BlackRustBucket
New member
This may be a stupid question but if your truck has Multi-Terrain Select does it have KDSS? I searched around but couldn't find anything
Is KDSS and Multi-Terrain Select Related?
- Thread starter BlackRustBucket
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Trails get MTS. KDSS is an option for the trails.
BlackRustBucket
New member
Ok thanks, is KDSS something that is switched on and off or is it always active?
1engineer
Moderator
No. There are Trail Editions that do not have KDSS, most notably the TRD Pro. All Trail Editions have multi terrain.
1engineer
Moderator
There is no button.
BlackRustBucket
New member
Cool thanks man
I was under the impression that the multi terrain select also controlled the KDDS system, but after being mildly rebuked by [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] in another thread about not knowing what I was talking about I did some more research and now understand better what it is and how it works. Now I'm just trying to figure out where my misinformation originally came from, the salesman who sold me the 4Runner or if I read it on here some where.
So my understanding now is this, multi terrain select is a type of traction control, not related to the KDDS system at all. Crawl control is also a type of traction control system. Then there is A-TRAC which is also traction control. KDDS is a passive hydraulic system that adjusts the the sway bars. Is this correct?
So my understanding now is this, multi terrain select is a type of traction control, not related to the KDDS system at all. Crawl control is also a type of traction control system. Then there is A-TRAC which is also traction control. KDDS is a passive hydraulic system that adjusts the the sway bars. Is this correct?
1engineer
Moderator
Close. Crawl and multi terrain is basically the same. Different modes are user selectable and it uses ABS and throttle control to basically act like an off road cruise control. It is more aggressive depending on the selection.
ATRAC uses the ABS system to brake individual wheels when you are driving without any other traction control features like multi terrain. It does not use any throttle control. It is user selectable.
VSC is an active system that keeps all the wheels rotating the same and the vehicle going in the proper direction. It uses ABS also but adds throttle r e t a r d depending on situation. It's default is on. It can be turned off for specific applications.
KDSS is simply a hydraulic device that will change the force acting upon the sway bars. It is automatic and has no user control. It is speed sensitive, meaning below a certain speed it will relax the pivot on the sway bar and allow for more articulation. When traveling highway speeds it firms up the sway bar by extending the cylinder that attaches to the bar, which means less side to side motion when cornering.
Multi Terrain, ATRAC and VSC receive signals from a variety of sensors including the wheel sensors. Several parameters are compared like velocity, pitch, wheel speed and yaw. KDSS just uses wheel speed.
Misterquad
New member
I am trying to understand every thing I think I know. I am going to put it terms that I understand which is basically the level of a grade school science fair student. Please correct me where I am wrong.
Crawl control is a like a lawn mower throttle to set your speed. I often call it tractor mode.
A-Trac is an active traction control system that uses the brakes to stop wheel spin.
Multi-terrain allows you to adjust the level of aggressiveness of the A-Trac.
Thanks
Crawl control is a like a lawn mower throttle to set your speed. I often call it tractor mode.
A-Trac is an active traction control system that uses the brakes to stop wheel spin.
Multi-terrain allows you to adjust the level of aggressiveness of the A-Trac.
Thanks
blues
New member
For those wishing to understand what KDSS is and does, this video may prove helpful.
BLACK-FL4RUNNER
Member
Now THIS should be a sticky, and every new user should be forced to recite it before they can post a new question..... :hello:
Blitzkrieg
New member
Look at your window sticker. If it has a $1750 line that says KDSS, you have KDSS. 
You can also look at the rear axle. The KDSS is unmistakable.
If your 4Runner handles better than an SUV should, you have KDSS.
And if you really want a quick way to tell if you see a Trail in a parking lot if it has KDSS, look at the frame rails behind the drivers side rear wheel.
If you see two zinc plated brackets at 10 & 2 o'clock, it has KDSS.
You can also look at the rear axle. The KDSS is unmistakable.
If your 4Runner handles better than an SUV should, you have KDSS.
And if you really want a quick way to tell if you see a Trail in a parking lot if it has KDSS, look at the frame rails behind the drivers side rear wheel.
If you see two zinc plated brackets at 10 & 2 o'clock, it has KDSS.
BlackRustBucket
New member
Awesome, thanks for all the info guys. Good stuff [emoji106]
Antman
Elite Member
EDIT: disregard, did not realize so much had changed from the older Lexus system. There is an ECU for the system now.
Think all your questions are probably answered, but the only thing I'll add is KDSS is a passive, mechanical system. If it has hydraulic pressure and no crimps that prevent fluid flow and surge within the closed system, it works. There is no electronic or computer control of the system, thus no on/off switch.
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1engineer
Moderator
It has solenoid valves for automatic speed sensing but no on off switch.
