Tundra VSC Shut Off Instructions
Benjamin | Dec 22, 2010 | Comments 16
Toyota’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is an arguably useful and somewhat complicated feature on the Toyota Tundra. Useful in that it can be a big help negotiating snowy or rain-slicked roads, and complicated thanks to Toyota changing the functionality of the VSC Off switch from one year to the next – not to mention the differences it offers when comparing two-wheel and four-wheel drive operating modes.
The VSC Off switch actually handles more than just the Tundra’s electronic stability control – it also interacts with Traction Control (TRAC) and the Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) features. Basically, when you turn on your truck, TRAC and VSC are armed and Auto LSD is not. This is known as “Normal” mode, and if the truck should start to fishtail or the tires start to spin each system will kick in automatically, braking or powering down the engine as required.
Turning off VSC on a 2010 Tundra is a similar process for most Tundra models, but you *MUST* check your owner's manual to be sure.
VSC Off…Doesn’t Turn VSC Off
For 2007 Toyota Tundras, pushing the VSC Off switch a single time doesn’t actually turn off Vehicle Stability Control. As confusing as it sounds, VSC remains active, but TRAC is turned off and in its place comes Auto LSD. Toyota added this mode in order to allow for full power application while still minimizing wheel spin through the Auto LSD feature. In order to fully disable all three systems in the 2007 Tundra, you have to actually have the truck completely stopped and then push and hold the VSC Off switch for three seconds.
2008 Adds An Additional Step
2008 and up Tundra owners were given an additional driving mode that slides in between 2007’s number two and number three. Holding down the VSC Off switch in these trucks turns off VSC and TRAC but keeps Auto LSD active, which can be useful when heading off-road or when dealing with deeper snow. In order to switch off all three, you will have to push and hold the switch for an additional three seconds – again while the truck is stopped.
Four-Wheel Drive Differences
When four-wheel drive is engaged – specifically 4H – the process for disabling Vehicle Stability Control is somewhat different. To turn off TRAC, simply push the VSC Off switch once. To turn off both TRAC and VSC, stop the vehicle (not difficult, since you are probably already stuck at this point) and then hold the switch for three seconds total. In 4L mode, you only have the option of TRAC off, which means that you have to hold the VSC Off switch for three seconds right from the start.
Needless to say, the systems each automatically re-engage once the vehicle has been turned on and off again.
Consult Your Manual
Confusing, isn’t it? This information is buried deep within your Tundra’s manual if you are looking for model year-specific information about how your VSC system interacts with your pickup. The instructions above, however, should help you get out of whatever sticky situation Toyota’s electronic driving aides might have gotten you into.
Please Note: This information isn’t meant to replace your owner’s manual – be sure to verify the instructions for your specific model year.
Filed Under: TundraHeadquarters.com
Thank heavens I never mess with that stuff. Confusing to say the least.
I have a Tundra truck, 2007. Recently weather cause me to use the Anti slide, VSC. I could not turn it off! Truck ran fine, although different. The VSC and Engine light flashing, scare the heck out of me! I knew nothing had changed in two days, so this is what I did.
I dis-connected one battery post for 10 minutes. Re-attached it, and reset my favorite radio stations…still trucking no further VSC issue!
Your last sentence nails it right on the head stating the instructions should help you get out of any sticky situations Toyota’s electronic drivning aides HAVE gotten you into. Meaning, these functions suck in the winter time in snow, etc.. If anyone knows how to drive a 2wd rear wheel vehicle like they all were back in the 70′s and 80′s, then all this garbage is not needed and just makes matters worse if you use common sense. Unfortunately, most people on the road nowadays lack common sense and need all these stupid nannies to not kill themselves. It pisses me off all the time everyday of driving in WI with snow covered roads in 2WD when I barely step on the gas and the truck always beeps at me and flashes that stupid dash light. I really really hate the nannies when I want to pull out into traffic from a stop sign and the truck cuts out and doesn’t allow me to spin the tires to get going properly into the flow of traffic thus I think creating more of a chance for me to get into an accident since vehicle doesn’t move fast enough. Basically, it sucks and I did like the chevy silverado’s ‘auto 4wd’ feature which worked great since it was in 2wd unless 4wd instantly needed and then kicked in and out of 4wd as needed automatically. Good explanation of the nanny system for idiots though.
It is important to note that about 6000 fewer people a year are killed due to VSC and ESC. I believe that’s worth a little confusion.
Push it once to enable Auto LSD without power loss, hold it down at a full stop to disable all systems.
Is that really that complicated?
Oh and your insurance rates go down too!
Phil – All good points.
mk – I know that a lot of people agree with you, and just as you say we got by just fine without traction control/stability control back in the day. Fortunately/unfortunately, these systems are federally required safety equipment. Hopefully they will be easier to disable in future models.
It’s funny, but I had a discussion about Chevy’s 2WD/4Auto system earlier today with my brother in law. I couldn’t remember when the change occurred, but I explained to him that on a lot of models the truck goes in and out of 4WD even in the 2WD mode, so the selector switch is mostly for show. I know this is the case on the Ford Escape since 2002 (or so), and I think it’s probably true of any vehicle with “automatic” 4WD. The computers are often better at choosing when and how to use 4WD, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get by without them.
Thanks for commenting.
I agree with mk. Lately here in Illinois we’ve gotten a ton of snow. If this beast isn’t in 4wd, then it doesn’t power out of its own way…let alone the semi coming at you from the side. I see videos of recent vehicles in a slide on snow and the front wheels aren’t being moved for correction. Once you go sideways, all of the puter help in the world isn’t going to correct your motion. Back in the day, my dad took me out to a empty snowy parking lot for a thrill of donuts and a lesson on correcting a vehicle in a slide!
rich – You make a good point. I’d really like to see a simple to deactivate VSC system. That way, it’s not a problem for experienced/confident drivers.
Like TXTee I don’t fool with it. It did engage one time when I was on a cloverleaf going a little too fast for the turn and scared the crap out of the wife.
Mickey – I don’t touch it unless I’m trying to do a burn out or get going in the snow.
Anyone who needs these computer controls to keep them safe should not be allowed to drive.
Nothing else to say really… learn how to do it right or do something else.
if truck has less than 150000 miles toyota will fix for free warr, bull. pol 11-05 11/19/11
Lee – where can you find that bulletin you mentioned. bull. pol 11-05 11/19/11
Please let us know.
Thanks!
Charles
I have a 2013 Tundra Crewmax. The dealership hired a 3rd party vendor to install aftermarket tires and a 2″ lift on the truck prior to my purchase. Since delivery, I consistently have the “AUTO LSD” light and the ABS Engaging every time I take a slight turn with an incline, or decline present. The dealership seems baffled! I’ve had my truck in service twice for this issue and I’ve only owned it for 3 weeks! The dealership continues to tell me that the Yawl switch needs adjusted… Can anyone help…?
Charles
I got stuck in the snow with my 2010 tundra. Snow was 12 in deep and in 4 whd the rt front wheel spins and the left rear wheel spins. I could not get 2 wheels on either axle to spin together. I had to walk 4 miles for help.
The help was a ford and it went right past my tundra and easily pulled me out.
What is the problem…I do not want another Tundra.
I have a 2008 Tundra 2WD. There is no VSC off switch.