Traction Control

Pachai_tamizhan · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2006, 03:57 PM

I was wondering if traction control works in my car or not because, in the last three snow storms in my place my car slid to the front if I apply breaks especially at the trafic lights. I am not getting an indcator light like 'Trac on' or something to know whether it is working.

I am positive that the steability control (VSC) system is working because I get that light when it works and I can also really feel when it is working which controls the sideways movement of car. when I press the trac off button to the right side of steering, 'trac off' indicator light comes and goes off.

I am really scared to take my car out during light snow because of the car sliding down in slopes.

could somebody tell how this traction control works and whether or not we get the indicator light when it works.

Appreciating your answers!

soulstalker · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2006, 04:55 PM

I believe that traction control only controls traction during acceleration (to limit wheel spin when you press the gas pedal). I don't think it affects braking.

bob259 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-27-2006, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pachai_tamizhan

I was wondering if traction control works in my car or not because, in the last three snow storms in my place my car slid to the front if I apply breaks especially at the trafic lights. I am not getting an indcator light like 'Trac on' or something to know whether it is working.

I am positive that the steability control (VSC) system is working because I get that light when it works and I can also really feel when it is working which controls the sideways movement of car. when I press the trac off button to the right side of steering, 'trac off' indicator light comes and goes off.

I am really scared to take my car out during light snow because of the car sliding down in slopes.

could somebody tell how this traction control works and whether or not we get the indicator light when it works.

Appreciating your answers!

Traction Control 'minimizes' wheel spin at start up. When stopping the ABS (Antilock Brake System) activates to stop you in a straight line and give you additional steering control.

IMHO, if you are sliding to a stop in light snow there are a couple of things that come to mind 1) Your tires are not in good condition. Solution, get snow tires on all 4 wheels, 2) your driving to fast for conditions. Solution, slow down in bad weather. Keep in mind that a light snow is sometimes more slippery then a heavy snow, as it ices up quicker when cars pass over it.

All the electronic safety features going will not make up for over driving the conditions. Just like a 4WD will only get you stuck further in the woods

Pachai_tamizhan · #4 (**permalink**) 01-27-2006, 12:32 PM

Thanks for your solution. I was indeed driving in 5 mph. this sliding happens after the car stops. The car gives a wierd noise , i guess that is due to ABS working and it slides inch by inch front.

Appreciating your answers.

jim256 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-28-2006, 09:35 AM

Your ABS will not cause any slipping after the car stops unless the drive wheels start propelling the car. If your idle is too fast (when first starting and waiting for the car to warm up and slow down) the rear wheels can propel the car against the brakes in some slippery conditions. Most times more brake pressure will control it but in ice wait for the idle to slow before driving in traffic. If your idle is consistently high, see the dealer. Mine idles about 700-800 rpm when warm.

Pachai_tamizhan · #6 (**permalink**) 01-30-2006, 03:08 PM

Thanks Jim,

I think I need to take my car to the dealer to check the idle time.

One more thing I found out is , while starting the car you will see indicators for all the systems in the car like ABS, VSC, washer fluid level like that, but the indicator for traction control is missing for some reason. One of my friend who owns the same model year car as me says I have to take the car to to the dealer and he will reset the processor chip.

I am not sure if that could fix this prpblem. My tires are brand new toyo tires and just filled air at the dealer ship, so the tire pressure should also be fine.

I would like to know if anybody has seen Trac on indicator when traction control is working like we see VSC indicator when there is slippage to the right or left on ice or snow.

Thanks!