[Don Taco]

First of all, I've searched this deal on another forum and also watching vids on youtube about the different traction controls.

But I'm still a little confused in one scenario. The road is up hill and narrow in some areas. There have been times where I would have to pull over to the side for big trucks. Now stopped and with the drive wheel in loose dirt, here's the kicker. I just traded in a 2008 Off Road (limited edition? It had mountain decals in the rear) that had no traction control whatsoever or VSC. This 2012 Off Road is chaulk full of traction controls.

Now from what I understand, the Taco comes with VSC and TRAC as standard. It also comes with ATRAC, which I understand is only to be used in 4LO. But it's the Auto LSD that confuses me. It seems like it's the same as TRAC.

Now would I have to engage Auto LSD as I drive up the hill and then disengage when on flat part of road for the above mentioned? Or would TRAC be sufficient, and I should engage Auto LSD when it's raining heavily?

Going down is a problem too. I used to have to stop and engage 4H if someone was going up and I had to give right of way. Backing up on a steep hill with a truck with an open diff...forget it. I'm hoping TRAC can take care of this scenario also. And leave Auto LSD for the serious weather.

Now why not try it and find out? Honestly, it's just confusing with the exception of ATRAC and VSC. Experience speaks a thousand words.

Later days and thank you.

LOL. I just checked preview post, man, I forgot I had that sig! But that's the 2008.

 

[05Moose]

I can think of a couple situations where you want an LSD (or auto LSD in your case) and have TRAC turned off (which is the only time auto LSD comes on). Sand and certain situations in snow. You do not want TRAC on in sand, and in some cases you have to turn off TRAC in snow to get unstuck (if you're stopped in deep snow and all 4 wheels spin, it throttles down to where you can't move). I haven't gotten in a situation like that in the snow in our Highlander, but I read about a lot of grumbling by people with RAV4's that didn't have the button to turn if off (I believe it's in the newer RAV4's, but don't quote me on that).

But for the situations you're describing (and almost all situations), you'll want TRAC on. Traction control is gold IMO.

Note: Auto LSD comes ON automatically when you turn TRAC OFF. And ATRAC is basically TRAC at lower speeds in 4Lo.

In layman's terms, TRAC and VSC are almost the same thing. One just deals with traction in general, the other deals with lateral movement (like slipping on a corner which will cause a nice beeping inside the truck when it applies brakes and adjusts the throttle on you). They both essentially (generalizing here) do the same thing on the Taco. Now on the Highlander with it's electric steering, VSC will actually make it harder to steer in a direction that will make the situation worse (at least, that's what the manual says as I haven't tested this out).

 

[Don Taco]

Thank you!

You're the first one to make it "clear."

I'll test it heading down hill today to work. And stop at the place where backing up on 4H is a must.

Thanks again brutha. Your perspective did it.

 

[Don Taco]

It wasn't a good time to try. The rains yesterday washed away the loose stuff, grime, etc.

I'll report back when I can.

Thanks again. Your perspective was very helpful.

 

[Don Taco]

Worked like a charm.

I was going to work earlier this week, and it was real damp outside. Got to the point in the road that is the steepest, with the road wet and greasy from all the heavy trucking...put it in reverse with the open diff only and the traction control kicked butt.

Nice not to have to set 4H anymore.