4low-trac

Just curious, what are your experiences with the YWM in snow? I did the YWM yesterday and took it out to try in the snow. Four different times I tried starting in VERY limited traction situations and it did NOT get me out. Two times in 8-10" all 4 just dug myself deeper, then had to shovel my way out. Then twice on hard snow packed/icy hills. I would stop in the middle of the hill try to start from a stop. I would either just sit and spin or wheels would spin while I would slide backwards.

I am pretty sure that I did the YWM correctly. When I was stuck in deep snow, the 4Lo light would blink, and I would watch the left rear tire spin, then stop and I could hear the right rear spin and it would go back and forth.

Now, I am assuming my BFG AT's with 4/32's tread left didn't help the situation. I am long overdue for new tires. But that is a subject for another thread.

So, two questions:
1. What are your experiences in snow, either deep or hard packed?
2. I am assuming I did it correct (I have limited mechanical experience)? Since in 4lo I saw the tire spin alternating from side to side. In the past, while I was in 4lo the tires would just spin.

Just for the record. Disconnected battery. Pulled out first white clip of wires. I cut the second yellow wire (with the thin black line), and installed a switch that I attached to the inside of the glove box. My truck is 5+ years old and paid off so I am not worried about dealer and warranty. When I switch it off, the 4lo goes solid and tire just spins.

 

Nobody has any input in snow or mud? Only when a tire is lifted?

 

What are you asking about? This thread is about letting all (non-Off Road) 4WD Tacomas have some limited slip traction control in low range, something that Toyota only offers in the OFF ROAD TRD (A-TRAC).

 

David K,

So I know you have a pretty good handle on all the drive modes; But I am now confused... again. I did the yellow wire mod...

What should be indicated on the dash for each of the various drive modes?

I seem to remember the auto lsd light on when in 4Lo... but it does not come on now.... Then again, I only drive my truck a few times a year, so I may be wrong.

Anyone have a simplified "chart" ?

Jesse

 

I am aware of this. I have been following this thread for a while. I have performed the YWM, but it seems like every video or 'this mod rules' comment stems from peoples experience when a wheel is lifted or on a slick rock type scenario. I may never see either of those, but I will definitely see slick conditions such as snow, ice and slick mud (not deep, just 6-7" of slick stuff). I am just looking for people's feedback with these types of situations pre and post YWM.

 

sounds like its working to me, other wise you would only have the tire with the least traction spin. new tires will make a big difference.

 

I got some Cooper St. Maxx's and it's night and day difference. Had them in some mud last week and they just kept moving forward when I know my old BFG would have just sat and spun.

 

Hi Jesse, because I have an Off Road and A-TRAC, I have no need to do this mod. It is for the benefit of all 4WD Tacomas that are not Off Road TRDs. What has been reported in this thread is that the 4Lo light blinks, but there is no buzzer/ beeper when the mod is working in L4 (normally the light is solid and the beeping and blinking means you turned the dial to L4, but forgot to put the tranny in N neutral first)... ie. not engaged.

 

Cool, I have followed your post (and ensuing drama) on your thread comparing Atrac to Lockers.... I have the blinking 4Lo light,.... I get confused though with all the modes with and without pressing the VSC button. I thought you might have been able to clear that up. I just forget if the AUTO LSD light should come on with the YWM.... indicating that the LSD is activated F & R, as it lights up in 2WD...

Anyone?

Jesse

 

Click on the link in my sig to see the details on the VSC button. Here is a brief summary:

Since 2012 standard mode in H2 and H4 is TRAC ON (traction control with engine output regulation). Here is what the VSC button does:

H2:
*Quick Press = AUTO LSD/ TRAC OFF (traction control without regulation, VSC off to 30 mph)
**Stop and hold in button for 3+ seconds = VSC OFF (no traction control or VSC)

H4 (2012+):
*Quick Press = TRAC OFF (traction control without regulation)
**Stop and hold in button for 3+ seconds = VSC OFF (no traction control or VSC)

Press the button again or restart the truck and returns to TRAC ON.

TRAC (light limited slip) and TRAC OFF (strong limited slip) works on all four tires when in 4WD-HI.

There is no TRAC or TRAC OFF in LOW RANGE... that is what this mod does.

[I do not know if in TRAC OFF the VSC goes off in H4 up to 30 mph as it does in H2, as I have a 2010 and there is only the unregulated traction control on it and VSC is on]

 

Hey guys, I had the yellow wire mod done and working great but I just twin sticked my truck.

Anyone have a wiring diagram to of where the yellow wire comes from before going into the computer? Also is the computer it goes into the traction control computer? Thanks in advance!

 

^^Hard copies of the Electrical Wiring Diagram may still be available for earlier models with the 09+ wiring otherwise they have to be printed from Toy's TIS system. Otherwise, I have seen snipits of the page titled Multi Mode 4WD and Rear Differential Lock (4WD) have been printed several times here and there on TW.

FWIW, I have systematically attempted many of the wiring hacks for L4 several years back and reattempted all them again recently. I have always wanted to get the VSC out as it would make the truck more capable in L4 (by eliminating the lurking VSC) but it always whacks the system when I have tried. I pretty much have given up on this as I suspect it is a programming matter that can't be hacked on our end.

The yellow wire is a ground loop signal wire. From the point where it is being disconnected or "clipped" the wire continues directly to the 4WD ECU where it connects to Terminal 17 of the F13 Connector.

On the other end of the disconnect it continues via several internal junctions to the T3 Transfer Indicator Switch (L4 Position). When this switch is engaged it then ground connects to 2 engine grounds.

Not sure what you mean by "twin sticked" unless it means double-stuck. Ha. Sorry, got to laugh. The price of increased traction is always getting worse stuck. You aught to see the mess you can get into with double lockers....

 

No, I put a manual transfer case in so I don't have to fuck around with the electric actuator. It has 2 sticks, high low and 2wd 4wd.

Where you cut the yellow wire (as shown in post 1) isn't the 4wd ecu though... Is it the traction control ecu? He 4wd ecu is above those, directly above the latch for the glovebox. I'm trying to figure out how that wire terminates, guess I'll have to bust out the multimeter

 

avw4X4, the Skid Control/Traction Control/ABS Control are part of a single module located inside the engine compartment.

The pic you referenced is of Junction Box No. 2 and the topmost connector shown is the 22-pin PA connector.

Terminal 22 of the PA connector connects with the same yellow/black wire to the 4WD ECU at terminal 17 of the F13 connector on the ECU. The F13 is the largest of the two connectors on the 4WD ECU.

If you probe terminal 17 of the F13 connector on the 4WD ECU you should get continuity with both terminals 21, 22 of the PA connector, if not, the terminals are bridged underneath by a junction so make sure to account whether the yellow wire has been clipped or just disconnected.

Sorry I don't have an illustration to post.

 

No problem, haven't had time to play around with it yet anyways.


Thanks a bunch for the insight though!

 

I am thinking of doing this. It sounds awesome and easy!

Anyone have any problems afterwards?

I looked behind the glove box and found the second yellow wire down. It has the black stripe. However, it is not thinner than the top one. Is this the correct wire?

My plug looks different than the one shown in this thread. I have 2 columns of wires in this plug. Is it the second yellow wire down in the left collumn on this plug?



I just want to be 100% sure before I go in there and cut. I have an 09 4x4 dcsb with the V6. No TRD or SR5.

Thanks everyone!

 

bump

 

Yeah, second one down.

Atleast for 2010...

I also don't have that third yellow wire. Just cut it and see if it works, easy enough to put it back together.

 

I may have just answered my own question...

http://www.yotatech.com/f166/trac-4lo-yellow-wire-mod-2nd-gen-tacoma-264329/

The plug in that picture appaers to be the same set up as mine.

Still though... Anyone ever have any problems due to this mod? I cant find any.

I plan on doing this in the AM.

F'n A! I LOVE THIS FORUM!

 

How does 4lo trac work in sand? Probably won't ever do any serious off-roading or steep hills with uneven terrain where a tire will be in the air spinning. Just want to know if the truck will be much more capable in sand, and if it will better than 4hi with trac in getting unstuck on the beach. Thanks!