I messed my truck up!

 

It's hard under a stressful situation to have to listen to so many armchair experts. The lessons we learn from our mistakes are usually the easiest to remember.

 

Good for you for not giving up!
Go someplace (once the virus is over) and just play with your truck to test it all out in every mode... relaxed, no pressure, no eyes watching. The only thing you need to have (IMO) is a tire pump, like an MV-50. This is because lowering the pressure in your tires is the single greatest traction aid you can do. 15 psi is a typical point to lower to. Now, you never need to fear getting stuck in sand or in steep climbs. Mud is a different matter so I will say to avoid that until you are comfortable four wheeling.
For me, I experimented in three locations: hills with deep rutted roads (San Marcos), the desert sand dunes and arroyos (Ocotillo Wells), and Baja California's deep sand beaches (south of San Felipe). See my links in my signature...