Toyota Tundra Auto LSD Explained Once and For ALL + 4wd, 2wd, VSC and Stability Control Explained!

Toyota's Auto LSD has been so confusing for so many. Couple that with 2wd, 4wd, VSC, Stability Control and it's enough to make your head spin. Well, I did my best to explain it all and make sense of the Tundra's different driving modes.

[@jeg812ify]

Is this the same for 2010 models? Everything looks just about the same as far as the button and the lights and all. I've been looking for an explanation great video!

[@TundraGuy]

Thanks, i tried my best! Yes this is the same for all gen2 and gen3 (2007-Current)

[@roellopez6638]

it is the same but auto lsd is not always on i think he might be wrong on that one i always got stuck with traction control on i would have to turn off traction control and turn on auto lsd to get unstuck

[@seanoconnell769]

Not

[@18chevydude]

I have a 07 tundra and when you go to 4hi. Vsc is off but I still have traction control. I've been stuck in mud and you can hear the abs. System activating. And it reduced power some. Or you can hold the button down and then everything is off and you have full power but then your stuck with open front and rear diffs. The new tundras might be different.

[@roellopez6638]

vehicle stability control is not traction control

[@nooopenoway4071]

Stop talking and get on with it... christ.

[@dominicknmamonejr.7531]

absolutely! took too much time, now how am I going get it back!

[@211212112]

Also o saw where you can push the auto lsd once to do something, then press and hold it for 3-4 seconds to do something else, then press and hold another 3-4 to get something else. After the three times turn on tow mode and you now have the best fish tail and donut mode

[@SublimeTree]

This is accurate

[@prandomable]

Auto LSD is STILL part of traction control system. It controls and brake rear spinning wheel if one wheel loses traction. It just doesn't control front to rear wheels speed difference, only left to right at the rear.

[@pbillings808]

3:26 - totally wrong. Both tires are spinning because both are on ice. Put one on the pavement, and only the iced one will spin when the diff is open. [Edit: the following is not right. So sorry. Further research confirms the (brake-activated) LSD is engaged by default in 2wd (at least on a Tacoma). Pushing the button just deactivates the throttle limiting. Thx @Angus Black.] You must push the button to get the (brake-activated) LSD behavior. 4:33 - again, give one wheel traction and you'll see the real difference with the LSD mode -- you'll actually go somewhere!

[@daryoushborja5115]

Paul Billings And Auto LSD works in 4wd .

[@AngusNB]

On page 247 of the owners manual, for my 2008 Tundra, it says "In the four−wheel drive mode, the system does not work.".

[@AngusNB]

Start at 10:00, he shows what happens when one wheel is on ice and one is on asphalt. With and without Auto LSD. From what I've been reading I think it's A-TRAC that's working here not Auto LSD. The *AUTO* part of Auto LSD does lead you to believe that it works automatically though.

[@fivecrosses9040]

The traction control has almost got me hit by oncoming traffic on two separate occasions while trying to enter from a parking lot. It scared the crap out of me. First truck I have had with it. The drive tire stops working and I am left coasting. That doesn’t do well in rush hour traffic. Turning off the traction control, gives power to the other wheel seems to help. Problem is that the driver must anticipate the loss of traction then before it happens so as to hit the button which is not easy to see. I have driven professionally on delivery routes for years and live in Iowa. Driving for 35 plus years and the traction control for me is useless, and has almost got me hit twice.

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

Five Crosses you just dont know how to drive. Full time awd is better. V8 4runner is best toyota ever made.

[@gte1340]

Excellent explanation of a complicated subject screw all those naysayers below giving you bad comments!

[@bryanwalters1041]

2014 tundra sr5 2wd 5.7L - the rear tires do not turn at the same time/rotation when slipping in mud. And to remove the "traction control" you must hold down the tow/haul & traction control buttons together for 3 seconds. You can then press the tow/haul button again to remove tow/haul. But, if you hit the traction control button again, you will go back into "Limited" slip. Also, I usually have an ATV in the back or on a trailer. It doesn't seem to make any difference, thou. Also, this goes the same at the boat ramp, too. Pulls better than my old ram and dad's f150. Just sayin..... Hope this helps..... 84,300 mi. And just replaced the brake pads. No other repairs have been done besides oil changes, tires, and wiper blades at this time.

[@taborrossi8411]

Bryan Walters I never tried the tow hall button at the same time nor have I heard of that one. I may need to go out to my truck right now lol

[@bryanwalters1041]

tabor rossi . Make sure the truck is in Park or Neutral, first. It will not "set" in gear or moving. You will want to celebrate with some smoky doughnuts! Lol

[@taborrossi8411]

my man lol

[@bryanwalters1041]

tabor rossi . Did it work for you? Next, firmly hold the break and gas together for 10 seconds and then slowly release break. Lol

[@taborrossi8411]

Bryan Walters it didn't seem to make a difference from the other way without the tow haul button

[@justinfontaine5539]

Having your seatbelt light off would have been helpful.

[@wildbill23c]

Its not confusing at all, its using the traction control and ABS system to apply the brakes to a spinning wheel to transfer power to the wheels with traction....its very easy to understand. A wheel spins, the brake system's ABS sensors sense wheel speed differences and tell the computer and the computer applies the brake to the wheel that is spinning and transfers power, or tries to transfer power to the wheel on the opposite side of the axle to help move the truck. It works somewhat, but in reality it wears out your brake pads, and is absolutely no excuse for not having a true limited slip or a locker....and given the price point of the Tundra it should at least offer a limited slip.

[@vtimou5772]

What about A-TRAC,,,i think its always on in 4hi and 4lo,,,,its works like auto lsd but in the front and rear,,,,and the truck has to move at lease 5mph i think

[@greghillis4994]

All in all the LSD system is junk. I was very disappointed in it not realizing it wasn't a true LSD and it doesn't engage in 4WD. I definitely should of researched it before purchase. I spent the money and installed an Auburn Pro LSD and It's the best upgrade I could of done. I live in northern Alberta and the day I had it installed we got over 3 feet of snow. Trucks were stuck everywhere but, I didn't even have to put ur in 4WD. Good video...junk system.

[@n.lyndley.9889]

✓ Could have. ✓ Should have. ✓Could've. Not: could of.

[@greghillis4994]

@@n.lyndley.9889 I was on the piss when I wrote it. I should of paid more heed.

[@switchman956]

You may have just built a bullet proof truck sir......I myself will be getting the TRD Pro 2020 version and locking rear diff.

[@3sgteleak]

@Greg Hillis Who did you get to do the actual LSD install? I also live in Alberta and have hated the fake LSD since the first winter of owning an 07 tundra. Any of the service managers at any Toyota Tundra dealerships I have been to believe that it “already has a limited slip differential” If I can find a trustworthy service centre in Alberta I may be tempted to take the odometer to 5000000km.

[@wildbill23c]

The aftermarket has some great limited slip and locker options for the Tundra, and if I ever bought another Tundra I'd definitely go get an aftermarket limited slip at a minimum. Toyota seriously needs to wake up and offer an E-Locker like they do in the Tacoma...pretty cheesy garbage design with the ALSD that they threw in them. All it does is eat up your brake pads.

[@ARSZLB]

dude, don’t ask for subscribers before you even get to what your video is even about. it’s tacky and sounds desperate.

[@dalephillips8250]

Good Explanation. The only thing you could have added was a camera outside the vehicle showing what is actually happening.

[@Rad3yt]

What about when you’re in 2wd and you hold the vsc for 3-5 sec a second time and it displays “Traction control off”

[@joshuasanborn46]

1. Press the TRACTION CONTROL button once to engage ASL. 2. Press and HOLD the TC Button to disengage the Vehicle stability control and ASL. >>>>>>you didn’t mention the next step. 3. After showing both lights (ASL and VSC) press AND HOLD the TC Button again until the dashboard tells you “Traction Control Off”. If you go to step 3 be aware you will have full access to the motor and tires with no limitations whatsoever. If you can handle that, click the ‘TOW HAUL’ Button once and be very careful. It’s a totally different beast at this point. I was disappointed with the HP of my tundra until I learned how to use it. Disclaimer: I know the TOW HAUL button is for towing. But my goodness what’s a difference in available torque once pressed.

[@eddiesolis6915]

Joshua Sanborn yeah it’s definitely a beast😍

[@NVGUY4732]

I need to give this a try in my 2014 Tundra. Thanks for sharing!

[@mariuszkochanski6992]

Push lsd button, push it again and hold for 3-5 sec and again push and hold for 3-5 sec and the truck is all yours. I also push tow button,way more aggressive You welcome and be careful

[@c0lgs777]

What do you mean 'all yours'

[@zacharyhughes1545]

c0lgs777 he means there no traction control or anything else to help you drive the truck

[@madhatter3492]

He means you can roast the tires. Full throttle, lower shift points, no electronic bullshit holding you back. All yours :-). I wish you didn't have to cycle the modes every time you get in it though. Be nice if you could set it and leave it in any mode you want, instead of it defaulting every time the engine is shut off.

[@shanerhodes925]

Sucks my truck screwed me one time I needed to use the brakes and throttle to control my skid and it wouldn't let me just made a bunch of noise and pretty much took the driving control away from me sucks

[@shawnsitter5390]

LSD “Still having flashbacks” Trip Button!!

[@757Adventurer]

Talking about dragging out an explanation.

[@om-to1jj]

Fucking painful

[@MrRey007]

Under offroad applications the auto lsd activation is very useful. When you activate it you will be able to go up to 4k rpms. The reason of this is because the trucks has 401lb of tq on 3600rpms. The auto lsd is always on by default but in case you actually need full power you press the button once and you will be able to pull all your trucks power. This is recommended depending of the offroad application you are in to. Like during mud cross or climbing. You will still have the autolsd system on but still be able to pull full power.

[@tyleratchley8669]

I've hit auto LSD plenty of times and I still haven't even seen colors! Guess I'll wait till summer and find some shrooms!

[@gametyme610]

Man can these guys ramble on

[@marcusgunderson634]

Audrey Rae sped up playback speed lol

[@Michael-le6em]

Audrey seriously

[@Mr.Steele]

I have a 2018 Tundra. What about A-TRAC? How does it work and how do i engage it? My 2018 is 4x4. Do i have A-TRAC?

[@esteemedenergy]

While I appreciate the time you took to do this video, MY GOD, how many times do you really need to mention what other people say or think? Just stick to the topic.

[@dc5325]

check your tundra for the "cam tower oil leak" (google it) before your warranty expires !!

[@pullingguard5435]

Ahhhh.....ummmm. You really need to work on your video and communication skills buddy. How about you show us where the dang switches are and be a little clearer

[@jimwolabaugh3608]

If you have a Tundra and you don’t where these buttons are, then there is no video that’s gonna help you and you’re beyond help. Maybe you should redo this video using these better communication skills you speak of! I love fucking with hypocrites

[@kjmdrumz3]

TRAC and ATRAC work best around 2,000rpms which is why the throttle is limited to that range.

[@tmzz3609]

The auto LSD works in 4x4. Jack both rear tires and one front tire in the air and you can watch it work. One tire front and rear will spin then you will see the braking be applied to the spinning wheels, then one front tire touching pavement will then get power.

[@crankshaft007]

We have no details about years ? Looking for 2021 tundra info

[@kenstirling5348]

I have a tundra and I can tell you that the "auto lsd" is basically nothing. Plain and simple it doesn't work. The only thing I don't like about my tundra.

[@wildbill23c]

Exactly, well it does wear out your brake pads faster that is all it does....its a shitty excuse from Toyota to not put an actual locker or at a minimum a limited slip in it....if the worst automaker out there (GM) can install a locker/limited slip in their Colorado and Canyon and Silverado & Sierra trucks there is absolutely no reason the Tundra shouldn't have limited slip at least. Hell my 21 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee has a limited slip rear differential, works great in both 2WD/4WD, no electronic crap needed, it just works when it is needed...well works all the time just releases when you turn, so technically its locked all the time except when going around a turn.

[@eriknash8783]

My GOD you talked and talked. You could have gone through this in 5 min. I think you’ve just confused your audience

[@pryme2013]

That's cool to see you have the colum shifter and six passenger seating too.

[@wildbill23c]

Yeah not quite as common now unfortunately...I had the same setup in my 08 Tundra...that center console shifter is the most waste of space I've ever seen...my 05 Tundra has captain front seats but the column shifter...I didn't buy it new otherwise it would have had the same front seat option my 08 had...that center console is a waste of space.

[@SamSam-ke9zy]

"The tundra has an open differential"..."Both rear wheels spin the same" This is why I don't like computers messing with things sometimes. It should be a true limited slip instead of a computer controlling braking and throttle.

[@ryansdao]

it's because the computer controlled version is basically free for toyota

[@gregr.3886]

Why doesn’t Toyota just put in a Eaton g80 automatic locker ?

[@TundraGuy]

Amen brother! I've been asking that question for years!!!

[@roellopez6638]

cause the auto lsd is cheaper to make cause its just an open diff and cause it almost works just as good. in my tacoma i never have to turn 4x4 on cause the auto lsd is so good even on sand, my rav4's auto lsd was just as good in the sand also just got to remember to turn it on before you head out on the sand and to air down in my book id rather have auto lsd cause it makes the truck less expensive and trust me i have tested them both my 2005 tacoma has a real lsd and i put it against my 2017 tacoma auto lsd just to see and to my surprise auto lsd performed as well as the real lsd. just that my 2005 at the time was $40k and the 2017 was 34k thats the difference

[@HyperXism]

@@roellopez6638 Ya until your brakes start to overheat. I hated the LSD on Toyotas for that reason.

[@roellopez6638]

@@HyperXism you must be doing some pretty dumb stuff cause mine has never over heated and thats even when im pulling 8k lbs through sand

[@alb12345672]

@@HyperXism Lexus GS AWD sedans have a similar setup. They share the 6 speed trans, have two open diffs. There is a planetary transfer case that locks when slippery. Basically puts it into 4hi when needed.

[@dbldwn3842]

You really dont know what your talking about. Traction control is only truly off when you disable it. And you never do that in this video.

[@gunsquawk4443]

Mine dont have an auto LSD button. It has a traction control

[@greygoose1517]

because he doent know himself

[@dbldwn3842]

Your wrong both wheels are not spinning at the same time. The wheel that's spinning gets the traction in normal driving mode

[@doofusgilmore7164]

Just hold lsd button for 5 seconds twice. Only way to drive a tundra

[@SalvadorMarcoArtist]

very well explained! Thank you so much!

[@peggymartin3035]

You keep talking about the lsd button. Could you show me where that button is.

[@kb9knd]

Thank you! I have a 2016 sr5 crew max and now I understand how it works. Why didn’t they say that in the manual?

[@rodneyschwenk2935]

Thanks for explaining the LSD button in such detail. Now it all makes sense on my 2017 Tundra. Thanks Tundra Guy, Rod

[@Bunkysworkshop]

Makes a lot of sense and also I thought my engine sounded like a diesel and questioned the dealer and was told this was normal. I can hear your engine in the background and it sounds the same. I feel better now. LOL. Thanks.

[@eddiesolis6915]

craigsclocks its a beast. I love the roar🥵😏🙌🏼

[@sbfteague]

Hi Sir, Do these features work in reverse?

[@josea3312]

My tracticon control off light came on as soon as i turned on my truck and dont no why

[@abosworth]

Good video but you forgot to mention turning traction control completely off in 2wd mode. You hold the button for 3 seconds and both lights come on. Then you hold the button again for an additional 3 seconds and then you're running without any system control. So you're essentially running with an open differential in the rear and the display will show "Traction control off" Just wanted to mention that as it is in the owners manual

[@justinfontaine5539]

And you don't show what buttons you are hitting to engage the different modes? Fail

[@christopherk1436]

how fast should you go in 4wd low vs high.

[@jarodclark2306]

You actually covered both the buttons I needed to know thank you

[@brettmalcolm2786]

Is this John Malkovich narrating? 😂

[@talan1082]

Seriously, get some friends. Have one shoot from outside so people can see what the truck is doing.

[@brodiwheeler7583]

talan1082 or a tripod and some editing software.

[@gregdenton5282]

So, if you’re driving in snowy/icy conditions, what is the best setting?

[@618GOLDENRATIO]

LazyBoy

[@thomasburr9244]

Seeing your video and reading other testimonies I'm so relieved, that noise was someone settling LOL I just bought a super clean 2011 tundra and I live in New Hampshire pulling out in the snow this morning when the tires spun and I heard that noise my heart dropped LMAO

[@J.OROZCO81]

So I am not the only one hearing this weird noise when it starts slipping?

[@fariamirian4085]

Good video but did not need to be as long as it is. Could have summed it up in 1 min.

[@RhubarbVIVII]

2 minutes of useless intro info. Get to the point!

[@mossymaple]

What model stop sides are those? Looks really nice.

[@coppertune9124]

Any info like this for the 3rd gen?

[@RuggerDez]

A 2 min video turned into over 12 mins

[@randycessna4403]

Damn!! You carry on too long...fk!

[@charlescordite3751]

OK I have just read all the comments and I’m even more confused.

[@wildbill23c]

It was Toyota's cheap assery at avoiding installing a real limited slip or locker that the Tundra should have had in the first place. The ALSD just wears out your brake pads trying to slow spinning wheels to try and send power to the wheel that actually has traction.

[@1991toyrolla]

Great video. No silly music, clear and informative.

[@phoneuser3569]

You missed the fact that the "LSD" mode uses the rear ABS function to apply the brakes to the spinning wheel. It is a basic electronic LSD feature.

[@ericschaub303]

thats what I thought but he said both wheels spinning so I guess its not braking any of them

[@richardsnyder9767]

Flashing light is distracting.

[@WESTERN308]

What does LSD stand for?

[@daryoushborja5115]

Auto LSD works in 4wd. Ay least it works on my '16

[@bobbates1542]

Should leave my Tundra in Auto LSD always?

[@wildbill23c]

It doesn't stay, every time you shut the truck off it turns all that shit back to normal. This is why I kept my 2005 Tundra and got rid of the problem plagued 2008 Tundra I had....the 05 Tundra only has ABS, no traction control or anything else to get in the way...does much better in snow/ice conditions, much more predictable, and doesn't cut power when you are trying to pull out of a parking lot and into traffic which is far more of a danger than a spinning wheel.

[@davidwelty9763]

This was helpful

[@carricknagavna7659]

Thanks Tundra Guy. I'm on my second Tundra and this is one of the better explanations I've seen on the subject.

[@abrooks705]

That was helpful with the vsc stuff. I actually think pressing the traction control button once (2 wheel) engages a partial traction off mode. Pressing and holding seems to fully disengage traction control on mine. I also need to press and hold traction control in 4wd hi to fully disengage traction control. Could be different from yours as mine is a 2010.

[@cdsprech]

Glad it's not just mine that sounds like a diesel at idle

[@zebclark9288]

raisingAnarchy 💯 I’m always hearing that lifter chatter like wth this thing low on oil? Lol

[@cdsprech]

@@zebclark9288 haha truth! Might try some different motor oils once break-in is over, see if I can't quiet things down

[@curtiswlkr]

It’s normal and it’s supposed to sound that way. The valve timing is variable.

[@robs1873]

Unlistenable

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Well driving a 2018 off road tacoma, I still have it in NFI lol.

[@haynespoole1339]

Great explanation! I am trading my 2015 2WD Tundra for a 2019 4WD Tundra today. This helps me understand better what I am getting.

[@nathanwahoo3300]

did you get the '19?

[@haynespoole1339]

@@nathanwahoo3300 Yes. And I added TRD cold air intake, TRD dual exhaust, and anti sway bar. Handles my 8500 lb fifth wheel well.

[@PeterAnderson-u1u]

Hi I found this informative I have a tundra 1794 (2014) and live in Australia and was wondering if I am in soft sand towing a caravan in 4wd hi would I have the vsc off Thanks in advance peter

[@Krayziebone456]

Thanks buddy....now I know what to do in my tundra 👍

[@stevewilson9792]

Auburn Gear has an awesome LSD that fits 2007 and newer Tundra. Just put it in your Tundra and forget all this crap. Toyota should be ashamed for not offering a LSD( or locker axel like the Tacoma). IT IS JUST PATHETIC Toyota chooses to ruin an otherwise excellent truck!

[@TundraGuy]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@nightdreamin]

Jeeez you're a talker!!!

[@jebsdaddy141]

I agree. Toyota took the lazy, easy way to do something with the electric wizards but a heavy duty limited slip or selectable locker would be worlds better and not so damn confusing. It looks stupid to have a TRD off road or TRD Pro sticker on the rear quarter panel with a silly open differential. UGH!

[@vu7419]

@@jebsdaddy141 it's a business decision. Toyota makes too many vehicles in the same category (Land Cruiser, 4runner, Tacoma, and previously the FJ). These vehicles attract similar clientele, and adding a locker to the Tundra will take away from sales of the others.

[@211212112]

I thought I read that Auto LSD was achieved via the brakes. That don’t seem right if all it does is take off the RPM limiting function.

[@tpj1959]

Yesterday I got into some wet grass. Pushed the button once and had fun doing donuts. When I pushed it again, I could no longer do donuts. Pretty cool. Let's me know the nannies can be removed. Video was hard to watch dude. "I'm in two wheel drive. I'm pushing the button. This is happening. Simple." Feedback and thanks for the video.

[@timwhitehead7213]

Great video thanks. I just got the 21 sr5 2x4. In the beginning of your demonstration, when you lose traction. Did the lsd get you unstuck in 2wd? Thanks

[@taylorkalai]

Hey Tundra Guy, What wheels, offset and tire size do you have? They look awesome!!!! Thanks for the vid!

[@rhoodj]

Those functions are useless when the truck stucked. I have a lifted Tundra limited 2WD. Is there a way to install locking system in 4 wheels to face the random muds in grass parking lots.

[@Kevincheesepizza]

So what your saying is that my 08' Tundra with LSD is worthless! Because I was stuck I in snow and my Tundra is only 2WD. Ok I'm buying a 4wd!

[@ericbuchta9765]

How long will the stability control stay off. Will it come back on if truck reaches 30 mph? That is how gm does it

[@timetoride32]

In short. Drop in a true LSD or e locker. I absolutely hate the system on the tundras. On or off this system is terrible.

[@neurozero]

lets just face it tundra sucks for any kind of offroad. I was stuck on my lot (dirt) after minimum rain no standing water. Its my fault i didnt do research regarding locking differential when i bought the truck.

[@ivanmedina8612]

so is it kinda like a rear differential locker on early model tacomas?

[@lukestoyz]

You might want to add to your video. One additional mode explained here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6qcamN_q7effbs towards the end of video. All nannies off

[@bigr5378]

If you push and hold the auto LSD a third time and hold it the traction control will read across the screen without being in 4-wheel drive

[@noneofyourbusiness8092]

You talking to much, repeating yourself

[@nycqnycbbq2380]

A shame we don’t have a real LSD in these truck or real locking diffs

[@MooseDitty17]

I have a 17 Tacoma and it's way different. 2wd normal limits engine rpm and is a one wheel wonder. 1 press of vsc and auto lsd engages. Press and hold the vsc and I'm full throttled one wheel wonder. 4 hi no buttons pushed has TRAC. Works like auto lsd front and rear. Kinda like ATRAC. Limited rpms. Press vsc once and I'm open diff with rpm limitation. Press and hold, and 4 wheel snow doughnuts are on! Low 4 is no vsc and no lsd. Options in low 4 is one of 5 Multi Terrain Select modes, crawl control and of coarse the rear locker.

[@kylerasanen]

You forgot the 3rd mode for 2wd. hold traction button for another 3 seconds to disable the auto lsd light

[@dewarner12]

This was really helpful. I have a 2022 Tacoma, but what you said sounds applicable. Can you just clarify the difference in 2WD between Auto LSD and Traction Control being completely off? Is it the case that you can drive at normal speeds only with Traction Control on? Thanks -

[@pryme2013]

Even with VSC off the truck will still pull power in hard charging 360deg donut action, figure eights etc. I have a 16.

[@ernestmorin8721]

So in essence , it’s like a locking differential, say like ford has

[@Bmwlife-wm2ts]

2:14, 4:59, 11:01, 11:50

[@sotheamam1244]

So what you saying is for the lsd to be off both vsc and lsd lights has to be on

[@lindaschillinger5901]

What does the LSD stand for? You never said unless I missed it

[@chicotiger11]

Was gonna subscribe. But you talk too much. Get to the point.