4x4 TE help on VSC and Atrac

[Falls]

Yes i did read the manual but their condensed version of explaining it is not very good IMO.

1> The VSC switches off the traction control . Otherwise it always on...correct ? I tried shutting it off the other day by holding the button for 3 seconds . I was in 2wd . At 30 mph it turned itself back on , same for 4wd hi mode . is this correct ?? or am i using it wrong ?? My personal opinion of VSC is great if your driving on slick hiways , ect.... otherwise I feel it is a safety hazard .

2> The ATRAC switch. I can only turn off in 4lo range . Not sure about what speed. is this true ?? or what should I be doing different ?

On my 06 4x4 V8 there was not switch on/off as with the Atrac . My wife refused to drive it in winter because of this and I was not very happy with it either. We get a lot of snow here and taking off in deep snow piles to get in traffic is dangerous . since you could not get moving out into traffic and get up to speed without a mile head start . it really sucked . Both are excellent safety features to have but they do have their place and an option when to turn them on or off when it's needed. That whole powerdown thing is not good for most winter driving .

I will have more questions as I have to figure out the KDDS yet and the wither knob next to it to see what that will actually do.

I am a 35 year 4x4 owner and do know some good basic skills , but its the electronic stuff like the VSC and ATRAC that confusing. I also wish I had a center lock differential like my 06 did . that was a nice driving option too.

So far the truck has been good , Ive did some off road hills that we snow covered with 3" of snow just to get used to things such as the VSC/ATRAC and the rear locker. I just want to get all the benefits out of this 4wd system.

thx Mike/Falls

 

[westwind77]

Yes i did read the manual but their condensed version of explaining it is not very good IMO.

Really? I thought the manual did an excellent job explaining all of the details!

1> The VSC switches off the traction control . Otherwise it always on...correct ? I tried shutting it off the other day by holding the button for 3 seconds . I was in 2wd . At 30 mph it turned itself back on , same for 4wd hi mode . is this correct ?? or am i using it wrong ?? My personal opinion of VSC is great if your driving on slick hiways , ect.... otherwise I feel it is a safety hazard .

There are 2 systems that you can turn off TRAC (traction control) and VSC (vehicle stability control). Press the TRAC button quickly will turn off TRAC ONLY, VSC is still active. If you press and HOLD the TRAC button for 3 seconds you turn off BOTH TRAC & VSC. There is NO way to turn off VSC and keep TRAC active. I do not know how in the world you think VSC is a safety hazard as it is designed to keep the 4R from rolling over essentially (rain, snow, ice, car accident, avoidance maneuvers, etc)! Are you sure you have a clear understanding of what VSC really is and how it functions? You can research it if you like but it is as much of a safety hazard as my dirty foot is sexy.

2> The ATRAC switch. I can only turn off in 4lo range . Not sure about what speed. is this true ?? or what should I be doing different ?

This is all in the manual, but A-TRAC can only be turned ON in 4LO, not sure why you are mentioning turning if off in 4LO as it is off as default unless you activate it. A-TRAC and TRAC are 2 different systems remember, this is a common mistake that people seem to make.

Personally I think you need to do a re-read of the 4wd section of the manual, I am not saying that to be rude, but the 1st pass gives you the basics and terms. The re-read helps you understand how the systems all work with each other now that you understand them all. You can get answers from us here, but I always like to make sure I get everything I possibly can from the book so I know what I am doing is 100% correct.

 

[1000MPH]

Here's my take...
VSC - Vehicle Stability Control. (Normally on) Mandatory on all cars in 2011 -I'm not sure why you want it off on the HWY. Prevents understeer/oversteer (allegedly). Turn it off if you want to do donuts.
TRAC- Traction Control- Normally on - This is the one that will reduce engine power and apply brakes to spinning wheel when taking off in 2wd in ice/snow/sand - Allows some slip.
A-TRAC -Active Traction control - 4Lo only. Max traction situations. Turns off at 4mph. Normally off until you turn it on (opposite of TRAC) It has helped me when my rear diff lock wasn't enough.

Your center diff is locked when in 4wd hi or lo. (no center diff)
Rear locker is for when you are stuck or about to get stuck. Can't use with A-TRAC on.
KDSS is always on - think of it as anti-sway bars that stiffen up as speed increases.

This is a great cheat sheet for all of the TE systems.

 

[Froggy]

Take a look at BBB's Chart.

 

[Falls]

I just did not find the manual helpful , but maybe was reading a condensed section. I will check again.

I always have VSC on . It's a great safety feature especially on hiways (like I mentioned in my post) The one that cuts the power is the dangerous one (at times) it's hard to get out into traffic your sittin in a foot of loose snow from the county plows and pulling out on a 55mpg hiway.