Traction control -Good or bad? (snow)

[mjb457]

Ok traction control on a PT is it better or worse in snow with or without? Our Chevy Malibu had traction control & when the one wheel spun the car stopped- tied to trans on front wheels--it was horrible.... is mopar the same???? thanks MJB

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by mjb457

Our Chevy Malibu had traction control & when the one wheel spun the car stopped-

Isn't supposed to work that way.

A traction control system (TCS), also known as Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), is typically (but not necessarily) an electro-hydraulic system on production vehicles designed to prevent loss of traction of the driven road wheels, and therefore maintain the control of the vehicle when excessive throttle is applied by the driver and the condition of the road surface (due to varying factors) is unable to cope with the torque applied. Although similar to electronic stability control (ESC) systems, traction control systems do not have the same goal.

The intervention can consist of one or more of the following:

* Retard or suppress the spark to one or more cylinders
* Reduce fuel supply to one or more cylinders
* Brake one or more wheels
* Close the throttle, if the vehicle is fitted with drive by wire throttle (any Onstar Vehicle).
* In turbo-charged vehicles, the boost control solenoid can be actuated to reduce boost and therefore engine power.

Typically, the traction control system shares the electro-hydraulic brake actuator (but does not use the conventional master cylinder and servo), and the wheel speed sensors with the anti-lock braking system.

[quicksilverdon]

I've had it on both my PTs, and it works. It clatters and makes a lot of noise, but it works.
You can still get stuck, but with common sense (go SLOW) I passed 4-wheel drive SUVs in ditches...

[Matt42]

We had traction control on a 1993 Saturn SW2 with icky Bridgestone tires. It worked great the few times it got into snow. That Saturn was made at a time when Saturn had not been reabsorbed fully into GM, so the traction control was not typical GM dysfunctional cr**.

We have traction control on our 01 PT and our 07 TC. The units are not made by GM. We have not sought out snow or ice to try them out, though. I'd trust the Chrysler design over the save-a-dime GM design. My general observation, based on observation and opinion, is that what doesn't work in a GM design may work very well when done right by someone else. Examples: All wheel drive, light duty diesels, self-adjusting brakes, turbodiesels in 3/4 ton trucks, and maybe now traction control. I'm reserving judgment on continuously variable transmissions, but GM managed to get those severely wrong.

Somewhat off topic, and not meaning to hijack the thread:
We returned to Chrysler/AMC after a thirteen year foray into GM's attempt to be different, with Mazda time before that. Prior to that, it had been Nash-AMC-Jeep since 1936, though the Jeeps were concurrent with the Mazdas. (Is it safe to admit that here?)

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by Matt42

Somewhat off topic, and not meaning to hijack the thread:
We returned to Chrysler/AMC after a thirteen year foray into GM's attempt to be different, with Mazda time before that. Prior to that, it had been Nash-AMC-Jeep since 1936, though the Jeeps were concurrent with the Mazdas. (Is it safe to admit that here?)

When I started driving in 1965, American cars looked good, but all had live axles, usually drum brakes, no overhead cams - 1950s engineering. I bought foreign cars - Porsche (used) Volvo (used) and VW (new and used), The Porsche was incredible - if it hadn't been stolen, I'd probably still be driving it if I could afford the repairs and insurance. I was not impressed with VW reliability and hated the dealers - they were real crooks. The Volvos were good, reliable, and conventional, but they escalated in price, so that when I thought of getting a new Volvo Wagon and went to look - I had a heart attack at the price - AND it was EXACTLY like my old one! At that time, Chrysler came out with the mini-van. I decided to buy American, and my wife, kids and I LOVED it. It was more comfortable than the Volvo wagon, more spacious, much cheaper, and the kids cried when we traded it in on another mini-van after putting on well over a 100,000 miles.
I have not been impressed by GM - my wife had a couple GM rentals - very low miles - one was a Jimmy - stranded her twice in a week! and a HHR - that had all hard plastic in the back that was all scratched from very light use. I always joke GM stands for General Mediocrity. Yes, the new 'vette is nice - my brother-in-law has one, but there are rare flowers amongst GM weeds. I think it is criminal that GM destroyed Saab - Saab was a good brand and they ruined it cranking out "Saab" SUVs that were only Saab badges on crap.

Ford makes some good cars, and I hope their hybrid fusion unseats the Prius in sales.

I have to wait to see how badly Fiat treats Chrysler - from what I've read, they seem only to be interested in using Chrysler to peddle Fiats in the US and don't see Chrysler as it's own brand.

My wife will probably have a Chrysler mini-van as long as they make them, and I'll hang onto my PT for a while, but I may get a Ford if Fiat guts Chrysler...

[chris15]

The guys on PTCrew advise everyone to leave TC on unless you're driving balls to the walls or during a day at the track.

[Matt42]

Originally Posted by chris15

The guys on PTCrew advise everyone to leave TC on unless you're driving balls to the walls or during a day at the track.

Correct. That is also why it defaults to "on."

[tjf0]

Originally Posted by quicksilverdon

I've had it on both my PTs, and it works. It clatters and makes a lot of noise, but it works.
You can still get stuck, but with common sense (go SLOW) I passed 4-wheel drive SUVs in ditches...

I totally agree that it works well. I enjoy driving my GT in the snow and it does clatter when you start slipping but if you go slow and steady you feel like you are climbing a snow covered hill.

[JGN62]

"When I started driving in 1965, American cars looked good, but all had live axles, usually drum brakes, no overhead cams - 1950s engineering."


Actually, Pontiac (GM) introduced their ohc6 in '65 or '66 and were the first to use the neoprene belts that are the standard for most over head cam engines made today. The engine was used in the Tempest and Firebird.

[fastdel]

my traction control has been ace in the snow