Bad weather - 4wd operation

[derekp]

We've been hit with a round of ice here and, depend on who you listen to, are expecting more. I've been driving folks home, as needed using back roads since they are dirt/gravel or rough asphalt. Doing so has provided a bit more grip than the main roads. There are about 2 large hills that cause slipping and when that happens there is no computer correction. I feel like I'm driving my old 2001 Tacoma TRD, minus the rear locker. Usually, in 2wd, the 4Runner will pop and jolt and the instrument cluster lights up. I've yet to see this while in 4H or 4L. Ive had the truck since new.
My issue, and question, is regarding A-Trac. I've searched, and read through 10 pages or search results and watched numerous videos but have a question. My 2013 SR5 has the A-Trac button, but no light. I tried it in 4H and 4L, I checked the lights when starting the truck and see nothing. Does anyone else with a 2013 SR5 premium have this issue? How do you know if/when A-Trac is working?
Again, I've searched and watched videos. Spare me with the "search and you'll find it" BS.

Thanks.

 

[philsey]

You didn't mention the OM.

 

[derekp]

You didn't mention the OM.

????

 

[Bourbonator]

I'm not sure if the info I'm about to provide is accurate, but I think either TRAC or VSC is turned off when you switch to 4-hi. That might account for the no-computer-correction feeling. I also think you have to hold the a-trac button down for several seconds to activate it, and it only works in 4-low. I'd grab my manual, but it's out in the truck, and I'm warm and lazy right now. I'm sure others will chime in with good info soon. Kudos to you for helping your neighbors, stay safe!

Edit: OM = owners manual. Most people here prefer that you try to look there before asking here.

 

[derekp]

Edit: OM = owners manual. Most people here prefer that you try to look there before asking here.

Yes, I read the manual. I thought that was implied by mentioning the A-Trac light. My bad, I'll try to be more clear in the future.

 

[Bourbonator]

IIRC, there's also a handy little card in a clear plastic sleeve on the driver's sun shade that explains proper 4wd operation.

 

[philsey]

Yes, I read the manual. I thought that was implied by mentioning the A-Trac light. My bad, I'll try to be more clear in the future.

You may be surprised to know how many questions are posted here because it's so much easier than opening the manual.

That's why we have this: :rtfm:

 

[BLACK-FL4RUNNER]

2Hi and 4Hi will still have the VSC turned on, unless you push the button to turn it off.
When you go to 4Lo, it turns VSC off and you need to push the A-Trac button to turn it on. The VSC lights go out on the dash and the green A-Trac lights up.

At least that's how it works on mine.

 

[derekp]

I'm reading the manual, pg 245, about "A-TRAC". It states that once in "L4", switch to N and press the "A-TRAC" switch to activate the system. "At this time, the A-TRAC indicator will come on."
My question is regarding the indicator. My 2013 does not have a light/indicator. Does anyone else have this issue? How do you know if the A-TRAC system is working?

 

[derekp]

You may be surprised to know how many questions are posted here because it's so much easier than opening the manual.

That's why we have this: :rtfm:

Note the things I've posted. If you have no answers, you have no need to post. Therefore, STFU. I've done my searches, read the manual, and now thought I'd ask if anyone else has experienced the same issues. Get your post counts elsewhere.

 

[BLACK-FL4RUNNER]

2hi to 4hi you can do while moving.
4hi to 4lo, you need to stop, keep your foot on the brake, shift to Nuetral, then switch to 4lo.
Once the dash lights up 4lo, you can press the Atrac button to turn it on.

I just read page 245 from your manual.... it's there.

 

[BLACK-FL4RUNNER]

Also, you have an SR5. Start on page 236 of the manual. Page 245 deals with the limited model with full time 4wd.

:typing:

 

[derekp]

2hi to 4hi you can do while moving.
4hi to 4lo, you need to stop, keep your foot on the brake, shift to Nuetral, then switch to 4lo.
Once the dash lights up 4lo, you can press the Atrac button to turn it on.

I just read page 245 from your manual.... it's there.

You're correct, that's what I posted. Now I'll repost my questions:
My 2013 does not have a light/indicator. Does anyone else have this issue? How do you know if the A-TRAC system is working?

 

[1engineer]

Note the things I've posted. If you have no answers, you have no need to post. Therefore, STFU. I've done my searches, read the manual, and now thought I'd ask if anyone else has experienced the same issues. Get your post counts elsewhere.

Play nice.
-mod-

 

[3wbdriver]

Man my ignore list is getting long......

 

[mfregeau20]

You're correct, that's what I posted. Now I'll repost my questions:
My 2013 does not have a light/indicator. Does anyone else have this issue? How do you know if the A-TRAC system is working?

My light turns on when I active A-Trac in 4lo

 

[Ducmonsta]

See if the atrac lights up on startup. All dash lights come on to diagnose if a bulb is out. However, I don't think this is the case.

 

[derekp]

Also, you have an SR5. Start on page 236 of the manual. Page 245 deals with the limited model with full time 4wd.

:typing:

Page 245, of the 2013 manual, does not only deal with the Limited model with the full time 4wd.:rtfm:

 

[derekp]

See if the atrac lights up on startup. All dash lights come on to diagnose if a bulb is out. However, I don't think this is the case.

Ive looked for a light on start up and found nothing. Not even a shadow of where one should be.

 

[derekp]

Play nice.
-mod-

I get the "play nice" message when addressing someone else who either doesn't read the thread and/or offers nothing in assistance. Nice.

-a guy looking for input-