Traction Control Question

[Shiroelex]

I've heard several different answers to my question from random people, and all of them have been different answers, so I decided to turn here.

When my tires spin when TCS is enabled on my car, what exactly is happening?

I've heard that the brakes are applied; that timing is retarded greatly; or the fuel is cut back.

I ask this, because I saw someone try to do a burnout with TCS on, and the car sounded like it was having a heart attack on the outside.

 

[Mossberg]

All of the above if I'm not mistaken.

 

[oohsoobad2]

Yep... the computer can tell by the ABS sensor that there isnt any traction and will do those three things to compensate. I turn that damn thing off every time I start the car.

 

[Jakes]

Let's put this one to bed....

To quote from the 2002 Mustang Workshop Manual....

The traction control system controls wheelspin by modulating the engine torque by communicating to the powertrian control module (PCM) and by applying, then releasing, the appropriate brake to restore traction....

To quote from the 2002 Mustang Owners Guide....

Any excessive wheelspin is controled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes in conjunction with engine torque reduction. Engine troque reduction is realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems.

 

[Mossberg]

Welp, there you have it folks

 

[Rick10]

I accidently left my traction control on when I was dynoing my car, and it about broke their dyno, they couldn't figure out why the dyno wouldn't spin up. Definitely turn it off at the dragstrip.

I think it is useful when driving on snow and ice. We have very little of that in Tennessee.

 

[myponyrocks]

I accidently left my traction control on when I was dynoing my car, and it about broke their dyno, they couldn't figure out why the dyno wouldn't spin up. Definitely turn it off at the dragstrip.

I think it is useful when driving on snow and ice. We have very little of that in Tennessee.

TC is only useful in the rain, in the snow it will cause an accident or get your ass stuck. Always turn TC off in the snow and start out at a minimum of 2nd gear.

 

[[Twitch]]

Turn off TC with Predator, you'll never make the mistake of doing a burnout with the traction control on.

 

[Mustang5L5]

TC has come in very handy in the rain.

I've had mized results in the snow. From a dead stop i shut the TC off and start in 2nd gear. Once moving, i turn the TC on as it helps in case the rear end decides to step out at 20MPH.

Dry weather...shut it off...unless you are driving down sandy roads.

 

[four.six]

Turn off TC with Predator, you'll never make the mistake of doing a burnout with the traction control on.

 

[2rjs]

Turn off TC with Predator, you'll never make the mistake of doing a burnout with the traction control on.

Does anyone know if TC can be turned off with the xcalibrator?

 

[Mossberg]

yes