I have an 05 SR5 4runner, 4x4 V6. I am new to Colorado and driving in the snow with my 4Runner. Can someone explain to me the difference between the VSC and TRAC?

My issue is that when I pull into traffic and hit a piece of snow or ice some system cuts off power to my rear wheels and I get stranded. It's actually quite dangerous as it seems to not "reset" for a few seconds and I am stuck in oncoming traffic or someone comes up on me quickly. I am a cautious driver and I have driven in snow before so I am not trying to floor it or push too hard. I don't want to leave it in just 4 wheel drive since sometimes the roads have unexpected ice patches.

How fast should the system reset and I should be able to accelerate again normally?

Pretty embarrassing when a Jeep Compass passes you after they make the same right hand turn.

 

VSC helps in preventing you from skidding out of control when braking. TRAC is a system to help prevent the wheels spinning when acceleration and thus losing traction. I don't have a good answer as to how long it takes as it varies but you are not he first person to complain about it cutting power at the wrong time.

Also why do you not want to run in 4WD when may run into ice/snow? Seems like a good reason to leave it on.