DAC, anybody else almost sh@t themselves after using it

I read the manual yes, I even have a few book marks in it, so I know it reads it'll make a noise when activating, but it sounded like transmission was going to fall out. Does anybody know how it works, is it the transmission down shifting or the brakes chattering?

 

http://parts.olathetoyota.com/blog/7249/hac-dac-explained

How DAC Works
This system is for the other side of the hill you’ve just ascended. It works by noting the incline of the hill, presumably with the same sensors that work for the HAC. From here, the system keeps the speed of the car below 15mph. Working alongside the ABS and traction control built into the car, it constantly monitors and adjusts the amount of power and brakes applied to each wheel, allowing for the car to safely negotiate difficult terrain. It removes a lot of the driver error involved on going downhill.

 

You mean the sound of steel cables about to snap?

Yeah, I just got used to it. Only used it a few times going down steep hills. Kinda neat. Just ABS working.

 

Just curious because I don't have it, but how is it different than just using 4lo in 1st gear? Does it move even slower?

Sometimes even when going down really steep declines in 4lo/1st gear I have to give it gas because it's moving so slowly

 

Working alongside the ABS and traction control built into the truck, DAC monitors and adjusts the amount of power and brakes applied to each wheel. Your right... it sounds scary.

 

Didn't know tacomas had it

 

15MPH?

No wonder I couldn't get it to engage! I was on a rocky slope that you wouldn't want to go over 5mph on. I didn't and kept applying the brakes. Seriously, 15mph and you'd be bouncing off the road.

 

Actually, from the description, it does more than just keeping it below 15mph. It applies different braking forces to each wheel, depending on how the truck is behaving down the slope, to keep the truck in the most stable position.

Going down a steep, slippery, rocky slope is very different than a smooth slope. If braking all 4 wheels, your truck can still slide or slip off the rocks, sending your truck sideways. DAC allows for certain wheels to spin to compensate.

At least that's how I understand its function.

 

Thank you folks, besides hearing other people's reaction to it makes me feel better I'm not alone, but more importantly thank you for explains how it works. I honestly thought the sound was coming from the transmission and I was somehow damaging it

 

You have to take your foot off the brake pedal to engage DAC
http://www.ttguide.net/downhill_assist_control_system-72.html

 

You've misread my statement. I took my foot off the brake. When the truck began to exceed a safe speed for the conditions I reapplied the brakes. If the DAC truly lets your vehicle get to 15mph then it would be dangerous to rely on in a situation where 3 to 5mph would be a safe speed. I wasn't riding the brake and expecting the DAC to work.

Looking at the link it states the DAC won't engage if you are travelling over 15mph.

 

DAC is a nice thought for the autos, but just does not compare to manual 1st gear in 4low.

 

When I use DAC, my truck doesn't even get close to 15mph....I'd say it's closer to 5.

This is steeper than it appears...was recently using it.