What happen when VSC is disable?

[Hongster]

I have an 04 4X4 4runner. I like to disable the VSC during local driving while there's snow on the ground.

I have read the owner's manual but didn't help me understand it 100%.
What I want to know when I disable the VSC are.

Do I still have ABS?
Do I still have 4 wheel drive?

And BTW, do we all have LSD in our 4th generation?


Thank you for your help.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/131835-traction-control-off-2.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/131970-there-way-disable-abs-only.html

These two threads have much of the information you're looking for. To provide a brief answer, I do not believe any 4Runner came with an LSD from the factory (I could be mistaken as we did have one or two special trims.) Depending how you disable the VSC you may or may not have ABS. 4WD will function regardless of ABS and/or VSC functionality and in fact if you go into 4Hi or 4Lo with CDL (Center Differential Locked) it will turn off a large majority of the VSC/TRAC functionality.

 

[Atlanta_man]

The LSD is simulated: computer applies brakes to the wheel without the traction and the open diff does its normal thing of sending some torque to the other wheel

 

[Hongster]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/131835-traction-control-off-2.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/131970-there-way-disable-abs-only.html

These two threads have much of the information you're looking for. To provide a brief answer, I do not believe any 4Runner came with an LSD from the factory (I could be mistaken as we did have one or two special trims.) Depending how you disable the VSC you may or may not have ABS. 4WD will function regardless of ABS and/or VSC functionality and in fact if you go into 4Hi or 4Lo with CDL (Center Differential Locked) it will turn off a large majority of the VSC/TRAC functionality.

I have a button that says VSC, this is how I disable traction control, hopefully ABS is still active.

 

[Hongster]

The LSD is simulated: computer applies brakes to the wheel without the traction and the open diff does its normal thing of sending some torque to the other wheel

This is the reason why I like to disable the traction control in the Winter time.

 

[sonerick]

You have an '04 with a VSC off button? Did it come like that or did you add that yourself?

 

[Hongster]

You have an '04 with a VSC off button? Did it come like that or did you add that yourself?

It came like that

Still looking for rear diff locked button though.

 

[TRDCal]

It came like that

Still looking for rear diff locked button though.

Can you elaborate on this VSC off button you have...Its odd that a 04 has this button, the previous owner must have installed it. Does the button look stock? When you push it does it illuminate any lights on the dashboard? If the VSC button was installed correctly then it shouldn't deactivate ABS but who knows what the previous owner did, easy figure out tho, go find a slippery surface and push the VSC button then slam your brakes. If you feel the brake pedal pulsing then ABS is still active.

And you can stop looking for that Rear diff lock button, there isn't one. As atlanta_man said, the 4th gen has a electronic LSD but no rear diff lock, we have a center diff lock tho

 

[Hongster]

Can you elaborate on this VSC off button you have...Its odd that a 04 has this button, the previous owner must have installed it. Does the button look stock? When you push it does it illuminate any lights on the dashboard? If the VSC button was installed correctly then it shouldn't deactivate ABS but who knows what the previous owner did, easy figure out tho, go find a slippery surface and push the VSC button then slam your brakes. If you feel the brake pedal pulsing then ABS is still active.

And you can stop looking for that Rear diff lock button, there isn't one. As atlanta_man said, the 4th gen has a electronic LSD but no rear diff lock, we have a center diff lock tho

TRDcal, the VSC button is stock, when pressed it will display VSC and all kind on the dashboard.

I will look for that center diff lock then..

 

[Hongster]

You have an '04 with a VSC off button? Did it come like that or did you add that yourself?

Can you elaborate on this VSC off button you have...Its odd that a 04 has this button

My mistake! You guys were right on!!! I don't have VSC, what I thought was VSC is CENTER DIFF LOCK button:lmao:

Nevertheless, in a way Center Diff Lock is even better than VSC. When the Center Diff Lock button is pressed the VSC is automatically OFF and more..

 

[TRDCal]

in a way Center Diff Lock is even better than VSC. When the Center Diff Lock button is pressed the VSC is automatically OFF and more..

Kinda, maybe, not really, sorta...as long as your happy, that's what counts.

 

[footdoc]

Kinda, maybe, not really, sorta...as long as your happy, that's what counts.

as much as i hate the VSC and know that locking the diff will disable it, I lock very cautiously. I don't know the limits of rodding around in 4H and locked, but I sincerely doubt Toyota had me and my driving in mind when they designed this! Seems like an expensive fix!

 

[Hongster]

as much as i hate the VSC and know that locking the diff will disable it, I lock very cautiously. I don't know the limits of rodding around in 4H and locked, but I sincerely doubt Toyota had me and my driving in mind when they designed this!

I agree, you've got to know what you're doing or you will pay dearly. I feel very sure footed when I'm in this mode going up hill with a few inches of snow on the ground.

However, I really don't fully understand the technical behind it when Center Diff is locked?

Does this mean the power will then distributed 50/50 front and back?

 

[bvc]

I agree, you've got to know what you're doing or you will pay dearly. I feel very sure footed when I'm in this mode going up hill with a few inches of snow on the ground.

However, I really don't fully understand the technical behind it when Center Diff is locked?

Does this mean the power will then distributed 50/50 front and back?

Exactly right.

 

[Hongster]

Exactly right.

Thanks...

 

[The LandShark]

Just keep in mind that when you have your center diff locked, taking tight turns on dry ground or even slightly slippery snow you can bind up the center diff which can lead to parts coming out when you don't want them to. It will feel like some lurching when its binding. When your turning the front wheels will turn at a slightly different speed than the rear wheels which is where the binding comes into play. I don't know if you have ever driven a car/truck with a true locker or a spool in the rear but they make all kinds of noise as the tires slip to make up for the speed difference between the inner and outer wheels during the turn.

 

[Hongster]

Just keep in mind that when you have your center diff locked, taking tight turns on dry ground or even slightly slippery snow you can bind up the center diff which can lead to parts coming out when you don't want them to. It will feel like some lurching when its binding. When your turning the front wheels will turn at a slightly different speed than the rear wheels which is where the binding comes into play. I don't know if you have ever driven a car/truck with a true locker or a spool in the rear but they make all kinds of noise as the tires slip to make up for the speed difference between the inner and outer wheels during the turn.

Thanks for the caution, I really appreciated.

 

[TRDCal]

Seems like an expensive fix!

It definitely wouldn't be cheap. I have a feeling the weak link in the system is the front drive shafts so you'd most likely pop one of those. Not something I suggest trying tho