VSC Off Switch

[KnightfireSTL]

I have a 2009 4Runner V6 that I just got and am totally confused with two switches on my dashboard. Read the manual and it is totally confusing. I just need to know what the VSC switch off is used for. Is the Vehicle Stability Control always on unless I push this VSC off button? I have a regular 4 door sedan and the ESC is always on, and I never turn it off. When do you turn off the VSC on a 4Runner? Is it for 2WD mode or 4WD modes? I just am not getting this.

The second question is for the differential switch. When do you use this to disengage the differential and why would you need to do that? Having all 4 wheels engaged seems logical and why would you turn it off? Sorry, if these are dumb questions, but never had a vehicle that had this. I have had AWD Subarus and it was all automatic. Please help a newbie! Thanks!!!

 

[Inv4drZm]

For the center differential switch, it locks the center differential turning your truck from all-wheel drive (effectively one wheel drive during no traction) to 2wd (at least one wheel on the front diff, and one wheel on the back diff). You don't want this switch on turning over concrete it will cause binding because the front and rear diffs need to turn at different speeds.

 

[KnightfireSTL]

Thanks for the information...nothing like reading the manual and getting total confusion!

KF