4Runner Off-Road Controls Quick Reference Guide Final Version

[Salvo Jimmy]

I guess I was really tired and needed a break. Spelling fixed.

My TRAC breaking comment was fixed in the posted picture and 4.8 x 6.5 pdf but not in the 5.5 x 7.5 pdf as of about 1645 EST 10 Feb

Old Rickover saying. If you don’t pick nits, you will get lousy LOL ��

 

[downshift]

If you’re talking about level of aggressiveness in traction I guess you can look at it that way.
-1 - VSC off
0 - Trac-Off
1 - MTS Mud, Sand, Dirt, snow
2 - MTS Loose Rock
3 - MTS Mogul
4 - MTS Rock
5 - A-Trac
6 - Crawl Control

There may not be a whole lot of difference between 4 & 5 but I give the A-Trac & Crawl Controls higher ratings because it does put more stress on the brakes and he torque converter.

Thanks, makes sense. I can see that the default trac off would be 0, as it wouldn't do anything when off. But where is it when it's on? Somewhere between 0 and 1?

 

[Lexington]

My TRAC breaking comment was fixed in the posted picture and 4.8 x 6.5 pdf but not in the 5.5 x 7.5 pdf as of about 1645 EST 10 Feb

Old Rickover saying. If you don’t pick nits, you will get lousy LOL ��

Doh! I thought I had fixed it there too. I’ll fix it in a few days when I get back home.

 

[Lexington]

Thanks, makes sense. I can see that the default trac off would be 0, as it wouldn't do anything when off. But where is it when it's on? Somewhere between 0 and 1?

In that case I would put it on as zero since that is default

-2 - VSC off
-1 - Trac-Off
0- Trac-On
1 - MTS Mud, Sand, Dirt, snow
2 - MTS Loose Rock
3 - MTS Mogul
4 - MTS Rock
5 - A-Trac
6 - Crawl Control

 

[ElectroBoy]

In that case I would put it on as zero since that is default

-2 - VSC off
-1 - Trac-Off
0- Trac-On
1 - MTS Mud, Sand, Dirt, snow
2 - MTS Loose Rock
3 - MTS Mogul
4 - MTS Rock
5 - A-Trac
6 - Crawl Control

I like that you’re thinking about this and trying to make sense of Toyota’s lack of good documentation.

I think of the ascending order of aggressiveness like this:

-2 - VSC off (in 2WD)
-1 - Trac-Off (in 2WD)
0- Trac-On + VSC On (in 2WD) Default
0A - 4HI
1 - MTS Mud, Sand, Dirt, snow (in 4HI)
1A-MTS Mud, Sand, Dirt, snow (in 4LO)
2 - MTS Loose Rock (in 4LO)
3 - MTS Mogul (in 4LO)
4 - MTS Rock (in 4LO)
5 - A-Trac (in 4LO)
5A- A-Trac + Rear Diff Lock (in 4LO)
6 - Crawl Control (in 4LO)

 

[Lexington]

I like that you’re thinking about this and trying to make sense of Toyota’s lack of good documentation.

I think of the ascending order of aggressiveness like this:

-2 - VSC off (in 2WD)
-1 - Trac-Off (in 2WD)
0- Trac-On + VSC On (in 2WD) Default
0A - 4HI
1 - MTS Mud, Sand, Dirt, snow (in 4HI)
1A-MTS Mud, Sand, Dirt, snow (in 4LO)
2 - MTS Loose Rock (in 4LO)
3 - MTS Mogul (in 4LO)
4 - MTS Rock (in 4LO)
5 - A-Trac (in 4LO)
5A- A-Trac + Rear Diff Lock (in 4LO)
6 - Crawl Control (in 4LO)

Nice but I would classify A-Trac as a 6A
6A- A-Trac + Rear Diff Lock (in 4LO) but I wonder how you would classify just a rear differential lock?

 

[ElectroBoy]

Nice but I would classify A-Trac as a 6A
6A- A-Trac + Rear Diff Lock (in 4LO) but I wonder how you would classify just a rear differential lock?

I’d still call Crawl Control the most aggressive. Just listen to the noise it creates when engaged! I’d only use it if stuck in deep sand or snow.

On the scale I might put the locker in the mix like this:
2WD
4HI
4LO
4LO + Rear Locker
MTS Choices
ATRAC
ATRAC + Rear Locker
Crawl Control

Everybody has their own progression method on the trail. I go from:
2WD
4HI
MTS M,S,D in 4HI
4LO
4LO + ATRAC
4LO + ATRAC + Rear Locker

 

[silverone]

:clap2:Thanks for pulling this together!

Hi All

During the holidays I had a lot of downtime due to Illness but I’m fine now. So I spent some of that time going through my manual to get a better understanding on how to use my off-road controls. Even after reading the manual I was still a little confused as to which control was best to use under what condition, especially between the A-TRAC and Multi Terrain Select. I also wanted to understand how they worked mechanically. So I did a lot of research, read a lot of articles, watch videos, talk to dealers, and Toyota customer service and of course asked many questions on this forum. The most difficult one to understand was how the Multi Terrain Select worked. I was shocked that even the dealers and Toyota customer service center couldn't even properly explain how MTS works mechanically. Finally someone on this forum was able to explain it to me. Last I felt it wasn't easy to go back and forth through the manual to read all the function. So I originally decided to create a 4Runner Off-Road Quick Reference Guide for myself and some friends and realized that maybe other new 4Runner owners and novice off-roaders would find this info useful and help give them a basic understanding on how and when to use their off-road controls

I want to thank everyone who took the time to answer my question. I'd like to give a special thanks to [MENTION=670545]bigdaddy2021[/MENTION] who provided the graphics, to [MENTION=50362]jayhat[/MENTION] who let me borrow the front page graphics and to [MENTION=594423]CajunMikeR[/MENTION] who was so patient with me in explaining to me how the throttle controls control the MTS.

I also created a previous thread on this but I wanted to create a new once so the manual would be on top.

Below is the final version. For best printing quality I strongly recommend downloading the PFD files below the photos. The photos aren't as sharp and are just there for easy viewing. If you don't see all the photos right away tap/click on the screen on the bottom of the page to see more. One file is 4.5 x 6.5 inch. It's design to fits in the center console where the tissue goes, your owner's manual case or glove compartment. I also made a slightly bigger 5.5 x 7.5 as well. Keep in mind when you print some printers will automatically try to make it fit a 8-1/2x11 sheet of paper. So if you want the smaller size you may need to turn off/uncheck the "size to fit".

The card is color coded. Blue for info, Green for how to use your controls and Yellow/Orange for Cautions and Warnings.

Also on the bottom of each page there is a slot for you to write down the page where you can find more information in your manual.

If anyone finds any discrepancies let me know and I will correct it.

The 4Runner Quick Reference Guide was updated on 2/7/22 fix some spelling errors and make minor modifications such as increase font size for easier reading. There are now two PDF file. The "f" file is 4.8 x 6.5 inch and the "x" file is 5.5 x 7.5

 

[silverone]

So if you want to watch something that highlights the African trails that were mentioned, check out, "The Grand Tour" Season 4 Episode 2. It is too funny but shows some challenge trails in super-mod'd cars. My favorite episode.

 

[Captain Spalding]

If anyone finds any discrepancies let me know and I will correct it.

The 4Runner Quick Reference Guide was updated on 2/7/22 fix some spelling errors and make minor modifications such as increase font size for easier reading. There are now two PDF file. The "f" file is 4.8 x 6.5 inch and the "x" file is 5.5 x 7.5

Hi Lexingtion. It’s a noble piece of work you’ve done. Thank you. I have a question. On Page 1 under L4 Notes one of the bullet points is “Max Speed in L4 is 15 mph.” Where did you get that number? Is there a place somewhere in the manual? The reason I ask is that on the other forum there is a thread discussing the particular topic of maximum speed in 4 low, and there are a lot of very unofficial sounding ideas on the subject.

Cheers!

 

[Lexington]

Hi Captain Spalding

I miss Groucho.

I should have put in Recommended Max Speed.

When I was creating this I couldn’t find anything in the manual that specifically states a max speed for 4L. I called the Toyota Customer service number and they couldn’t find anything on their end so they told me to contact my local dealer service dept. for the answer. So I did. In 4WD L4 one dealer said I shouldn’t drive over 10 mph and another said 15 mph. In the manual it said the crawl control will disengage at 15 mph. So this is where I got the 15 mph from.

My interpretation is you can safely dive up to this speed for a long period of time. In reality you can go as fast as your engine will allow up to the red line but I have no idea how fast that is. I’m sure going over 15 mph for a short period of time most likely won’t be a issue but any sustained high speeds or pushing the tach close to the redline will most likely cause you problems

 

[Lexington]

:clap2:Thanks for pulling this together!

You’re welcome. I’ve been meaning to add a extra page on when best to use your A-Trac/Crawl Control vs Multi Terrain Select. This is confusing for most new owners since their capabilities overlap each other but here is primary difference.

A-Trac/Crawl Control is the most aggressive function for traction control. It uses the ABS braking system to create traction by stoping free wheels from spinning in order to transfer torque to the wheel that has contact with the ground. However heavy and sustained use can potentially cause over heating of the transmission and brakes. So it is better suited for when your stuck or traversing very difficult terrain for a shorter period of time.

Multi Terrain Select achieves traction control primarily through Throttle Control but will engage A-Trac only when necessary. It also regulates wheel slipping for the terrain selected. Because of this, it put less stress on the transmission and brakes. This makes it better suited for longer off-road drive with difficult spots here and there.

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

Where does DAC come into this sequence? (Nervously laughs in Limited)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lexington]

Where does DAC come into this sequence? (Nervously laughs in Limited)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don’t have this on my vehicle. My Crawl Control can perform this function. However, from my understanding the DAC is very similar in that it uses A-Trac to provide traction and automatically regulate downhill speed to no more than 15 mph so all the driver has to do is focus on steering.

 

[jdisengo]

Thank you for the post, I hope that it can be a living document in order to add some combo buttons

 

[Lexington]

Thank you for the post, I hope that it can be a living document in order to add some combo buttons

I can give it a try. What do you want me to add?

 

[Harcrusher2]

Question about MTS
'16 4runner Trail Premium

My Multi Terrain System is not engaging, trying for the first time.

Tried in 4Hi & 4Lo
No error codes or warning lights on Dash.
Though at times I do get an air bag light because it's an accidental car but even after clearing all codes nothing shows up.

When I press the On button on the MTS knob all the lights flash and they go away, but when I rotate the knob to select a terrain do not get anything or able to select.

However, ATRAC, rear diff lock, crawl control system (left knob), traction control works perfectly fine.

Tried Zero Point Calibration, but still not engaging through TechStream. only error code is B2661 for D-seat sw, my driver seat lift and lumbar isn't working.

 

[Lexington]

Question about MTS
'16 4runner Trail Premium

My Multi Terrain System is not engaging, trying for the first time.

Tried in 4Hi & 4Lo
No error codes or warning lights on Dash.
Though at times I do get an air bag light because it's an accidental car but even after clearing all codes nothing shows up.

When I press the On button on the MTS knob all the lights flash and they go away, but when I rotate the knob to select a terrain do not get anything or able to select.

However, ATRAC, rear diff lock, crawl control system (left knob), traction control works perfectly fine.

Tried Zero Point Calibration, but still not engaging through TechStream. only error code is B2661 for D-seat sw, my driver seat lift and lumbar isn't working.

DuckDuckGo Go Search Assist gave me this trouble shooting guide.
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=417067&stc=1&d=1764441422

 

[Harcrusher2]

DuckDuckGo Go Search Assist gave me this trouble shooting guide.
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachments/5th-gen-t4rs/417067d1764441422-4runner-off-road-controls-quick-reference-guide-final-version-img_8762-jpg

Thanks for the suggestion.

Tried but MTS still isn't engaging, weirdly no warning lights or message on the dash..

Will try checking the actuator, still chasing

 

[Lexington]

Thanks for the suggestion.

Tried but MTS still isn't engaging, weirdly no warning lights or message on the dash..

Will try checking the actuator, still chasing

Well good luck. Hope you can fix it.