Sold my old, but competent, full-size '98 Montero and purchased a 2012 base Highlander AWD. What a difference on the highway! Anyway, I read the sticky discussion about DAC, Snow mode, etc. but still had a few questions that the owner's manual doesn't discuss. I'm mostly concerned about doing something stupid (but accidental) that would harm my new debt.
The manual says that DAC operates at 3 mph. What happens if the DAC button was pressed at 10 mph?
What about 60 mph?
Same question about the Snow button and the TRAC off button.
I assume Toyota has safeguards in place that overide using these buttons at inappropriate speeds--but I would like to hear from those with the experience.
Sold my old, but competent, full-size '98 Montero and purchased a 2012 base Highlander AWD. What a difference on the highway! Anyway, I read the sticky discussion about DAC, Snow mode, etc. but still had a few questions that the owner's manual doesn't discuss. I'm mostly concerned about doing something stupid (but accidental) that would harm my new debt.
The manual says that DAC operates at 3 mph. What happens if the DAC button was pressed at 10 mph?
What about 60 mph?
Same question about the Snow button and the TRAC off button.
I assume Toyota has safeguards in place that overide using these buttons at inappropriate speeds--but I would like to hear from those with the experience.
Thanks
snow mode only changes transmission/engine characteristics. If you press this while driving it will go into snow mode, you will notice the change in the accelerator feel (it will be less responsive), that is all, it won't hurt a thing. Its meant to be used at speed. Press again to disengage snow mode.
As for TRAC, it works at any speed (you have to hold it down 2-3 sec though). All it does is disengage traction control. You can do it any speed, again won't hurt a thing, granted you could spin the tires if you punch the accelerator (well maybe not on your AWD, but my FWD will). Press it again to re-engage trac.
I don't know about DAC (my FWD doesn't have it), but I guarantee it will beep at you, complain, and not do anything if you try an press it above 3mph. so no worries, your new car isn't going to explode
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2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
The Following User Says Thank You to sweeneyp For This Useful Post:
I don't know about DAC (my FWD doesn't have it), but I guarantee it will beep at you, complain, and not do anything if you try an press it above 3mph. so no worries, your new car isn't going to explode
^ you are correct - it will not engage above 3mph. IIRC the light blinks and doesn't do anything so no harm!
DAC and you have to be in Manual mode and in 1st gear so if you press it in drive nothing will happen except it will beep at you and say "Naughty Boy!"
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2008 Highlander Limited AWD, Silver, SmartKey, VSC/TRAK, Bluetooth, Remote Start, No Nav, Tow package/hitch/color matched fascia, roof rack cross rails, Color keyed mud guards, Camry trumpet horns
TRAC: You can only turn it off when the vehicle is not in motion. You cannot turn it off as you are driving. Press it once to turn it off, press it again to turn it on.
VSC: You can turn it off with the vehicle stationary, press and hold the TRAC until you see the VSC Off light turn on. When you do that, you will turn off both TRAC and VSC. You cannot turn off VSC and keep TRAC on.
Cheers
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Jason W
MY03 Green RAV4: the utility vehicle
MY06 SGM Subaru WRX Wagon: power + suspension + brake upgrades + tune by Diebold Motorsports = all weather interceptor
MY12 MGM Highlander Sport: aka "The Bus"
The Following User Says Thank You to Subaryota For This Useful Post:
Thanks for the clarification. I get to drive to work in the snow tomorrow--my first time in the new Toy. Probably be stressed the entire drive. I know the HL will perform well--it's the other drivers that scare me.
All those automatic drive controls are a bit disconcerting at first. Today was the first day of slippery roads for my HL. When one goes into a skid.. there is a flashing light on the dash and quite a lurch when, I am assuming, power is applied to the rear drive and the skid is stabilized. Definitely a different characteristic than any other all wheel drive vehicle I have owned
Thanks for the clarification. I get to drive to work in the snow tomorrow--my first time in the new Toy. Probably be stressed the entire drive. I know the HL will perform well--it's the other drivers that scare me.
Be wary, the OEM tires are the HL's Achille's Heel.
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(but accidental) that would harm my new debt.
Linear Mode
