Do I have ATRAC or Not?

[Applejack]

I can't seem to get 2 matching answers on this question. My truck is an '05 model Taco D/C. It has the Off Road pkg. I know it has Trac, but does it have ATRAC? I'm told there is a difference. Some say "Yes", and some say "No, it's new for '09 models only." What do you Taco gurus say?

 

[ssmathis]

My 2007 had it but that's only because it came with the VSC/TRAC option. It wasn't standard even in 2007. TRAC works in 2WD and ATRAC in 4WD. So if you are sure you have traction control when in 4WD then you probably have it. Here's a picture of the switch added in 2007 so you could turn it off:

Scott

 

[Jacket]

This has been debated on TTORA a few times, and I'm not really sure there's a concrete conclusion (at least in my mind). What I can say is that Tacoma "TRAC" is disabled in 4-Lo + Diff Lock (without the mod), which I believe is different than the FJC which has ATRAC acting as an e-LSD for the front diff when the rear diff is locked. But if you hack the system in the Tacoma so that TRAC can be switched on in 4-Lo/Locked, then I'm of the opinion that its no different than A-TRAC. And that's simply because I can't convince myself that the #1 car maker in the world would install different computer systems in the two trucks. I think they've simply allowed the system to remain engaged with the locker in the FJC, using the principle that the locked rear diff will always spin at 50/50, so the computer will never interfere with that axle, and only apply e-LSD to the front axle.

But I could be wrong....

 

[ChuckB]

This has been debated on TTORA a few times, and I'm not really sure there's a concrete conclusion (at least in my mind). What I can say is that Tacoma "TRAC" is disabled in 4-Lo + Diff Lock (without the mod), which I believe is different than the FJC which has ATRAC acting as an e-LSD for the front diff when the rear diff is locked. But if you hack the system in the Tacoma so that TRAC can be switched on in 4-Lo/Locked, then I'm of the opinion that its no different than A-TRAC. And that's simply because I can't convince myself that the #1 car maker in the world would install different computer systems in the two trucks. I think they've simply allowed the system to remain engaged with the locker in the FJC, using the principle that the locked rear diff will always spin at 50/50, so the computer will never interfere with that axle, and only apply e-LSD to the front axle.

But I could be wrong....

I'm no expert but that is how it is described as working in the 100-series Land Cruisers that have ATRAC and ARB locker in the rear.

 

[tacollie]

I believe it does but am not positive. I say this because of how it climbs in
4L without the locker on. Take that with a grain of salt.

 

[ssmathis]

The owners manual for my 07 Taco actually called it ATRAC for 4WD. As Jacket states though it does turn off with the rear locker engaged.

Scott

 

[cid 96]

Atrac

This is a question I have thought about lately since the '07 Tacoma has become my number 1 offroad vehicle since I sold the 80 series.

Here is a simple test, one that I have not yet conducted, go offroad and listen to the vehicle spin and slip the tires. If you have ATRAC you will know it very quickly. You should be able to hear the brakes pulsing on and off.

Post up what you find out. It will be mid Feburary before my Tacoma takes its madien voyage.

Sid

 

[peekay]

This is a question I have thought about lately since the '07 Tacoma has become my number 1 offroad vehicle since I sold the 80 series.

Here is a simple test, one that I have not yet conducted, go offroad and listen to the vehicle spin and slip the tires. If you have ATRAC you will know it very quickly. You should be able to hear the brakes pulsing on and off.

Post up what you find out. It will be mid Feburary before my Tacoma takes its madien voyage.

Sid

I have an '07 with 4wd, VSC and the locker. Mine pulses in 4-hi, but does not in 4-lo. Based on the test you mentioned, I am guessing I have A-trac. That being said, what a worthless piece of crap "feature". I find myself going into 4-Lo just to avoid activating it even when I don't need 4-Lo. It goes haywire, all sorts of braking sounds, and seems to be of little benefit.

Anyone have any idea how to permanently disable this "feature"? I've seen discussions of all the traction control "features" on the new gen Tacos. But frankly, I am confused as heck. Trac, A-trac, VSC, etc. The locker and 4wd are obviously useful. VSC is nice to have on pavement. Everything else is BS marketing that actually get in the way of offroading.

 

[Applejack]

So I know that the TRAC is still operational in 4lo, I have found it useful, many times not needing to use the locker at all when I would have in my old truck. It is a love/hate relationship though, many times getting in the way, but other times it amazes me how well it works. There is a bit of a learning curve to figure out how to make it work to your advantage rather than disadvantage. It takes a kind of slow steady pace, for the climbs. If you gun it, it doesn't really work so well.
I just didn't know if the 4 wheel traction control was indeed ATRAC.
Thanx all!!:smiley_drive: