4x4 advise

donut757 · Jan 3, 2018

i tried to read through the 70 something page thread about the TRAC and 4H/4L and the various choices.

My head is spinning. My 2012 Reg Cab Tacoma is manual. What do all the buttons do for driving in 2wd and 4wd?

This hunting season, i have used it in 4H and 4L but it was nothing crazy but i guess did what it was suppose to do.

Im just confused as to what hitting this button or that button, or holding this or that down for 3 seconds really does. Trails on the hunting land and snow are what i encounter. Not hill climbs or deep mud or anything extreme... any help appreciated dudes.

Sprig · Jan 3, 2018

Here is a question I asked and the answer, this may help -
I read the first couple pages of this thread and find the information clear and understandable. Excellent well thought out. Thank you for all your time and effort. I have a question which is I’m sure already answered but I’m asking anyway. I have a 2009 TRD Sport 4x4. Are you saying that when I’m in 4H the limited slip is automatically working? Also does the limited slip in 4H work with just the rear wheels or with the the front also? I do not have A Trac.
2009-2011 Sport (and all other 4WD models):

Toyota's TRAC (limited slip) in H4 works on all 4 wheels.
In H4, the engine output regulation (throttle cut) is OFF. This is the stronger level of traction control. No button push needed. This is equivalent to AUTO LSD in H2 (also called TRAC OFF).

In 2012, they added a button push to turn the engine regulation off (TRAC OFF MODE) and made the standard mode TRAC with engine regulation, as it is in H2.

I agree this whole thing is confusing and mind boggling. The bottom line is you will get the best traction when in 4wd High as you will have 4wd and automatic limited slip on all 4 wheels without touching any buttons. The limited slip is automatic when in 4H.
Read the last 4 or 5 pages of that 72 page thread and I think it will answer your questions. If not ask a specific question on that thread and the OP who is expert on the subject will clear everything up for you.

gearcruncher · Jan 4, 2018

A-TRAC/TRAC/AUTO LSD Explained
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...uto-lsd-explained-easy-understand-i-hope.html

TRACTION CONTROL 2009-2014
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/310726-traction-controls-2009-2014-a-3.html

Boyk1182 · Jan 4, 2018

Here is something I copied and pasted from another thread, because the VSC/TRAC is ass backwards in how you apply it and read the dash lights (in my opinion at least). If you read this a few times, you should get it:

When a wheel or wheels spin it means you have lost traction, not moving (or moving efficiently), and may be stuck.

Traction Control (TRAC) is to assist in regaining traction by altering the action that is losing traction.

Example: In 2WD, you step on the gas to move and one tire spins because it is on ice, mud, snow, sand while the other tire is on firmer ground.

1) Standard mode is TRAC and it goes into action by cutting the engine output (since stepping on the gas is not helping) and applies brake pressure to the spinning tire. This transfers rotation energy to the other tire with traction.

IF THAT ISN'T ENOUGH >>> PRESS the VSC OFF BUTTON once:

2) AUTO LSD does not cut the engine output (or as much) and only applies brake force to the spinning tire to the degree the power is balanced with the traction tire. VSC goes off to 30 mph then comes back on.

If your tires are packed and need to be cleaned out or unrestricted tire spinning is desired >>> Press and hold in for 3+ seconds the VSC OFF button, while stopped:

3) VSC OFF MODE is to turn off bothtraction control and VSC (stability control) for no brake action or throttle restriction.

Those with 4WD models should utilizetheir transfer case and front drive if wheel spin occurs in 2WD.

4) Standard mode in H4 (4WD HighRange) is TRAC, as in #1 it cuts engine output and applies brake pressure on any front or rear tire that spins.

IF THAT ISN'T ENOUGH >>> PRESS the VSC OFF BUTTON once:

5) TRAC OFF MODE does not cut the engine output so you have unrestricted power on the traction tires while spinning tires get braked to slow their spin.

If your tires are packed and need to becleaned out or unrestricted tire spinningis desired >>> Press and hold in for 3+ seconds the VSC OFF button, whilestopped:

6) VSC OFF MODE is to turn off bothtraction control and VSC (stability control) for no brake action or throttle restriction.

7) Standard mode in L4 (4WD low range) is VSC OFF (no traction control or stability control).

8) A-TRAC/MTS with A-TRAC button pressed or multi-terrain dial used, the truck has traction control on the front and rear that nearly matches locking differentials for the amount of spin control. Always use this when in L4 unless spinning tires is desired. This mode should be all the Tacoma needs for any off roading. Only use #9 or #10 if #8 does not move your truck.

9) Locking Rear Differential. To be used for emergency only per Toyota. Locks the rotation of both rear tires together. Steering control is affected, so it is recommended to only use to get unstuck and not over 5 mph.

10) A-TRAC/MTS + Locking Rear Differential. This adds near locker-like spin control on the front tires while the rear is locked. Use for emergencyperhaps when pulling a stuck vehicle. Maximum traction, but use only instraight runs and only as long as needed.
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4x4 advise

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