ATRAC....

Quick question here as I don't have my manual with me today to look this up.I engaged ATRAC for the first time today and is there an indicator light that let's you know it was engaged on the gauge cluster?

 

Yes, there is. It would be green under your tach.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-controls-trac-auto-lsd-trac-rear-locker.html

 

Matt, Thanks so much for that link lots of info there looks like something may be wrong as I don't have any indication that it's engaged.....

 

Were you in 4-lo?

 

Yep, as I started in 4 Hi as I was crossing a muddy small/medium ditch median this morning to turn around from some heavy traffic from an accident not thinking I would sink about 20 inches....

I started slipping real bad went to 4 Lo with A-TRAC and no light came on I got out without any issues just no indication of A-TRAC engaged.

Saturday I will take in to the dealer and have them look at it to see whats up as it is under warranty.

 

Is ATRAC supposed to be engaged simply by pushing the button once you are already in 4-Lo, or is there some other series of events needed ... like shift to neutral, etc?

 

I have never actually used A-TRAC so I don't know exactly how to tell if it is on other than the light. I know sometimes it takes the locker a few feet to click in so maybe that could be it. Before you go to the dealer I would try it again in a controlled setting like your driveway or something and go from there.

 

Good advice. I tested out my rear locker for the first time in a parking lot and started to panic because I was having trouble unlocking after that. Turns out you need to roll to about 5mph before the locker indicator light turns off.

 

I just went out and tried it again and no indicator light for A-TRAC in 4 lo or 4 hi.

I will take it in this weekend as they have some warranty parts that came in that have to be replaced.....

 

I don't know if i'm remembering correctly, don't you have to hold the atrac button down for a few seconds?

(or was that the side airbag button...)

 

^ ok.. I was probably thinking about the side airbags roll switch then.

 

I've used ATRAC a couple of times when I actually needed it, and played with it a few more times. So far I've been pretty impressed with it on the sand.

The one thing I'd make sure of is that the truck was able to get into 4lo. It may take a little bit of rolling for things to slip in. Once you know your in 4lo if you push ATRAC the light should come on right away. You may not notice any driving difference if the system doesn't need to engage. If it does you should hear it.

Good luck to the OP, hopefully something simple.

 

No sound at all when pushed.....

 

Thanks 02 it will be at the dealer this weekend let them figure it out....

 

Yeah you can leave the atrac button pushed in, (in the on position) and it will auto turn on in 4lo. As soon as the 4lo light is activated on the dash the atrac will light up.

Check fuses but if its under warranty take her in so its documented.

 

Just left the dealer as I stopped by on my way home one of the Male Pin
terminal connectors was not making contact (pushed out) in the weather park harness is what I was told....

Everything seems to be business as normal with function of A-TRAC and dash indicator light.....

 

Nice, glad it was something simple.

 

you have to be stopped and in neutral. I fiddled with mine in the driveway and the light would not come on unless I was in neutral

 

Glad it is on now...

In review, A-TRAC is electronic, so no needing to roll a few feet or turn the wheel like you need to sometimes to get the rear locker to engage or disengage.

A-TRAC can (and should be in my opinion) left on all the time (ie. depress button once when you first go into L4). It only works in low range.

In H4, the TRAC syetem is on automatically... so in L4, the A-TRAC should also be on, by the same logic.

A-TRAC stops any free spinning of tires that are in the air as you crawl up or over uneven terrain, ruts, or big rocks. Without the A-TRAC (or locking differentials) a free spinning tire would take all the power from the other tire on the same axle. If one tire in front and one in the rear spin, then you stop moving. A-TRAC keeps you moving, and with just one tire on solid ground (front or rear), the A-TRAC will free your truck and move you ahead!

A-TRAC only works if you have tire spin, so (unlike lockers) it doesn't affect steering.

It makes some weird noises, and that is normal. The DAC also works using the same parts and makes weird noises... but works great to control your downhill movement and prevent roll overs.

 

The how to use 4WD card in in your sun visor, and there's always the owner's manual too.