If you’re looking for a pickup truck that can handle any terrain, the Toyota Tacoma is a great option. This vehicle has several features that make it perfect for off-road driving, such as an auto limited-slip differential.
This blog post will discuss what an LSD is and how Tacoma’s auto LSD feature works. We’ll also discuss some of the benefits of this feature on your truck!
Auto LSD is a feature that is found in some Toyota Tacoma vehicles. It provides benefits such as increased stability, reduced fuel consumption, and increased brake life.
What is the Auto LSD System in Toyota Tacoma?
The auto LSD system is a feature that helps distribute power evenly to the truck’s wheels. The auto LSD system aids traction and stability to control engine performance.
Especially when driving on uneven or slippery surface es, the rear wheels begins to spin. Auto LSD works along with the Toyota traction control system and braking system to help keep the Tacoma stable.
How Does Auto LSD Work in Toyota Tacoma?
Toyota Tacoma’s auto LSD system uses sensors that are located at each wheel. These sensors constantly monitor the speed and traction of each wheel.
It works in coherence with the differential. A differential is a gear train with three shafts connecting a vehicle’s driven wheels. It splits the engine torque two ways, allowing each rear wheels spin at a different speed.
This is necessary when the vehicle turns because the inside wheel needs to travel a shorter distance than the outside wheel. The difference in speed creates rotational force, or torque, which turns the wheels.
If one of the wheels starts to slip, the sensor will send a signal to the limited-slip differential. When the differential receives a signal from the sensors on wheels, it will automatically send more power to the slipping wheel.
This helps to keep the truck from getting stuck in mud or sand, and it also helps to improve traction on slippery roads.
What are the Benefits of Auto LSD Feature?
Auto LSD is an excellent safety feature that can help prevent accidents. It can also help improve your vehicle’s handling on slippery surfaces.
If you live in an area where it snows or rains frequently, Auto LSD can be a great addition to your vehicle. Here are some of the benefits of this safety feature:
1. Helps You Get Out of Ditches:
If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, ditches can be a common hazard. If your vehicle gets stuck in one of these ditches, rear wheels spinning occurs, and the Auto LSD will help you get out.
2. Reduces Skidding:
When driving on slippery surfaces, your vehicle is more likely to skid. However, if you have Auto LSD, your car will be less likely to skid, thanks to the added traction.
3. Gives You Better Handling:
In general, Auto LSD provides better handling on slippery surfaces. This can help you avoid accidents and make driving in adverse conditions much easier.
4. Provides Stability:
On slippery surfaces, your vehicle can be more likely to tip over. However, if you have Auto LSD, your car will be more stable, thanks to the added traction.
5. Reduces Fuel Consumption:
One of the benefits of Auto LSD is that it can help reduce fuel consumption. This is because your car will be able to drive more smoothly on slippery surfaces, so you won’t have to use as much gas.
6. Increases the Life of Your Brakes:
Another benefit of Auto LSD is that it can help increase the life of your brakes. This is because your car can stop more quickly on slippery surfaces, so your brakes won’t have to work as hard.
What is the Difference Between Regular and Auto LSD?
Though both features primarily serve the same purpose, there are key differences between regular and auto LSD. Let us describe those differences in detail:
1. You Need To Engage Auto LSD:
You can turn Auto LSD on or off according to your requirement. When you turn it off, the car will function like a regular non- LSD vehicle. To engage Auto LSD, you need to press a button on the dashboard. However, the regular LSD is always engaged and cannot be turned off.
2. Auto LSD Can be Used in 2WD Modes Only:
While you can use the regular LSD in both 2WD and 4WD modes, Auto LSD can be used only when the car is in 2WD mode.
3. Auto LSD is Present in Rear-Wheel Drive Cars:
Auto LSD is a feature that is mostly found in rear-wheel drive cars. On the other hand, regular LSD can be found in rear-wheel, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel cars.
4. Auto LSD is Present in Cars With Open Rear Differential:
Most of the cars that come with an open rear differential also have Auto LSD. This is not the case with regular LSD, which can be found in vehicles with both open and locking rear differential.
5. Auto LSD Combines Benefits of LSD and Locking Rear Differential:
Auto LSD provides the benefits of both LSD and locking rear differential. When a vehicle’s wheel is not making contact with the ground, the Auto LSD transfers power to the wheel with better traction.
But in addition to that, it applies brakes to the spinning wheel, providing better control. On the other hand, regular LSD only transfers power to the wheel with better traction and doesn’t provide any braking action.
What to Do if Auto LSD Stops Working in Toyota Tacoma?
If you find that the Auto LSD in your Toyota Tacoma is not working properly, there are a few things that you can do:
- Simply restarting the car can sometimes fix the problem.
- If that doesn’t work, you can try disengaging and re-engaging the Auto LSD. To do this, you need to press the button on the dashboard.
- If those two solutions don’t work, check the differential fluid level and add more fluid if necessary.
- Check for any leaks in the differential system and repair them if needed.
- If any dirt or debris is blocking the sensors providing input to the Auto LSD system, clean them off.
- Inspect the differential for any damage and replace it if necessary.
- If you still can’t get the Auto LSD to work properly, take your car to a mechanic or dealership for further diagnosis.
Conclusion:
Auto LSD is a great safety feature that can help improve your vehicle’s handling on slippery surfaces. If you live in an area where it snows or rains, Auto LSD can be a great addition to your car. Without an auto LSD indicator, you need more careful cornering control.
There are a few key differences between regular and Auto LSD, such as the fact that you need to engage Auto LSD manually, which can only be used in rear-wheel drive cars.
We hope this article has been helpful in explaining the Auto LSD feature in Toyota Tacoma. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Auto LSD light on Toyota Tacoma?
The Auto LSD light on Toyota Tacoma is a warning light that comes on when the vehicle’s traction control system is disabled.
This could be due to various reasons, such as driving on a slippery surface or attempting to tow a heavy load. If the light comes on, it is important to reduce speed and drive cautiously until the condition can be rectified.
How do you turn on Auto LSD on a Toyota Tacoma?
To turn on the Auto LSD feature on your Toyota Tacoma, simply press and hold the VSC button for three seconds. The Auto LSD will remain on until you turn it off or turn the ignition off.
You can also turn on the Auto LSD by pressing and holding the VSC button while turning the traction control off.
Can you engage the automatic limited slip differential in 4WD mode?
No, the automatic limited-slip differential can only be engaged in rear-wheel drive mode. However, it can be engaged in 4WD vehicles while they are set to drive in 2WD mode.
This is because the Auto LSD uses the rear wheels to provide braking action to the spinning wheel, which is impossible in AWD or full-time four-wheel drive vehicles.
What are the symptoms of Auto LSD function going bad?
Several symptoms may indicate the Auto LSD function is going bad. These include:
- The traction control light comes up on the dashboard, or the slip indicator flashes.
- The vehicle feels like it is slipping or sliding when making turns.
- The vehicle feels “stuck” in one gear and refuses to shift up or down.
- The engine revs abnormally high when the vehicle is in motion.
- There is a burning smell coming from the engine area.
- The vehicle’s steering wheel pulls to one side when braking.
- The brake system overheats.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to have the vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
