ATrac

Looking at a 2016 Taco. 4X4, Auto. No ATrac button just a knob on the overhead with 5 settings. Do any of them active an ATrac system?

 

From https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-trac-in-4lo-on-all-2016-4x4-models-non-trd-offroad.437814:

Just don't ask about how exactly 4wd or traction control works ... everybody around here seems to know a different answer.

 

I can explain how both work.

 

These guys could use some clarification https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-exactly-does-switching-to-h4-do.456662/

 

My truck came with an Atrac player as well as cassette.

 

oh wow

 

Yeah. And for Limited Slip / Trac etc, here's 67 pages of dudes "explaining" it https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-trac-trac-auto-lsd-explained-easy-to-understand-i-hope.70551/

 

Ok, So if the only way to get ATRAC is with the manual transmission that's fine. Then what are the 5 or so settings on the little knob on the overhead console?

 

It's your CRAWL control unit. I would search threads on that.

How can you have joined this site in 2009 and only have posted 7 times?

 

I joined last week and already have more than 7 posts. And yes, the cassete player only comes in the manuals, because we're old school and miss the Reagan years

 

It sounds cliché, but check out the section in your owners manual about those Multi Terrain Select / CRAWL settings. It's actually pretty useful.

 

Just when I thought I somewhat understood a-trac, and used it successfully on several occasions, out comes the MTS. The crawl I'm cool with in that the "knob" itself really only controls the speed at which the crawl control system works. What seems to be "overthought" by Toyota is the MTS. I just don't see how there can be that much difference in how this system operates for 1) Mud & Sand 2) Loose rock 3) Mogul 4) Rock and Dirt & 5) Rock.

I'm sure there is some science, math, and timing differences but does it really make a difference between 2) Loose rock and 4) Rock and Dirt. How about snow? I think per manual that falls in category 1) Mud & Sand. But this is the only part of the system that seems overkill in that it took a-trac and basically assigned it 5 different variables.

 

MTS is extremely effective though ... cause everyone was super stoked about it when the 3rd gen came out. Functional? Maybe. Effective marketing? You bet!

 

Thanks for all the input. However I still can't figure out if "The MTS or Crawl" uses any sort of front axle traction control to do it's job. I don't own a 2016 Taco so can't read the manual. Just looking for info to see if I want one. And since Outlier asked why I only have very few posts here, it's very simple. 1. I've never done many mods to the several Tacos I've owned so don't have many questions and 2. I usually can find answers in the trucks manual.
Thanks again. Guess I'll see if I can find an Owner's Manual on line and decide if I should shell out $38,000 for a new truck.

 

The mts is like atrac. It does work the front axle as well as the rear

 

Thanks Paul. I've been doing some reading like I usually do before shelling out big bucks of anything and came to the conclusion that MTS does work like atrac, maybe even better since you can set the amount of braking. With my 2013 I once had a left front off the ground by a foot and even with the rear locked I had to add a little manual braking to assist atrac to do it's job. Still think I'll wait to hear from other owners before trading in the 2013.

 

No, if he is talking about ATRAC, he means MTS. MTS is 5 settings of ATRAC. The dial is for both but there is one button for MTS and one for Crawl Control

 

"a knob on the overhead with 5 settings."...That makes no sense to me as only the Atrac system should have the crawl\MTS as opposed to a regular 4X4, unless something's changed.
The only models I know that come standard with it are the OR and limited. Others may correct me on this. The regular 4x4 on other models like my 4x4 SR5 have Trac/auto lsd and VSC controlled via regular ABS system.

But in the ATRAC equipped models, you're looking at a more advanced TRAC system. It also comes with and integrated all in one assembly, in which the Master brake cylinder, brake booster and ABS module are integrated and replaceable as one unit if any one should fail. It may also cost about $5k retail if any component in it should fail. I've had them on my 4R and never had an issue and they work wonderful.
But, with the right tires and some skill level, I can pretty much negate any advantage it may have over mine, so I'm not feeling like a step child here, but looking at a much lower part cost if it should fail out of warranty.

Hope that helps
Cheers!

 

These all sound like very complex systems, but they aren't as complex as you think. A-trac and crawl control all work off of the ABS system. Crawl control is essentially a cruise control utilizing the A-trac system. The MTS part basically adjusts the sensitivity of the ABS system. For example: rock mode won't allow for much slippage before ABS kicks in because it'll give you the best traction. Sand mode will do the opposite in that it'll allow much more slip before ABS kicks in.

My understanding is that the manuals don't offer crawl control, so they have A-trac instead while the automatics have crawl control. They're essentially the same systems, but work in slightly different ways.

Hope that helps, in case you didn't get your answer since this was posted.