Some questions from a Newbie:

[GUMBYBOB]

Hey guys. New owner here of a 2008 SR5 with no owner's manual.
The "traction control button, when pushed, transmits power to the rear wheel with the most traction. Is this right? And why not have it "on" all the time? Does it do any harm?
When the Limited Slip button is pressed, the 4WD has to be engaged first....I would imagine. In snow, would Limited Slip be better or worse? Is the traction control button of any use when in 4WD?
And where can I get an owner's manual on line?

Thanks, guys (and girls). I'll be learning a LOT here, I bet.

Bob

 

[Will_4R]

Your 2008 is a little different from my 2003. I am not sure what the "traction control" button is, I don't have one. Is it ATRAC or VSC? Could the button be to turn it off rather than on? ATRAC is a limited slip whereas VSC is a skid control system designed to correct for over and under steer. In general, both systems are on all the time and only come into play when they sense either too much wheel spin on one side (ATRAC) or a loss of steerring control (VSC).

VSC turns off when you lock the centre differentinal (button on left of steering column - shows 4 wheels and axles with an "X" in the middle. I think the 2008 4Runner has a "VSC off" button so it can be turned off whenever. There is porbably a light on the dash telling you when it is off. I am not sure if you can switch off ATRAC, I think the FJ can, but not sure about the 4Runner.

Both systems work in 2wd and 4wd, but the VSC will not work in 4wd with the centre diff locked. ATRAC is always usefull in my opinion, and VSC is good on road in 2 or 4wd, but for getting unstuck, or plowing through deep snow or mud you are better off without it.

 

[wombie]

You can get an electronic version of the owners manual here:

http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/

The only downside being you have to register - so if you like keeping yourself to yourself then that's not so great.