Add A-TRAC to your FJ

Alex H · 03-24-06, 04:20 PM

It is as simple as buying the $60 A-TRAC switch from your friendly Toyota dealer and installing it to the dashboard. All of the hardware is already there, it is the same stuff used with the regular old-fashioned TRAC that comes on every FJ Cruiser. I am sure it will work on the ones with the rear locker but not positive about the base models without the locker as the TRAC ECU has different part #s for w/locker and without and ATRAC is not offered as a factory option without the rear locker. If you are not sure about spending the money you can also install a single pole momentary switch to the pink/green and black/white wires at pins 3 & 4 of the Active Trac control switch connector.

Methinks it is possible to order an FJ with the locker as the only option purchased, buy the switch and have a decent rockcrawler for under $25k.

07-13-2006 update:

You cannot add A-TRAC to an FJ Cruiser that did not come from the factory with the locking rear differential. See posts by PRCruiser and gunther here:

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...854#post114854

Isotel · 03-24-06, 04:25 PM

Great info man! anyone willing to test this theory out and let us know how it works??

Corey · 03-24-06, 04:52 PM

Cool, as I ordered basicaly a base rig:
Sillver
auto trans
rear locker
rock rails

That is it.
If all we need is the switch, that is outragious.

I hope the aftermarket catches up faast, as I did not even order floor mats.
I have Huskys in my '91 4Runner, and like them a lot.
I mount a fire bottle to one, and a Maglite to the other one.

MoJ · 03-24-06, 05:21 PM

WOW!

If this is true it's pretty damn cool info.

t100boy · 03-27-06, 05:14 PM

Does that mean an fj62 model can attach this switch and have that too?

Riverrock97 · 03-27-06, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t100boy

Does that mean an fj62 model can attach this switch and have that too?

no, only FJ Cruisers.

Is that you Matt?

uhoh7 · 03-27-06, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex H

It is as simple as buying the $60 A-TRAC switch from your friendly Toyota dealer and installing it to the dashboard. All of the hardware is already there, it is the same stuff used with the regular old-fashioned TRAC that comes on every FJ Cruiser. I am sure it will work on the ones with the rear locker but not positive about the base models without the locker as the TRAC ECU has different part #s for w/locker and without and ATRAC is not offered as a factory option without the rear locker. If you are not sure about spending the money you can also install a single pole momentary switch to the pink/green and black/white wires at pins 3 & 4 of the Active Trac control switch connector.

Methinks it is possible to order an FJ with the locker as the only option purchased, buy the switch and have a decent rockcrawler for under $25k.

So you buy "the switch", pop it into the dash: now it's time to connect the wires. They are just hanging there?

dawg · 03-28-06, 01:42 AM

Could it really be that easy ?

import silvia · 03-28-06, 10:15 AM

I thought a-trac came on every 4wd model and it is actually disabled when the locker is activated.

Alex H · 03-28-06, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uhoh7

So you buy "the switch", pop it into the dash: now it's time to connect the wires. They are just hanging there?

You tell me.

Pull the switch panel out and see if there is a couple of 4 pin connectors taped alongside the wire harness , unused.

dawg · 03-28-06, 11:50 AM

You would think there would be some kind of ecu upgrade needed? This will be interesting if it is only the switch..Someone that has one hurry up and try this will ya...........

Jetboy · 03-28-06, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawg

Could it really be that easy ?

If it is, I bet the switches will go up in price quickly.

dawg · 03-28-06, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetboy

If it is, I bet the switches will go up in price quickly.

Humm..you right did I hear E-bay?

meluhha · 03-28-06, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riverrock97

no, only FJ Cruisers.

Is that you Matt?

You don't mean me do you?

Cause I got a 60 and it ain't got no fancy trac-do-hickey-thinga-majigy.

In my day we called those 'hubs'!!

Cheers,
Matt (from Yukon)

gb_junkie · 04-01-06, 09:17 AM

any updates on this. if this is the case, then i'm ordering just a package one FJ.

player · 04-01-06, 06:14 PM

Hurry up and find out... the suspense is killing me...

logic2 · 04-11-06, 09:10 PM

I have the 4x4 (Silver) in 6-speed manual (rear diff lock), but no A-Trac.

I'll make the necessary modifications, install the switch, but the question is: What would be the best (& easiest) way to test this modification to be sure it actually works ?

Thanks in Advance

DaveWest5150 · 04-11-06, 10:25 PM

I would take the advice from Alex... He does know what he's talking about.....just my .02

gb_junkie · 04-11-06, 10:25 PM

apparently the a trac system is loud as hell...

logic2 · 04-11-06, 10:49 PM

His post sounds valid and I plan on testing it on my FJC (without A-TRAC), but I have a question about his instructions and was wondering the easiest way to test it. If it's as loud as described, then it should be pretty easy to determine, but I'd hate to know that the switch simply lights the A-TRAC LED on my dash

Anyway, I completely trust Alex here -
My question is:
Are the wiring instruction included with the new OEM switch or is it straight forward ? How many pins on the switch ? What color wires to what pins ?

It sounds like: There is an A-TRAC switch connector (female) behind every FJC faceplate that hooks directly to the OEM A-TRAC momentary switch (male)..... Is this correct ?

-----quote-----
If you are not sure about spending the money you can also install a single pole momentary switch to the pink/green and black/white wires at pins 3 & 4 of the Active Trac control switch connector.

-----end quote----

Thanks

4WD Toyota Owner Magazine · 04-11-06, 11:35 PM

This sounds similar to the Center Diff Lock switch that didn't come on US-spec 80-series trucks. Right behind the blank button on the dash is the harness and plug. You buy the button, attach it to the plug, and voila! You have the ability to lock the center diff in High Range (happens automatically when you shift to Low Range).

This is _probably_ the same theory but I make no promises; I will do some searching with my insiders at Toyota.

Dave

4WD Toyota Owner Magazine · 04-11-06, 11:37 PM

You can see the 80-series switch here:

http://www.man-a-fre.com/pa/centerdifflockswitch.htm

It's plug and play for the 80.

Dave

Alex H · 04-12-06, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by logic2

It sounds like: There is an A-TRAC switch connector (female) behind every FJC faceplate that hooks directly to the OEM A-TRAC momentary switch (male)..... Is this correct ?

Yes.

The easiest way to do a functional test of the A-TRAC system is to find somewhere that you can get 2 tires at opposite corners off the ground. Loading dock ramps work really well for this. Shift into low range (A-TRAC only works in low), press the switch, verify the light comes on. Pull up till the tires loose traction. The yellow slip indicator lamp on the dash will start flashing and you will hear a buzzing/clicking sound from under the hood. Most importantly, you should begin to move forward again. This is what A-TRAC is all about.

Part number 84988-35060 should get you the switch. Apparently it is on backorder. This is common when a new model comes out. They should be on these shores within a couple of weeks though.

JimmyK · 04-12-06, 11:07 AM

if this is the case Im ordering an FJ, heck 24k with a trac and rear diff lock WOOHOOO

swank60 · 04-12-06, 12:17 PM

Holly crap this is cool (ifin it works, of course).

logic2 · 04-12-06, 05:28 PM

Thanks Alex !

Well, I don't have a loading dock but I'm pretty sure I can duplicate the situation with a couple of car ramps - one under the front left and one under the rear right wheels.

I think I'll pay Radio Shack a visit for a cool-looking switch that will momentarily short-out the above mentioned wires until my local Toyo dealer can get me an A-TRAC switch.

Thanks for the help

Poriomania · 04-13-06, 12:17 AM

I don't know much about the FJCs but in the 80's quite a few of the switches are the same type with different labels. The hazard switch will work for the CDL and probably the rear defrost could be used too. Can you just pop out an existing switch and use it to test out the theory?

zagazowFJ · 04-13-06, 10:15 AM

how come nothing lights up in the cluster when i hit the a-trac? am i just supposed to know it's working, cuz of right now, its just a button

FJCruiserOwnersGroup · 04-13-06, 10:45 AM

Push the button and shift the control for L4 or LL (depending on whether you've got the auto or the manual). The indicator light should come on. A-Trac is supposed to help prevent all four wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces.

zagazowFJ · 04-14-06, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FJCruiserOwnersGroup

Push the button and shift the control for L4 or LL (depending on whether you've got the auto or the manual). The indicator light should come on. A-Trac is supposed to help prevent all four wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces.

thanks im such a 4wd noob.