Traction Control is different in 08 Models

[Skyhammer]

I haven't seen this discussed before and I think it is fairly important, I am interested because 1/3 of my mileage is in 4WD.
Anyway, the 08's have the ability in 2wd to turn off VSC in A-LSD mode, the 07's could not do that. 08's can use A-LSD with or with out VSC.
In 4WD, Toyota has added VSC as normal mode in 4hi and Lo. This was a gripe that CR had, no VSC in 4WD.
So, in normal mode it appears that you have VSC and A-TRAC working, turn off VSC and it looks like you are also turning off A-TRAC, so you have nothing.
I don't like the idea of losing A-TRAC with VSC off, I can't imagine to many times I would not like to have some sort of LS operating.
I warn you the chart is strange as it shows that the VSC off light is on when VSC is working, but the text is clear.

[RunItHard]

Originally Posted by Skyhammer

I haven't seen this discussed before and I think it is fairly important, I am interested because 1/3 of my mileage is in 4WD.
Anyway, the 08's have the ability in 2wd to turn off VSC in A-LSD mode, the 07's could not do that. 08's can use A-LSD with or with out VSC.
In 4WD, Toyota has added VSC as normal mode in 4hi and Lo. This was a gripe that CR had, no VSC in 4WD.
So, in normal mode it appears that you have VSC and A-TRAC working, turn off VSC and it looks like you are also turning off A-TRAC, so you have nothing.
I don't like the idea of losing A-TRAC with VSC off, I can't imagine to many times I would not like to have some sort of LS operating.
I warn you the chart is strange as it shows that the VSC off light is on when VSC is working, but the text is clear.

Thanks for the info! That's interesting. I wonder if it's something they can update program-wise in the 07's to give them the same capabilities since it's all electronically controlled?

[DavidT.]

I wish Toyota would change the fact that you have to hold it down for 3 seconds at a time. It's now nine seconds (Not counting the time you have to pause inbetween) to get back to A-LSD mode lol.

[rincon]

I'm choked that my 07 does not have vsc in 4hi or 4lo .
I find that i would rather drive in snowy or icy conditions in 2wd rather then 4hi so the vsc is not turnned off .

The other day i came across a bridge deck from what appeared to be a dry street to find the bridge deck was a sheet of ice the front wheel drive car in front of me began to slide and turned side ways just before getting across. Once off the bridge deck he regained control and carried on . At the same time the rear end of my tundra began to swing out and the vsc kicked in you could hear it engage the abs and the vsc light began to flash also the alarm sounded . I just let off the gas and held the wheel strait the vsc did everything else . I know that without it i would have crashed it , happened so fast .

I wish i could have vsc with 4hi as well since it does such a good job maybe the will fix this with the 07 some how ...............

[wildbill23c]

Originally Posted by Skyhammer

I haven't seen this discussed before and I think it is fairly important, I am interested because 1/3 of my mileage is in 4WD.
Anyway, the 08's have the ability in 2wd to turn off VSC in A-LSD mode, the 07's could not do that. 08's can use A-LSD with or with out VSC.
In 4WD, Toyota has added VSC as normal mode in 4hi and Lo. This was a gripe that CR had, no VSC in 4WD.
So, in normal mode it appears that you have VSC and A-TRAC working, turn off VSC and it looks like you are also turning off A-TRAC, so you have nothing.
I don't like the idea of losing A-TRAC with VSC off, I can't imagine to many times I would not like to have some sort of LS operating.
I warn you the chart is strange as it shows that the VSC off light is on when VSC is working, but the text is clear.

VSC is still off when in 4WD. Even on the 08 models. No change there.

[Skyhammer]

Originally Posted by wildbill23c

VSC is still off when in 4WD. Even on the 08 models. No change there.

So,are you are saying that Toyota just made this up and put it in the 08 shop manual for no reason?

[seadragon]

The way I read it is:

In 4WD...

Normal mode = A-TRAC On, VSC Off
VSC Off mode = A-TRAC Off, VSC Off

I believe this is how my '07 operates currently too. I can press the VSC off button while in 4WD and I think it shuts off A-TRAC.

I find Toyota's description of all these modes very confusing at best.

[Codiac]

Interesting. I will have to test that to see if it works on my 08. When I shift into 4x4 it automatically shuts off Trac, ALSD and VSC. What that manual shows if I push the Trac Off button I should get VSC back in 4x4 mode.

[wildbill23c]

Originally Posted by Skyhammer

So,are you are saying that Toyota just made this up and put it in the 08 shop manual for no reason?

No, I'm just saying that mine is off when operated as described. VSC turns off as soon as you turn the 4WD knob to hi or lo.

[seadragon]

I don't know but I've read that document over a few times now and I don't see where it states that VSC is actually active in 4WD. It simply says that you can select between Normal and VSC Off modes. But it looks like these 2 modes refer more to the A-TRAC than anything else. It may be the way it's worded.

But the chart looks pretty clear that VSC is off in 4WD:



in fact it looks the same as the '07 in this regard:

[wildbill23c]

I just got off the phone with Toyota about this. When in either 4WD mode the VSC system is off. The traction control seems to still work though on my truck even with 4WD. Does anyone else's do the same? Sometimes I think these safety features are a bit too intrusive, that is up until the point where you need them and then you instantly think its a good thing this truck has all these features.

[Skyhammer]

Well, I must apologize to everyone, I talked to Toyota and they said that the PDF I posted should never have been released to the public. It seems that Toyota planned on offering VSC in 4WD for the 08 model, but due to time constraints that didn't happen. The engineer said that they plan on offering VSC in 4WD in near future.
Again, I apologize to everyone for the confusion I caused.

[mrkent]

I'm glad the VSC is disabled when 4wd is engaged. I absolutely despise all of the electronic aides that this truck has. I find I correct any of the trucks slides long before the computer does, and I find myself then correcting the corrections that the computer has done now. The first thing I do whenever I start my truck is hold the traction control button 3 seconds until the truck has nothing but the ABS to "assist" me. I wish there was a way of disabling that too, but I know that isn't going to happen. I can't believe more people don't find the system too intrusive, but then again, I drive on slippery roads almost every day of my life (snow, ice, gravel, mud, wet pavement, etc) so I guess I'm just used to it.