Multi-Terrain Select question...

[namsag]

We have a ‘17 we got just a couple of months ago, so cut me some slack if you would, I am still trying to learn all about the 4WD capability of this truck. I have read the relevant section of the owners manual and several threads on here, particularly this one

FAQ Discussion: Crawl, Multi-Terrain, Optional Lockers or ATRAC when best to use each

I am still not completely clear I don’t think on the Crawl Control/Multi-Terrain Select modes in the 200. In my 4Runner they each have their own button switch and dial (pretty straightforward) but these functions are shared in the 200.

As I understand it, to get into Crawl Control you shift into L4 and then press the CC button, and then select a speed on the dial. So Multi-Terrain select has no dedicated switch, does this mean as soon as you shift into L4 you are by default in MTS, and so you need to have a terrain type selected?

The owner’s manual is clear as mud on this, any help/advice is appreciated. Thanks, namsag.

 

[indycole]

I'm going off of memory here so I may be completely wrong, but I think the terrain select also matters even if you're not in CC. Without CC on, it basically controls how your traction systems respond to the surface and obstacles.

Once in CC, I tend to think of the terrain selection more like a speed setting. Sorry if this is all incorrect, hah.

 

[Sandroad]

On my '17, when I shift into 4Lo and don't use CC, the truck is in MTS select mode and defaults to sand/mud on the MTS. I can select any other terrain with the MTS knob, which is shared with the CC speed control (when in CC). So, yes, in 4Lo (and you aren't using CC) you are automatically in MTS and need to select a terrain, unless you are driving in sand/mud, in which case just enjoy the drive since you are already in that terrain mode. I'm out of commas now so I have to quit.

 

[namsag]

Thanks! I believe I got it now!

 

[Dan Higgins]

You all just about have it. Best to think of CRAWL as something you use instead of terrain mode. CRAWL uses the ABS (noisy as all get out) and controls the accelerator to help control your climbing over rocks, etc. Tries to simulate what very experienced off road drivers do with left foot braking. I don’t have that experienced touch with the brake and gas so I have used CRAWL to get through some pretty nasty boulder sections. It also works with other terrains like sand. And, yes, when you switch to CRAWL the control knob controls the speed. Think of it as cruise control for some nasty off-road sections.

But, it works the ABS pretty hard and you wouldn’t want to go that fast.

Multi-terrain Select mode becomes active any time you are in 4L along with other off-road capabilities such as the off road camera views and turning off vehicle stability assist. Anytime I am on any non-paved track that is not flat I will often run in 4L due to the added control and the fact that I never need to exceed 45mph or so. And when I’m in 4L I’ll need to choose the appropriate terrain mode. Mine doesn’t default to a particular one. It depends on the position of the controller knob when I engage 4L.