So I went off roading in my 2008 4runner 4x4 SE 4.0, pressed VSC button while in 2H. The light in the instrument cluster indicated VSC was OFF and AUTO LSD (limited slip dif) was ON. I mashed on the gas and the car felt and sounded like it was having a seizure (Anti-lock and throttle limiting kicking in). I then put it in 4H and same thing. I pushed hard on the gas and VSC cut the throttle. The system thinks I am skidding and is correcting. SO IT SEEMS LIKE THE SWITCH DOES ABSOLUTELY NOTHING? However, I want to skid, I want to do doughnuts, I want to spin the tires, I want to have control over what the car does (atleast when I am off road and in a safe area to mess around).
PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW TO TURN OFF VSC. I have a 94 SR5 3.0L 4X4 4runner and it seems to do a LOT better off road than this NEW 08 SPORT edition. Is there hope? What gives?
If it's anything like my 2001 only the VSC turns off. The traction control and ABS are still active. That would explain why it cuts the throttle and the brakes go nuts.
on the Tundra if you hold the traction control button on the VSC is off and the Auto LSD is off.
The rear differential is now open.
The grinding/seizure sound your mentioning is the breaks being applied to the wheel thats slipping.
At first i thought that an open differential would be find in the mud but you will get stuck pretty quick. I was having trouble in 2 hi with open differentials yesterday and was somewhat stuck in 2wd and put Auto LSD on and i got out pretty quick and didnt even have to put it in 4wd.
Open differentials are definitely much funner to play around in and when you get stuck just put on the Auto LSD or engage 4wd.
__________________ TUNDRA786
2007 Tundra Crew Max 4.7 TRD 4x4
285/65/18's with BF Goodrich All Terrain KO's
BedRug, Undercover, Bed Extender, Husky Liners
In the manual it explains how to use the VSC off switch. What is happening is VSC is still active, just the TRAC has been disabled.
First push the button while stopped, you'll see the "skid light" come on, the TRAC is now disabled. Next Press and hold the button for more than 3 sec, now the "VSC off" Light will come on. Now both TRAC and VSC are disabled. ATRAC is always active, but ATRAC does not cut throttle, it only tries to distribute power to all drive wheels evenly.
I attached a PDF that explains it in more detail than the owner's manual.
I have the same trouble on my 07 limited 2wd . Try a paved corner,getting in is pretty good with nice control under full braking. If you mash the gas at the apex and do incounter wheel spin or try to exit in a 4 wheel slide the activation of the traction control under a high speed situation is not good.Until you gain traction and the system shuts down , you push to the outside of your corner. Switching it off should be a manditory option
Thanks for all the replies, Jon, that PDF helps and now I see what you mean by holding down the VSC button for 3 seconds. I think there should be something in place for completely shutting off all VSC and ATRAC functions. The biggest difference I noted between the 94 and 08 was that when I'm in some deep mud, I drop it in L4 and the 94 spins its way out mud flying everywhere, the good stuff. I think the 08 is a little too techy for old fashioned off roading. I noticed you have the same car as me, but in a V8. Have you taken it off road and found a way to enjoy the old-fashioned off roading?
What ever happened to old fashioned ON/OFF switches. I totally agree with you wing, the system should have a feature that allows complete disabling of all traction control systems.
On a side note I wanted to tell you how amazing xreas really is. This truck can keep up with stock 3 series BMW coming on and off ramps without giving the "unstable" feeling. I was really amazed at the difference with and without xreas. The superior stability and lateral roll prevention is probably why they made it standard on the UrbanEdition and available on the limited. If you are going to buy a runner get the xreas its worth every penny.
...I think there should be something in place for completely shutting off all VSC and ATRAC functions. The biggest difference I noted between the 94 and 08 was that when I'm in some deep mud, I drop it in L4 and the 94 spins its way out mud flying everywhere, the good stuff. I think the 08 is a little too techy for old fashioned off roading. I noticed you have the same car as me, but in a V8. Have you taken it off road and found a way to enjoy the old-fashioned off roading?
What ever happened to old fashioned ON/OFF switches. I totally agree with you wing, the system should have a feature that allows complete disabling of all traction control systems.
...
Here is the "Andy Mod" that will disable all electronic assistance:
Re: How To Turn Off Vsc For Offroading ? GOOD NEWS
so Here's The Good News! I Found A Glitch... For V6 4wd
Which Means You Can Gas It Around A Corner And Get The Back End To Slide A Little, Or You Can Floor It At A Stoplight And Lay Some Rubber With Rear Wheels Only. Also Means Less Traction So Do This At Your Own Discretion. *do Not Try This At Home*
I Figured Out How To Get Vsc Trac Control Off During 2 Wheel Drive Mode.
1.) Turn On 4runner
2.) Place 4runner In Neutral
3.) Select H4 (4wd Knob) Wait Several Seconds For 4wd Symbol To Stop Blinking. If It Does Not Stop Blinking Place 4runner In Gear For A Couple Feet (let The 4wd Engage) And Then Back In Neutral.
4.) Press "vsc Off" Button ("slippery Road/car Slipping" Light Will Come On. One Light)
5.) Press And Hold "vsc Off" Button And Hold For About 3-5 Seconds. While Holding Button, Light Will Turn Off And After 3-5 Seconds The First Light Will Come On Along With Another Light That Says "vsc Off".
6.) Turn 4wd Selector Knob To 2wd And There You Have It. You Will Be In 2wd Throw Car In Gear And You're Ready To Lose Traction On Command.
7.) Just A Heads Up This Works Surprisingly Well, And I Was Able To Get A Doughnut On Wet Asphalt With Very Little Difficulty.
8.)feels Just Like My 94 Sr5 4wd In Rear Wheel Mode Only. Feels Good To Get Rid Of Those Damn Computers.
I have a 2008 4runner sport 4wd also. I had the same problem with the VSC stopping the spinning. first make sure in 4wd. To turn tract control off you press the traction control off button ( its to left of steering wheel and likes like a car slidding and says off below it) it turns off only tract control (still gonna stop spinning). To turn off VSC you then hold that same button down for about 3 seconds and then the VSC OFF light comes on and your set. Its NOT a glitch its in the manual lol. You may want to lock center differential but u dont have to. Also make sure to turn the VSC and tract control back on before going back on road.
How To Turn Off Vsc For Offroading ?
Re: How To Turn Off Vsc For Offroading ?
TUNDRA786
Linear Mode
