Progress testing self-installed Active Traction Control?

[John F.]

Hi, folks,
In researching the FJ's on this forum, I saw that apparently some
folks have been working to activate the Active Traction Control feature on FJ's which did not have the package for it, by installing
the ATC switch into existing wiring. Has anyone actually taken one
of these modified rigs out off-road and verified that it works like
the factory version? If so, that would be superb -- the package
to get ATC here in my region of the country adds $2600 to the price of the FJ!!

Thanks in advance,
John

[iamnid]

One of the original threads involved a guy putting the FJ up on jacks with only one wheel on the ground -- it wouldn't move until he used ATRAC -- this was on an FJ that didn't come with it -- it was added with the switch.

Is that proof enough?

[saskdiesel]

I am also waiting for some "field testing report".
Jack stands aren't real world enough. I want to know how it works in the mud/muddy rocks kind of stuff.
But since it isn't my money invested I am waiting patiently!

[Go4aRyd]

My Dealer called last night to try and sell me a BASE model with the rear locker option due in next week (my pre-order is still a bit further out for an Option 2 pkg). After several calls, he said the service dept would install the ATRAC switch and connect the harness as part of the sell. If other dealers are willing as well, you can protect your warranty from "electrical modification" disputes.

BTW - I'm passing on this FJ. Too much junk on it (prices slightly lower than an option2 grp). If it had been a true base, probably would have sprung on it.

[mapleton cruiser]

i ordered my switch from the dealer told me 2 1/2 weeks go it would be here on monday it had to come from japan , still not here i checked today. when it does i will install and test and post results.

[John F.]

Thanks, guys!! The post below from the original thread has me wondering if it will work properly when put to a "real-world" test:

04-20-06, 10:07 AM #39 saskdiesel vbmenu_register("postmenu_1081761", true);
IH8MUD Rookie

Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
TLCA# 7430
Posts: 69


I was talking with a friend of mine who has been building newer Toyotas for 15 years or so and this is what he said about this thread.

The ABS servo motor is most likely different.

The factory ABS computer most likely has different programing or additional programing for this function. But the programing could be overcome by some ingenious builder or reflashed by the factory.



However, there is also optimism in high places, as evidenced by this post, also from the original thread:
04-22-06, 11:38 AM #49 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine vbmenu_register("postmenu_1087067", true);
100% Toyota

Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 206


Quote:
Originally Posted by player
Yeah, a few posts up, a guy mentioned the wires are all there, plugged into the plastic knock-out panel, waiting for testing.


It makes sense then that it will work. These machines come off a highly-automated and efficient assembly line. Electronic-wise, it's logical to assume that they all have the same wiring. Hardware-wise, of course not (you won't find an e-locker in an FJC ordered without one.)

I'm willing to bet that it's plug and play. It works on the 1993-7 FZJ80's with the CDL switch--the ECU recognizes it when it goes in and it deactivates the ABS and locks the center diff in High--even though no US-spec FZJ80 had that switch from the factory, the harness and ECU data was all there.

I think the FJC computer will recognize the switch and activate ATRAC. Pete Parks is working on getting the switch and doing this as I speak. Will report when he gets it installed.


__________________
David Zartman
Publisher
4WD Toyota Owner Magazine
http://www.4wdtoyotaowner.com



Reactions varied; for those who missed the original thread, it is very well worth reading. This should get you there: http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj-cruiser/85568-add-trac-your-fj.html

I'm waiting to buy my FJ based on the results of this testing, pretty
much -- would love to have the A-track without all the other
"stuff" they bundle with it to jack up the price. (As the famous commercial says, "it's my little way of sticking it to the Man.")


Thanks, all, for the help and as I am able to learn anything from my own FJ (when I get it) I will be very happy to share results.

John

[F.oreman J.ason]

I added a switch from radio shack and my A-trac works fine I've gone off road almost every weekend and it definitely works. I've climbed some pretty steep hills with the A-trac kicking in most of the way up. much better than rear locker.

[player]

oooOH, you quoted me!
Whats the deal? It works right?

[mapleton cruiser]

got my switch today from dealer waited three weeks cost me $60.00 pulled the blank , the blank button had the wiring plugged into it , i just unplugged and plugged in the switch , it lights up , now all i got to do is go and test it and im going to do that right now , going camping for the night will post back tomorrow with results.

[John F.]

OUTSTANDING, guys!! Thanks for being on the cutting edge!
John

[mapleton cruiser]

o.k. thats one more successful install it works . put it in 4 low went up steep incline loose dirt , wheels slipped then not heard the grinding noise everyone has talked about , climbed right up the hill . im very happy . a- trac $60.00 cheap mod.

[SilverFJ]

How do you remove the "plug" in the Atrac switch location? Do you have to remove the center dash section or does the plug pop out with a screw driver?

[mapleton cruiser]

popped it out with a small screw driver

[John F.]

Hi, Mapleton Cruiser,
Thanks for the update!! I was curious, in your post you said:

"wheels slipped then not heard the grinding noise everyone has talked about , climbed right up the hill . im very happy . a- trac $60.00 cheap mod."

Did you mean to say that you did hear the grinding noise, or
did yours not make the noise?

Thanks much,
John

[k_os]

If you don't hear the grinding noise and on top of that your pedals and shifter( atleast on the MT6) should be shaking like crazy.. believe me.. if you feel like the FJ is falling apart then it's working.. it's one scary noise..

[mapleton cruiser]

k os is right you will know when it is working and it works!!!!

[John F.]

Originally Posted by mapleton cruiser

k os is right you will know when it is working and it works!!!!

Thanks very much! This is helping me pick the configuration of the FJ I will buy -- I appreciate all your help and sharing your results with us!

John

[SilverFJ]

I received my switch from my dealer today. Installed in less than a minute. Shifted into 4-low, pushed the button, and the light on the dash came on. I decided to make sure, so I found a muddy construction site after work. It works! Serious vibration / noise when depressed and trying to fling mud. Best $76 I've ever spent!

[John F.]

Thanks much, all! I should be ordering my FJ tomorrow... and
an A-trac switch to install, as well!! I appreciate your help!!

John

[Weedo]

Originally Posted by SilverFJ

I received my switch from my dealer today. Installed in less than a minute. Shifted into 4-low, pushed the button, and the light on the dash came on. I decided to make sure, so I found a muddy construction site after work. It works! Serious vibration / noise when depressed and trying to fling mud. Best $76 I've ever spent!

REALLY? Wow, that's great!! I'm shocked that it's as simple as a $60 switch! As a post above states, it's $2600 more for the A-TRAC (well, you do get a leather steering wheel, subwoofer, etc...)

Great job on figuring this out!

[Runner Ryan]

I heard about this mod a while ago. I just went to my dealer to order one, and they said they couldn't get one. No stock in North America. Anyone know of a source for these switches?

[Zack1978]

Originally Posted by Runner Ryan

I heard about this mod a while ago. I just went to my dealer to order one, and they said they couldn't get one. No stock in North America. Anyone know of a source for these switches?

What about the guy who got his from Radio Shack?

Zack

[Tools R Us]

Originally Posted by Runner Ryan

I heard about this mod a while ago. I just went to my dealer to order one, and they said they couldn't get one. No stock in North America. Anyone know of a source for these switches?

PM or call cruiserdan, tell him your a Mud member, he will give you the straight scoop and best price. 1-800-432-6668 EX 8

http://forum.ih8mud.com/%2A%2A-ih8mud-com-vendor-marketplace-%2A%2A/17873-getting-cruiserdan.html

[FirstToy]

Thanks Tools R Us,

Yes, Dan is your friend. Maybe new to the FJC crowd, but he has been supplying members here w/ excellent service & OEM parts at great prices.

Simply a great resource.
Well, there are many "I love Dan" threads so I'll stop there!! lol

[Runner Ryan]

Sweet! Thanx for the info. I am gonna try the cheap switch for tonight, then if I like it, I will spring for the original switch. Thanx again.

[Runner Ryan]

Well, I cheated. I just installed a little jumper wire between the two terminals. It works great. Doesn't look pretty, but "function over form"!

[bobbynga]

Originally Posted by SilverFJ

How do you remove the "plug" in the Atrac switch location? Do you have to remove the center dash section or does the plug pop out with a screw driver?

Someone suggested I post this "how to" here:

A-TRAC Switch Install - $50 and 10 Seconds

Hope it can help someone.

[mbisson]

Originally Posted by bobbynga

Someone suggested I post this "how to" here:

A-TRAC Switch Install - $50 and 10 Seconds

Hope it can help someone.

Great write up. Good pictures and instructions.

thanks

[k9crazy]

$50 and 10 seconds is just about right. We put the switch in last night and POOF the light came on and it worked. Toyota has to be kicking themselves for this one.

Props to CruiserDan for ordering the switch and a great price!

[DanKunz]

What did T think Hez?