Our trucks and SUVs have several features that we may not fully comprehend, and some of them we may not even be aware they exist until a warning light for them shows on the dashboard. What is Auto LSD, what does it do, how does it operate, and do you actually need it? Auto LSD is one of those features about which you might not be entirely certain.
The term “Auto LSD” refers to the Toyota traction control system’s Automatic Limited-Slip Differential, which automatically reduces engine power and applies brakes when it notices that one of the vehicle’s rear wheels is slipping and beginning to spin. The technology only works when the vehicle is in two-wheel drive; four-wheel drive does not activate it.
In This Article...
Should I turn on Auto LSD?
The LSD in Auto LSD stands for “Limited-Slip Differential,” a traction control system that, when used appropriately, enhances vehicle control by reducing engine output and initiating brakes when one of the drive wheels starts to slip.
When should I use Auto LSD?
Only when wheel slip happens in extremely difficult circumstances, like off-road or in deep snow, should auto LSD be employed. The Auto LSD system should only be used under extremely difficult circumstances. When the car is moving or when the wheels are spinning, don’t turn it on. It must not be used while driving normally.
Increased steering effort may be necessary while utilizing Auto LSD. To maintain control while cornering, you might need to exercise additional caution. The Auto LSD icon will start flashing if the car starts to slip while the system is engaged, signaling that the system is attempting to control the slippage.
How do I turn on Auto LSD?
The “VSC Off switch, which has a picture of a car with two wavy lines behind the wheels and the phrase “Off beneath it, can be used to activate auto LSD. The instrument cluster’s VSC Off and Auto LSD indicators will illuminate when pressed, indicating that the system is activated. Press the “VSC Off button one more to shut down the system.
Traction Control and Auto LSD
When driving under typical circumstances, traction control helps to maximize control. When a wheel slips, it applies brakes to that wheel and limits engine power. Traction Control is disabled while Auto LSD is on. Instead of lowering engine power to propel the wheel forward, auto LSD distributes power to the wheel with the most traction.
Why does Auto LSD automatically shut off?
The Auto LSD system will turn off automatically if the brakes overheat while in use. After a brief period, it will, however, be automatically restored. Additionally, the system will turn off automatically when the engine is turned off and stay off when the engine is restarted.
What does the traction control on a Tacoma do?
Your car’s traction control keeps the wheels from spinning. Here are 3 scenarios in which you might want to disable it.
The majority of cars today have traction control. And with good cause.
By preventing the wheels from spinning, traction control aids in the maintenance of traction for your car.
Ali Mohagheghi, our Toyota master diagnostic technician, was gracious enough to take the time to go over traction control and how it functions. He demonstrated with a 2021 Toyota Tacoma and a RAV4 Hybrid.
Most cars, including Toyota Tacomas, include speed sensors that measure how quickly each of the four wheels is turning. One or more of the wheels may begin spinning more quickly than the others when you meet mud, heavy rain, ice, or snow. Through this procedure, momentum is lost.
Speed sensors on the Tacoma pick up this whirling. Your truck will be able to move forward (like the Toyota slogan reference?) without sliding around since your car will use the brakes and restrict engine power to the spinning wheels.
In a 2021 Tacoma, this button is located to the left of the steering wheel; in a 2021 RAV4 Hybrid, it is in the center, right below the temperature controls. Your car probably has a “traction control off button,” and it’s somewhere in the interior cabin.
Most likely, you’ve heard the expression “rocking your car.” especially if you reside in a region with a lot of snow and a chilly temperature. like my home state of Michigan.
To free yourself from a snow-related situation, you might need to rock your car or truck back and forth. Your Toyota Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, or other model may be able to escape its muddy or snowy mess if you press the “traction control off” button, which allows your car to more easily rock between Drive and Reverse.
This method of disabling traction control only works if there is harder ground underneath the snow, ice, or sand; otherwise, your wheels will likely continue to spin and you may need to take more drastic measures to escape, such as being towed.
Auto limited-slip differential: what is it?
A limited-slip differential, sometimes known as an LSD, distributes torque among the driven wheels to enable quicker cornering. Through the prevention of wheelspin and the enhancement of traction, this enables the car to utilize the output of its engine as effectively as possible.
The benefits of a limited-slip differential
Although no differential is flawless, limited slip differentials do provide a number of advantages over a typical open differential.
When one tire loses traction, limited slip differentials adjust, giving you more control even on slick or bumpy roads.
A limited slip differential makes use of engine power more effectively to boost a car’s power and speed, resulting in a smoother and more pleasurable ride.
Even on common roads, LSD units can aid in maintaining near-perfect traction to provide a safer and more comfortable ride.
By keeping one wheel from spinning unnecessarily, limited slip differentials can help to reduce tire wear and tear. The same is true for axle shaftsshifting torque results in less pressure, which prolongs life.
A limited slip differential delivers significantly more traction and grip than a typical open differential system, even while driving over dust, sand, and rocks.
Are locking diffs standard on Tacomas?
A video that is part of this article illustrates how your Toyota Tacoma’s traction control and locking rear differential interact.
I believe we have all encountered a number of buttons and switches in our new cars that we are utterly baffled by.
If you own a truck and have ever had to escape a muddy, snowy, or slick situation, you are likely already familiar with locking rear differentials (also known as locking rear diff).
Others, though, could have noticed this button on their Toyota Tacoma or 4Runner and simply disregarded it. Maybe you didn’t need it up until now.
A locking rear differential button is available on your 2021 Toyota Tacoma and 2021 Toyota 4Runner (as well as models from earlier model years). It is situated where your map lights and sunglass holder would typically go.
By pressing this button, the locking rear differential forces the two rear wheels to spin at the same speed on the same rear axle. Continue to distribute torque to both wheels equally with your 4Runner. Regardless of traction, they move at the same speed.
In slick conditions, both wheels of your Tacoma or Toyota 4Runner will spin even if only one has any grip at all. You never know when you might come into an unexpected mud puddle, a downpour, or a snowfall on the trails.
Do I have a limited slip differential on my Tacoma?
A fully boxed front sub-frame and one-piece frame rails with 8-inch cross members provide the body added rigidity, and rear-wheel drive with an automated limited-slip differential is standard.
In snow, is it preferable to disable traction control?
When Should Traction Control Be Disabled? When you’re driving, it’s crucial to have traction control set to 95% of the time. The safety feature, however, could be detrimental in some circumstances. For instance, it’s preferable to keep it off if you find yourself buried in snow, sand, or mud.
What happens when I press my traction control button?
When switched off, you could see that your car handles when navigating slick terrain differently than you’re used to. For this reason, you ought to always drive with your traction control engaged.
Why would I ever need to turn off my traction control?
To take advantage of this crucial safety feature, you must always turn off your traction control. You could, however, need to temporarily disable the traction control in extremely uncommon situations. They consist of the following:
- Your car gets stuck in very thick muck, snow, or another surface from which it is unable to escape on its own. You might be able to drive out more quickly by disabling traction control while rocking your car.
- Your vehicle’s traction control is making it difficult for you to drive while you are in an area where chains are required for your tires.
What might cause you to want to disable traction control?
when attempting to get out of snow or mud, or when climbing a steep, icy hill. Reduced power may cause the vehicle to become stuck when trying to move through deep snow or mud. It makes no sense to reduce power or apply brakes to a spinning wheel(s) in these situations.
What is the lifespan of limited slip differentials?
As it refers to standard work vehicles rather than the countless articles I discovered that are written for performance-oriented dirt track racers, drag racers, drifters, and off-road aficionados, this information seems fairly useful.
Does anyone know what model, OEM brand, or component package the 2017 Transit Wagon axle belongs to? Any specifics on the LSD components, please? I suppose I should at the very least make an effort to learn more about the systems that our Transit is powered by so that we can take excellent care of it.