correct DAC technique for a Prado 150 Facelift model 2014

[pook Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pook]

Hi

I am a newbie having just had my first 4WD driving trip with my 2014 Facelift Prado GLX. I approached a hill to go down [~50m in length not that steep] but wanted to test the DAC feature. I had the car in drive in high range and my foot on the brake. I pressed the DAC button on - its icon appeared on the dash. I released the brake and started down the hill but it seemed to 'free wheel' ie it sped up, no loud engine or braking noise. I put on the brakes and went down the hill. I may have had to change my underwear.

Can someone tell me what the correct procedure is ie gear selection, brakes on/off or high or low range, when to press the DAC etc

Thanks in advance

Pook

[Tauras Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tauras]

It requires low range.

[Guest Close Guest]

Put it into low range 1st gear and don't touch the brake pedal or it will cancel DAC.

[gregmacc Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gregmacc]

... So the DAC icon appears on the dash even when it's not functioning?

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

From memory the DAC light will flash when it's engaged but not available. Solid light when it is on.

[Symo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Symo]

Put it into low range 1st gear and don't touch the brake pedal or it will cancel DAC.

Not sure it does - I used DAC and used the break to hop over some rocks then released to get going again, and so on. DAC defiantly kept working, maybe you have to go over a certain speed then brake, or maybe its change don the 150 from the 120.

[Tin175 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tin175]

I have found that when I'm lightly riding the brake the DAC does not function. ie the will roll down the slope without pulsing the brakes. Completely step off the brakes and the DAC will kick back in and make a bunch of shaking and shuddering noises while ambling down the hill.

For me I still think the DAC speed is too fast for steeper bumpier descents. It will still pick up enough speed to give a fairly harsh ride over the lumpy stuff.

For now, I prefer manually shifting to first gear low and using the brakes as required. Auto gearbox seems to lockup in 1st low fairly well.

[pook Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pook]

Thanks for the advice.

[kav Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close kav]

Correct procedure is to turn it off and never bother using it again . It's a total waste of time . You should use you foot and apply it to the brake pedal , this will stop you from proceeding down a hill too fast . Works every time , unlike the DAC button . If it's anything like the DAC on the 120 don't bother . In fact I'll go so far as to say that if you ever manage to find the DAC feature handy or useful , could you please go to the nearest police station and hand your license to them , you shouldn't be driving . Cheers , I'm not joking .

[barajak Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close barajak]

well said kav. DAC is a toy and should not be used on a long or steep decent or you will cook your brakes. Always select the correct range and gear for good engine braking and use your brake pedal for auxiliary stopping power as required.

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

Mine doesn't have it.....

Maybe cause those of us who drive a manual can drive down hills

[Fred63 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fred63]

X2 Kav.
New toy tried it once.
Never used it again.

[kav Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close kav]

Mine doesn't have it.....

Maybe cause those of us who drive a manual can drive down hills

I can drive both . Both up hill and downhill , and on the flat bits .

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

I can drive both . Both up hill and downhill , and on the flat bits .

Was just having a bit of a dig, I actually wanted the auto, it was the missus that wanted the manual and won. I guess I'll regret letting her win every time we go up the beach or see soft sand. I also agree with it just being a toy and a bit of a gymic.

[2impulsiv Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 2impulsiv]

I finally got to use mine last weekend with the camping trailer in tow. It was a steep rocky section of about 300 meters in length. I was in low range with first gear selected and it slowly made its way down. I was extremely impressed with its ability considering I had 1200~Kg behind me!