Traction Controls 2009-2015

The Buttons do what? A discussion with simple answers to what the (up to) 10 drive modes some models have and how to use them.

Limited Slip systems called TRAC, AUTO LSD, TRAC OFF and A-TRAC use engine output regulation and/or brake force to a non-traction (spinning) tire to transfer drive power to tires that have traction and can move you ahead.
Some are automatic and others require a selection to have greater traction control or no traction control.

The newer 2012+ term TRAC OFF in H4, is the same degree of control as what was called TRAC (in H4) in 2009. TRAC in 2012 became an engine output regulated traction control in H4, as it is in H2.

2009-2011:

Press Nothing...

H2= TRAC (Limited Slip with Engine Output Regulation)
H4= TRAC (Limited Slip without Engine Regulation, front and rear)
L4= No Traction Control
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick Press (VSC OFF SWITCH) moving or stopped...

H2= AUTO LSD (Limited Slip without Engine Output Regulation, VSC OFF to 30 mph)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press and Hold In 3-5 seconds (VSC OFF SWITCH) while stopped...
H2= VSC OFF (No Traction Control)
H4= VSC OFF (No Traction Control)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Road TRD:

Quick Press of RR Lock Switch= Rear differential Locker (L4 only on 4WD models)
L4 Only: Quick Press of A-TRAC Switch= Front and Rear near-no slip traction control. A-TRAC works the front tires if speed drops below 3 mph, if the Rear Locker is also on.
======================================================================

2012 + (chages in bold)


Press Nothing...

H2= TRAC (Limited Slip with Engine Output Regulation)
H4= TRAC (Limited Slip with Engine Output Regulation, front and rear)
L4= No Traction Control
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick Press (VSC OFF SWITCH) moving or stopped...

H2= AUTO LSD (Limited Slip without Engine Output Regulation, VSC OFF to 30 mph)
H4= TRAC OFF (Limited Slip without Engine Output Regulation)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press and Hold In 3-5 seconds (VSC OFF SWITCH) while stopped...
H2= VSC OFF (No Traction Control)
H4= VSC OFF (No Traction Control)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Road TRD:

Quick Press of RR Lock Switch= Rear differential Locker (L4 only on 4WD models)
L4 Only: Quick Press of A-TRAC Switch= Front and Rear near-no slip traction control. A-TRAC works the front below 3 mph when the Rear Locker is also on.
==========================================================================

What should you use?
Standard Mode until you lose traction, then quickly press the VSC OFF button to increase the power of your traction control (more engine RPM, stronger braking on the spinning tires).

In L4 (Low Range) and your tires spin, press the A-TRAC button (Off Road TRD only) to nearly lock-up any spin. I always have A-TRAC on in L4... unless you need to spin the mud out of the tires.

Emergency stuck if A-TRAC doesn't work in any situation, press the RR Lock button (works with or without A-TRAC working on the front tires). The rear locker connects both rear tires from inside the differential (0 spin). Turn off RR Locker, once you are unstuck.

1) H2 TRAC
2) H2 AUTO LSD (VSC OFF to 30 mph)
3) H2 VSC OFF
4) H4 TRAC
5) H4 TRAC OFF
6) H4 VSC OFF
7) L4 VSC OFF
8) L4 & A-TRAC
9) L4 & Rear Locker
10) L4 & Rear Locker & A-TRAC

 

IBTL!

 

:

 

I curious to what is happening in 4L on a sport model? No electronic help or all?

 

open diff in 4lo on sport models...

 

and this is why you do the yellow wire mod...

Or

Just do the smart thing and buy the Off Road ... locker is so much better than simulated lsd's or an actual lsd.

 

Thats all fine and dandy in the states where you can get an OR package in a double cab. Those such models are not available in Canada. Which ever asshat thought that was a great idea obviously doesnt know much. For me, however, an access cab is not feasable, so I had to go with the sport model, and its good to know we have at least some way of modding our trucks to overcome the stupid open diff only in 4L that toyota thought was a great idea.

 

Why don't you guys in the Great White North make the calls to Toyota of Canada and demand a double cab Off Road TRD? A little 'revolution' against unfair practices can be good! Is buying one down here and importing it just out of the question? I hope for the best for all of you...

I am on my second Double Cab Off Road 4x4 and my third Tacoma 4x4 Off Road. All three were good trucks, but this one is the best!

 

Thanks, David! That's the best description yet. It's easy to understand and I might be able to remember all the modes now.

 

Thanks for the write up David!

 

Glad it helps... I need to put things down 'on paper' to understand things better!

 

I would have loved to have gotten an OR....but its not available in DC/LB.

 

Thanks for this info David

 

They should just add a locker option to the Sport

 

Nice!

 

No, because the Sport is not an Off Road.

What they should do is sell the Double Cab Off Road in Canada!

 

Without getting into this whole Sport vs Offroad BS , seriously , Toyota should offer a locker as an option in the DCLB Sport

Then they would have all the bases covered

 

^^^ this

 

other than the locker whats the difference?