3rd Gen Traction Control Modes Explained

AWD and 4x4 are totally different systems, Apple's to Oranges.

 

TRAC is a traction aid used to limit slip using engine management and brakes.
A-TRAC is a traction aid used to match wheel speed side-to-side using brakes.
Torque vectoring is more of a steering aid used to distribute torque side-to-side via computer-controlled clutch packs on the differential.

 

Those other replies plus, most of what we see on the 3rd Gens existed on the 2nd Gens. None of this is in response to any other brand, just killer design.

 

I finally found a spot to test on a loading dock ramp! It was steeper than ideal and I didn't have a spotter, so I couldn't test any engine limiting inputs.



I'll post up the updated file in a while .

 

I’m very aware of 4wd vd awd. I’ve owned a 4Runner, 2 Audi’s and a Subaru. However, I’m wondering about the traction benefits of torque vectoring over braking based traction control.

 

Right, but has anyone actually compared one to the other in terms of traction? I wonder if applying torque mechanically aids or detracts in traction vs reducing engine power and braking.

 

True, but there wasn’t trac in 4wd low on 2nd gen nontrd unless I misunderstood the earlier thread?

 

I would imagine torque vectoring relies on steering angle and wheel speed sensors for control. I think a more oranges to lemons comparison would be VSC vs torque vectoring.
Torque vectoring wouldn't do much good without steering angle input. I'm sure the Ridgeline has other systems to aid in that regard. Those are what you need to compare to TRAC and A-TRAC.

 

I am sorry that I didn't notice earlier. My Sport table was the same as the OR. I have it fixed to agree with what I found.

Attached is the updated file. @Doggman, can you please update the first post? Thanks!

When I get a spotter or a good hill climb, I will update it again, esp about any engine limitations.

BTW, for any locals, here is where I found that dock ramp:
https://goo.gl/maps/WtyjqJBN1pr

As noted above, the sides are steep.

 

I think it was said that the 2012s through 2015s got some TRAC functions?

 

I think an edit has to be made for 4LO. It’s not just a lsd, but a strong lsd like the 2WD cell has.

 

I am sorry, but I can't yet confirm that. There was certainly no delay in forward motion each time I tested it. I just don't know if it is a full lock.

I do feel that I could have bulled up that loading dock if I let it.

Let me put it this way. I associate Strong LSD with A-TRAC and LSD with TRAC.

Whatever is going on, I have lost any desire for a mechanical locker for what I want to use the Taco for.

 

Find a very steep hill to climb.

 

Agreed. The problem in this area is that the nearest open offroad area is an hour in any direction and this time of year most are closed for winter sports only. It's the same crappy story for good twisties for motorcycles. An hour of either slab, traffic lights, or slow ass cars to get to the good stuff. The really good stuff is out of state.

I am heading out for some wheeling and camping in the middle of February. That will hopefully be the next chance to really sort out the modes while climbing.

 

Here's a pic of the side slope:



Looks like a bit less than 45deg. I would have liked a shallow 30deg or so to goof off by myself.

 

Thank you for the diligence.
Can you update the v106 file (here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-traction-control-modes-explained.530695/#post-16989891) And label and rename 107 and upload.

Just to verify, in 4hi quick press you did see brake firing for lsd? My data showed open diff and 'TRAC-OFF' for this condition (in OR auto). (I am on phone, so errors in data analysis much more likely for me.) Wish we could have had a first post that 4 or 5 of us could edit for latest data...

 

Cool, how did you find? Dont work for boeing do you?

 

Will do!

4Hi for mine is a that way, backwards from the OR. I did that test a couple times to verify the light was flashing. It didn't hesitate and moved along just like the 4Lo default.

I was driving around all the hilly business parks that I knew off. I did work for Boeing after college, but I wasn't there long. I needed a smaller company. I'm still in aerospace.

 

Cool
We definitely have updates to make then. Plot thickens. Love it.

Stress Analyst here. Primarily Part 23 expertise. Metallc stress analysis, test, and MRB for the most part...

 

I'm there with you!

I started in design but jumped to stress when I left. Mainly Part 25, but we take on Parts 23, 27, and 29 from time to time. We're mostly secondary structure but are doing antenna FEMs, ferry tank approvals, and VIP interior completions. On the side, we are trying to get some non-structural 3D printed parts certified.

Sometimes, it is way too many pokers in the fire!