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Old 07-31-2022, 08:03 PM #1
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A-TRAC vs MTS and When To Use Them

A-TRAC vs MTS and When To Use Them

For a lot of new first time 4runner owners, the 4Runner comes with a lot of new cool Off-Road function such as A-TRAC (Active Traction Control), Crawl Control and MTS (Multi Terrain Select). Initially using these features can be intimidating and confusing. The most difficult was trying figure under what circumstances should I use A-TRACS and MTS. So, I began doing some research. I started with the manual, then watched a lot of videos, asked many questions on this forum and even talked to the dealers, who were not much help. I was finally able to understand how each system worked but when to use A-TRACs or MTS still eluded me. To me they both performed basically the same function, but if that was the case why did Toyota made two similar functions? There must have been a reason. As much as I researched I couldn't find a satisfactory answer. However, a few months ago, I was finally able to talk to a Toyota engineer at HQ and he finally gave me the answer I was looking for.

But before we get to that, if you’re new to the 4Runner let go over the two functions for a better understanding.

A-TRAC – A-TRAC works essentially as a faux differential locker. As a wheel starts spinning freely because it has come off the ground or is in loose dirt, torque wants to take the path of least resistance and will shift power to the free spinning wheel, thus robbing the opposite wheel with contact to the ground of torque and traction. A-TRAC use the computer braking system to apply the breaks on the free spinning wheel or wheels. This forces power and torque to the opposing wheel which has contact with the ground to give it traction and get you out of a stuck situation.

MTS – Where A-TRAC uses the computer braking system to optimize traction, MTS primarily uses throttle control to do this but it will also engage A-TRAC if needed. Also in some off-road situations, wheel slipping can be helpful and MTS allows limited slipping depending on the terrain selected. This slipping is controlled primarily by throttle control but if slipping becomes excessive or the vehicle encounters a free spinning wheel then A-TRAC is engaged.

So when is it best to use A-TRAC or MTS? The engineer explained to me, A-TRAC is a bit more aggressive and Crawl Control is very aggressive compared to MTS. This is because both systems rely heavily on the braking system to optimize traction. Used for a long period of time can cause the brakes and the transmission to over heat and potentially cause damage. However, the system is supposed to disengage before it gets to this point. Because the MTS first choice is to used throttle control to regulate traction and A-TRAC as a back up it puts less stress on these systems and is better in avoiding over heating of the brakes and transmission. So according to this engineer your best to start off with the MTS but if more aggressive traction is needed switch to A-TRAC or Crawl Control. Also, MTS is better suited for longer drive time.

So here is the general guidelines I would use.

MTS
Best used for general off-roading and light and moderate hill climbing and descending.
Mud and Sand selection is the only function that can operate in 4H and 4L. All other selection can operate in 4L only.

A-TRAC
Best used for moderate and difficult hill climbing and descending and when trying to get unstuck from a stop position.

Crawl Control
Best used for difficult and steep hill climbing and descending or when stuck in deep sand, snow or mud. (Very effective in sand.)

I will update this as suggestions come in.

I hope this is helpful. If anyone has any questions of if I made any errors, please let me know.
If anyone wants to watch a video on how these two systems work this is the best one I have found.

Finally, The Only MTS Video You Need to Watch! Multi Terrain Select Explained. ATRAC Demo! - YouTube

Last edited by Lexington; 07-31-2022 at 11:32 PM.
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Old 07-31-2022, 09:06 PM #2
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When I see a hill climb I use a-trac then lockers. I never use mts.
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Old 07-31-2022, 09:12 PM #3
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When I see a hill climb I use a-trac then lockers. I never use mts.
Yes I agree. With hill climbing its better to use ATRAC or Crawl. Perhaps we can create a list of when to use ATRAC or MTS?

Basically the engineer was favoring the MTS as the first option because is not as hard on the vehicle is compared to when using ATARC or Crawl.

Last edited by Lexington; 07-31-2022 at 09:22 PM.
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Old 07-31-2022, 10:19 PM #4
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A trac can only be engaged in 4lo whère as mts can be engaged in 4hi when in mud and sand but 4lo for the rest of the settings.
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Old 07-31-2022, 11:10 PM #5
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A trac can only be engaged in 4lo whère as mts can be engaged in 4hi when in mud and sand but 4lo for the rest of the settings.
Yes correct. The problem is not teaching people how to use A-TRAC or MTS but when it’s best to use one over the other. This is the focus of my topic.

I updated my original post to reflect yours and Mr Blah’s comment.

Last edited by Lexington; 07-31-2022 at 11:33 PM.
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Old 07-31-2022, 11:25 PM #6
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Yes correct. The problem is not teaching people how to use A-TRAC or MTS but when it’s best to use one over the other. This is the focus of my topic.
Reading the owners manual and seat time trying it out in the field with different settings is fun and it works.
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Old 07-31-2022, 11:47 PM #7
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Reading the owners manual and seat time trying it out in the field with different settings is fun and it works.
Yes Agree! Practice makes perfect.
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Old 08-01-2022, 12:16 AM #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lexington View Post
A-TRAC
Best used for moderate and difficult hill climbing and descending and when trying to get unstuck from a stop position.
I’ve watched several videos on the subject and this seems to be the most salient factor in determining which one to use.
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Old 08-01-2022, 11:37 AM #9
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MTS = tuneable ATRAC

How did OPs write up completely gloss over this?
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Old 08-01-2022, 07:44 PM #10
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My ‘18 SR5 only has ATRAC. It’s my practice when taking a trail that I know will be rough is to engage it after engaging 4-LO and letting it do its thing seamlessly when it thinks it’s necessary.
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Old 08-02-2022, 11:41 AM #11
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There may be changes to ATRAC and M/T on newer models.

My 2013 Trail does throttle control/reduction with M/T off.

With M/T on there is little or no throttle reduction. I can get all 4 spinning in sand or snow without noticing throttle reduction. In the Rock setting it appears to be the same as ATRAC.

It sounds and feels like it's all done with ABS braking. I get the ABS noise and the panel traction light with beeps.
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Old 08-02-2022, 01:40 PM #12
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I use the center locker in mall parking lots. Say I see a large mountain like obstacle..such as a curb.. on goes the locker.. and over I go.

Best not to over think this shit. Drive..then use what you got when you can drive no more.. when you use all you got and still cant move.. then leave the parking lot and hopefully the Walmart has decent shake and burgers while you wait for AAA..

Meanwhile....
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Old 08-02-2022, 09:02 PM #13
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I only have used MTS in snow, mud and sand/gravel. It actually is meant to soften throttle response to prevent abrupt takeoffs and allow more sensitive movements the higher you turn up the settings.

A-Trac is more useful in rock or situations where you may be 3-wheeling it and don't have front lockers. I actually have not had to use this since most of my offroading is in deep mud, snow etc.

I have used the rear locker which has got me out of some situations. Primarily if you have very little traction and need as much forward movement as you can get. A-trac will not help here because it will brake on the more free-spinning wheel.
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Old 08-02-2022, 09:54 PM #14
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I only have used MTS in snow, mud and sand/gravel. It actually is meant to soften throttle response to prevent abrupt takeoffs and allow more sensitive movements the higher you turn up the settings.

A-Trac is more useful in rock or situations where you may be 3-wheeling it and don't have front lockers. I actually have not had to use this since most of my offroading is in deep mud, snow etc.

I have used the rear locker which has got me out of some situations. Primarily if you have very little traction and need as much forward movement as you can get. A-trac will not help here because it will brake on the more free-spinning wheel.
Out of curiosity do you generally turn traction control off in the snow?
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Old 08-02-2022, 10:06 PM #15
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Out of curiosity do you generally turn traction control off in the snow?
Deeper snow, yes, absolutely. Trac and VSC in Toyotas cut in so damn quick.
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