Had a minute finally so I thought I'd respond to FIVE-BY-FIVE's linked post from the FJC Forums. That link had the statements:
"So at relatively high speeds TRAC will slow you down & aid in traction control in slippery situations, while VSC will give your more control during turns, skids, and saving your ass (roll over prevention)."
This is 100% not accurate. Besides reading the manual....think about it....what is Traction Control for? What does it do? Traction Control assits to move the vehicle FORWARD when traction is lost and you need to continue progress. Traction Control doesn't sense slipping at higher speeds and kick in to slow you down. It's VSC and VSC ONLY that saves your butt when you lose traction at high speed. It's VSC-only that can cut the engine.
"While ATRAC and Rear Diff Locker is specifically for use in 4LO. While either of these are engaged, the TRAC and VSC is turned off. This makes sense, b/c they are safety systems to slow you down when you're going to fast, while ATRAC and RDL will aid to move you forward when you're going too slow or stuck."
The "slow down" reference is not correct again. VSC is the safety system to slow you down while losing control. TRAC AND ATRAC are systems that activate braking ONLY when you are trying to move FORWARD and while tires are slipping. TRAC has no effect on throttle. When you shift from Hi to Lo the system's software changes which effects kick-in and forward control.
"Other Recommendations: Not necessary to be in 4H when it's raining or lightly snowing in the city, since this will deactivate VSC. VSC is what will save your ass at high speeds (per Thai). If you stay in 2H, you have TRAC and VSC to make necessary corrections if you slip & slide. If you do choose to put it in 4H for these situations, at least you still have TRAC working for you. But again, Thai says TRAC is turned off after 40+ mph or so. Many here feel you shouldn't be going fast (>40mph) while in 4H. 4H is probably more appropriate if you encounter thick/compacted snow or icey roads as FJJack mentions. You can quickly find out which is better with a test this winter. Try 2H and 4H and make up your own mind."
Totally misleading. TRAC is not there to work for you if you are "slipping and sliding" unless you are going at slower speeds and are trying to ACCELLERATE. And you'll need to use a soft pedal when taking off or the system will kick out and let you spin all four until your heart's content. This is why in mud you can sling it all over....because you need to keep up on throttle and not have the engine cut or you'll get stuck. The reference to 40 MPH+ is totally incorrect as well. TRAC/ATRAC work only below a certain throttle input compared to speed. You can be going 2 MPH (for example) trying to climb a hill or take off on ice....if you keep light throttle the system will kick in to your aid. IF you accellerate too much the system will kick out and let wheels spin all you want. This happens in case you NEED your wheels to claw for traction such as in mud, sand, or deep snow.
*****It's VSC and VSC ONLY that will slow you at higher speeds in order to help maintain control.
*****The differences between TRAC and ATRAC are only software flashes. Both systems simply apply brakes in order to keep forward progress. When they kick in and how tight they control varies by the software and sometimes added wheel sensors. Other than that they do the same thing...they work to keep you moving (not to slow you down).
"So at relatively high speeds TRAC will slow you down & aid in traction control in slippery situations, while VSC will give your more control during turns, skids, and saving your ass (roll over prevention)."
This is 100% not accurate. Besides reading the manual....think about it....what is Traction Control for? What does it do? Traction Control assits to move the vehicle FORWARD when traction is lost and you need to continue progress. Traction Control doesn't sense slipping at higher speeds and kick in to slow you down. It's VSC and VSC ONLY that saves your butt when you lose traction at high speed. It's VSC-only that can cut the engine.
"While ATRAC and Rear Diff Locker is specifically for use in 4LO. While either of these are engaged, the TRAC and VSC is turned off. This makes sense, b/c they are safety systems to slow you down when you're going to fast, while ATRAC and RDL will aid to move you forward when you're going too slow or stuck."
The "slow down" reference is not correct again. VSC is the safety system to slow you down while losing control. TRAC AND ATRAC are systems that activate braking ONLY when you are trying to move FORWARD and while tires are slipping. TRAC has no effect on throttle. When you shift from Hi to Lo the system's software changes which effects kick-in and forward control.
"Other Recommendations: Not necessary to be in 4H when it's raining or lightly snowing in the city, since this will deactivate VSC. VSC is what will save your ass at high speeds (per Thai). If you stay in 2H, you have TRAC and VSC to make necessary corrections if you slip & slide. If you do choose to put it in 4H for these situations, at least you still have TRAC working for you. But again, Thai says TRAC is turned off after 40+ mph or so. Many here feel you shouldn't be going fast (>40mph) while in 4H. 4H is probably more appropriate if you encounter thick/compacted snow or icey roads as FJJack mentions. You can quickly find out which is better with a test this winter. Try 2H and 4H and make up your own mind."
Totally misleading. TRAC is not there to work for you if you are "slipping and sliding" unless you are going at slower speeds and are trying to ACCELLERATE. And you'll need to use a soft pedal when taking off or the system will kick out and let you spin all four until your heart's content. This is why in mud you can sling it all over....because you need to keep up on throttle and not have the engine cut or you'll get stuck. The reference to 40 MPH+ is totally incorrect as well. TRAC/ATRAC work only below a certain throttle input compared to speed. You can be going 2 MPH (for example) trying to climb a hill or take off on ice....if you keep light throttle the system will kick in to your aid. IF you accellerate too much the system will kick out and let wheels spin all you want. This happens in case you NEED your wheels to claw for traction such as in mud, sand, or deep snow.
*****It's VSC and VSC ONLY that will slow you at higher speeds in order to help maintain control.
*****The differences between TRAC and ATRAC are only software flashes. Both systems simply apply brakes in order to keep forward progress. When they kick in and how tight they control varies by the software and sometimes added wheel sensors. Other than that they do the same thing...they work to keep you moving (not to slow you down).
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Also nice to see you getting around Homes
