Multi-terrain Select (MTS) not activating

I think this warrants a separate thread, as I seem to have identified the issue.

For context: I installed the VLEDs footwell light kit last year. Shortly after that, I started getting a "Shift to 4L" error notification on my dash. I realize that this pops up whenever the auto-headlights would turn off. I tried to re-seat the connection for the VLED V2 harness and it seemed to have fixed the problem initially, as the auto-headlight turning off would not trigger the "Shift to 4L" message anymore. However, the issue showed again the next day and I tried reseating the connection to no avail.

I also discovered that the MTS is not activating; pressing the button does nothing. Perhaps this is where the "Shift to 4L" message was coming from. I tried disconnecting the VLED harness and directly connecting the original overhead harness and the MTS was still not activating. This makes me think that its likely the overhead console that has a problem.

Can anyone with a TRDOR AT please confirm that pressing the MTS button on 2Hi/4Hi will show a "Shift to 4L" message? Also called the dealer and inquired about a warranty appointment, but they want to run their own diagnostics first (189CAD/hr fee) before categorizing the issue.

I'm trying to decide on a path forward hopefully sometime soon.

 

Until a better answer comes along, I'm pretty sure MTS only works in 4LO.

 

Are in 4lo when you engage MTS? It’s only available in 4lo.

What are you expecting to happen when you engage MTS? Are you looking for a dash light indicator? MTS won’t do anything functional until wheels start slipping.

 

Yes, I was in 4Lo when I tried engaging MTS.

Pressing MTS does not bring up a notification and the dial does not bring up the different terrain options.

 

Sorry I’m not familiar with MTS as I have a manual transmission and A-TRAC. I don’t think there is any notification or dash indicator for A-TRAC, but I also very rarely turn it off, so I may have never noticed one.

To be sure MTS is not engaged I would probably drive the truck into a situation that causes wheel slip. It will be obvious if it is or is not engaged.

 

MTS shows up in the dashboard display.
I can't remember if you're supposed to be in 'N' when activating MTS.

If shift to 4L comes up....maybe something is wrong with the actuator and you aren't really in 4L?

 

I can activate Crawl Control though and the 4L lights pop up.

 

Have you used MTS before or is this the first time?

 

Last Friday was the first time I've ever used MTS. Since getting the truck in 2021.

 

Have you tried uninstalling the VLED lights?

 

I have, yes. Not fully, but I have tried unplugging the harness and directly connecting the overhead harness. Switched to 4L and tried to engage MTS but it did not activate.

 

Out of curiosity, what is a VLED?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/footwell-lights-that-don’t-suck.735488/

https://www.vleds.com/3g-tacoma-dua...e1iYC8tYZM66WjCS_9-9t8Fj2mh0wUy07edlVfhV6cQso

I reached out to VLED support as well and I got asked to confirm whether any of the male pins were bent. I did check and it was all clear, nothing bent on the harness.

 

How are you determining that crawl control is engaged? Dash lights?

If I were you, to verify that MTS is engaged, I would find a place where you get wheel slip. Your problem might be incorrect user expectation or indicator light malfunction.

It’s obvious when MTS/A-TRAC is working because it makes a bunch of noise. And if you pick a wheel or two off the ground, you will also feel it kick in. Leave the rear locker off during this test.

 

RE: Crawl Control engaged - my understanding is that it will function like cruise control on 4L. Dash notification pops up saying and the dial control works for the sensitivity settings.

RE: MTS - I have looked at videos and it seems that it was supposed to have a dash notification as well and turning the dial should flip through the options (MOGUL, MUD AND SAND, etc.).

I suppose I'm a bit apprehensive on sending the truck for diagnostics. I am for sure out of the 3 yr / 60,000 km bumper to bumper warranty, but I still have the 5 yr / 100,000 km powertrain warranty (which I think MTS is part of?). On the other hand, it took me four years to even try to use MTS so I am not seeing the value in getting it repaired. But at the same time, a part of me still wants to get it looked at.

 

My MTS comes on flawlessly - shows on the dash, and I get to rotate the knob to look at different pictures.
Beyond that I've not noticed that there was any benefit or performance gain to MTS.

For me off road:
4H gets me 95% of the places
4L gets me 4.5%
Locked gets me the last 0.5%

I've used crawl control and it is a luxury but nothing I ever needed.
MTS - It's just pretty dashboard pictures. Get's a lot more fun to use when you make Transformer Noises with your voice when you shift pictures though.

 

Thanks. Would you be able to check if pressing the MTS button while not in 4L will result in "Shift to 4L" message?

Even if I send the truck to diagnostics. Debating even whether to pull out the VLED footwell harness... it's probably a small issue but its agonizing.

 

MTS/A-TRAC is IMHO opinion far superior to the rear locker because it works on both axles, the front axle provides 60% of traction due to weight distribution, and doesn’t interfere with steering.

It’s also potentially less likely to cause a diff or axle to fail.

The only disadvantage I’ve observed is that there is a small delay between the time there is wheel slip and it kicks in. It’s a reactive system.

 

Here's what I get when pressing the MTS button in 2WD. I also have the VLEDS footwell lights version with the harness in the overhead area vs the A-pillar.

 

Maybe I need to ride with someone that knows how to use theirs. Clearly I'm not pushing it to the limit.
I wonder why they can't get it to run in 4HI? Seems to me that would be the place you would want it.