Too many traction choices

It's been awhile since we had any new questions on the traction controls, so I edited my signature, which once featured the nine drive modes we had on our 4WD OR Tacos. Here they are:

1) 2WD: VSC and TRAC active, engine regulated ('Limited Slip Lite').
2) 2WD: 'AUTO LSD' ('TRAC OFF MODE'). No engine regulation for 'strong' limited slip.
3) 2WD: 'VSC OFF MODE' (TRAC is off for 'open differential').
4) 4WD-Hi: VSC and TRAC active. No engine regulation for 'strong' limited slip.
5) 4WD-Hi: 'VSC OFF MODE' (TRAC is off for 'open differentials').
6) 4WD-Lo: VSC and TRAC are both off in L4 ('open differentials').
7) 4WD-Lo: 'A-TRAC' on gives a 'locker-like, super strong' limited slip, front and rear.
8) 4WD-Lo: Rear Differential Locked and open front differential (A-TRAC off).
9) 4WD-Lo: RR DIFF LOCK + A-TRAC on, 3 MPH limit.

 

This thread has been very helpful. I just got a 2012 and these features were not on my '07....

 

It's been getting boring around here lately, so I was thinking of a new (fun) post on how/ why/ when to use the VSC OFF SWITCH to rotate between the traction control settings.

STAY TUNED!

 

07's don't have VSC.

 

I thought it was an option

 

Wrong.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...ds-vsc-trac-hac-dac-alsd-atrac-explained.html

Correct. It is (was).

 

Does anyone know why in the case of a 4wd, the locker only functions in 4 low, yet a 2wd pre-runner with the TRD Off -Road package obviously functions in high since there is no transfer case? Seems like you should be able to use it in both high or low on a 4wd model.

 

My experience is that I use one of four modes:

1. Regular 2wd (unless I spin, then hit VSC off)
2. 4hi (don't push anything)
3. 4 lo with ATRAC on (no reason to ever turn it off)
4. 4 lo with ATRAC plus diff lock (usually just because I can, not because I need it locked).

Have to say that #4 is badass, I call it Goat Mode.

 

I agree!

The 2WD Only Folks can push VSC Off to turn on AUTO LSD if they have excessive tire spin with the standard TRAC ON mode. We 4WD people can do that as well... but why? We have four wheel drive! AUTO LSD is traction control but without regulating engine output.

4hi the TRAC changes to 'AUTO LSD' (without pushing anything) in that there is no engine output regulation (like TRAC has in 2WD)... only Toyota calls it TRAC, even though it is the same as AUTO LSD, but on all 4 wheels.

Between 3 & 4, I have not noticed where the rear locker adds more than A-TRAC alone, however when in a serious situation (like pulling James up the Diablo Dropoff), I go ahead and lock the rear in addition to A-TRAC. Also, when cruising on a snowy/ muddy road I locked the rear and had no issues. A-TRAC only activates at 3mph or less with the rear locked, which is perfect as if you are not stuck or about to be stuck, no need for it.

All in all it is a gas to have a truck with so many traction options and so able to anywhere, stock!

 

Correct... but there is a mod that allows the locker to work anytime (hi/lo/2wd)... Otherwise, I bet the Toyota thinking is if you have a 4WD, you would use H4 first, L4 second, and the locker as a last resort? The sticker does say for emergency use only to get unstuck. Obviously, many here don't reserve that locker only to get unstuck.

 

i agree... i never do any off-roading. but i live in SD and we get lots of combinations of wet/snow/ice/slush... all i want to know is which one is best for driving on paved roads in slippery conditions, whether it be snow, slush, or icy. as it is, i never change it from whatever it was set on when i got the truck, assuming it was just set for normal driving conditions. figured at least i wouldn't screw anything up. is there a better option for the conditions i've described?

 

I presume you have a 2WD Taco? The normal setting (TRAC ON) will serve you as intended... and if and when you are stuck trying to drive away from a stop or park (because one tire is in slush), then PRESS the VSC OFF switch once, and this activates 'AUTO LSD' which is a 'stronger' limited slip to help power transfer to the tire on solid ground.

AUTO LSD is traction control without any engine output regulation. The standard TRAC in 2WD has engine regulation.

Once you are moving, press the VSC OFF switch again and return to TRAC. This also will happen automatically when you restart your truck.

A third traction choice you 2WD Tacos have is to turn off all traction controls and this is VSC OFF. Stop the truck, and while stopped press and HOLD in the VSC OFF switch for a few seconds until the VSC OFF light comes on. VSC OFF is no traction control, just plain old open differentials. This is if you want to spin the tire(s) to try and spin out of a stuck (if AUTO LSD doesn't do it).

So, to review... in 2WD (H2):
1) TRAC (limited slip traction control with engine regulation)
2) AUTO LSD (limited slip traction control without engine regulation)
3) VSC OFF (no traction controls)

All 4WD Tacos (since '09) also have:
4) H4 TRAC* (limited slip traction control on all 4 tires, without engine regulation)
5) H4 VSC OFF (no traction controls)
6) L4 (no traction controls)

4WD OFF ROAD Tacos (since '09) in addition have:
7) L4 + Locking Rear differential
8) L4 + A-TRAC (super limited slip on all 4 tires)
9) L4 + A-TRAC & Locking Rear differential

*TRAC in 4WD is the same process as AUTO LSD in 2WD, but on all 4 tires. That they call it TRAC instead of AUTO LSD is perhaps odd.

 

dang. these trucks have allot of stuff. i kinda like the trac stuff. (from the sound of it) my truck is a 2007 TRD OR 4wd. and all i have is 2wd 4hi and 4lo and locker. no VSC or ATRAC. ABS. i know when i put it in 4LO it turns off the ABS.

 

Same as my '01 and '05 Tacomas... the TRAC and A-TRAC on my '10 sure make it a awesome off roader (and it was great before)!

 

If you think that is bad ... think that Land Cruiser and Sequioa LTd/plat Have AWD added to the whole equation (edit: so now you have all modes +- Center Locked)
Not sure who in Toyota figured out that Soccer moms can handle all that.