fr03

Could someone explain what the VSC button does on the dash to the left of the steering column. I know the light comes on saying VSC off when its' off. I notice this when 4WD is engaged. Should I drive with VSC on or off? Does this only matter when using 4WD?
I'm totally confused as too if this will do damage if left on or off in 2WD. (sorry for rambling on) fr03 btw 2003 v6 runner

CTB

I'm pretty sure that's teh Vehicle Skid Control feature. Try seeing what all your owner's manual says about it.

Nerve

The button left of the steering wheel you mention is the Central Differential Lock.

Check this thread for more about it
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...threadid=15939

EDGE

Basically I found out the hard way, apparently the 4Runner owners knew but in order to fish tail in snow or do donuts hit it and you will see the VSC off light, even deep snow you need it off makes it easier to get through without the truck thinkin your sliding and hitting the brakes for you.

It confusing to read about it without even using it but take the truck out in the snow and read the manual and switch it on and off and you will realize how it works, just don't have it off in 4wd on dry pavement

The Dutch Man

Edge,

Do you know what speed you can go up to with the center locked. I haven't tried mine yet, but it sounds like I need to, especially with the snow this weekend. I too notice the VSC kicking in. Kind of a PITA at times.

Sac State

Edge has the V8, which is always in 4WD. He and I can lock our diff at any forward speed. I usually do it under 20mph, call me old fashioned. That button you reference turns off VSC, which is also another term, for locking your center diff.

On your V6, you need to engage 4WD, up to 62mph, and then you can engage (lock) your diff (VSC off button) at any speed. You cannot lock your diff in 2WD, your VSC light will flash, same with DAC.

You DON'T want to attempt to lock your diff with the wheels spinning (ice, snow, sand, etc.). It will not be pretty. Engage your 4WD under load or at a stop, never engage with a RPM not under load or idling at stop. Even though it is not required, I back my rig up ten feet and move the gear selector to 'N' after unlocking my diff and in your case after switching back to 2WD. Another old Ford habit.

The '02 owners manual was jibberish and written in riddles. the '03 manual is not much better. Took me a long time and searching on this borad to finally learn how to properly engage my 4WD on my '02 and '03 Runner.

CTB

So, you are saying not to engage 4WD when you are just sitting still?

Sac State

:pat:

What I was attempting to communicate was never attempt to lock the diff or engage 4WD when you are burning out in mud, snow or racing the engine in 'N' or 'P'. If you are driving 55mph down the road it is fine to engage 4WD and diff lock when the transmission is under load in gear.

Darren

It's not going to lock anyway under those circumstances. Ever see the blinking indicator, which indicates it isn't engaged?

CTB

Got ya, just wanted to clarify

EDGE

You can drive as fast as you want with the diff locked but would you really want to drive faster than 60mph in the snow

Sac State

Edge, I thought you idled at 60mph?

EDGE

Im confused man, I was just saying you can drive at any speed really but it's not safe even if the diff is locked and the 4x4 system acts like a real 50/50 system you can still drive fast, I've never had my truck up to 60 in the snow not even on the highway, infact I never passed 1500rpms when it was snowing and I was driving

fr03

I have to agree with sacstate. The owners manual is written poorly in many sections. For that reason, I asked the question about VSC in the first place! Anyway thanks to all, once again you guys helped to clear up some confusion. This forum is with out a doubt the greatest on the web! I can't beleive the amount of information that you guys have.

The Dutch Man

I second that response. I was thinking to myself this weekend, man this truck sucks in the snow! We got 14 inches here! Well, locking that center differential makes all the difference in the world. Thanks for pointing that out Edge. I tried it tonight on the snow covered roads of New England. The truck feels like a conventional 4WD with the center diff locked. What a difference. Just be sure not to be driving on any dry pavement with the diff locked! Thanks again for the clarification guys, especially Edge!

Sac State

Edge, just playin with ya.

Colemanfu

I thought you had to be in 4wd low to get the Center Diff to kick in? Am I wrong in this thinking? or can us lock the CD in 4wd HI?

The Dutch Man

You can lock the center diff in 4 High. Edge spoke about this earlier. Take a look at the manual. I re-read mine last night. Center Diff can be locked in either 4 Hi or 4Lo. Locking the center Diff in 4 Hi makes the truck function like a traditional 4WD truck (best for snowy or off road conditions). Same with 4 Lo. 4 Lo should only be used for very slow going situations.

EDGE

The truck is fun when the Center Diff is locked