Driving with ESC off

[OldSpice]

After being caught in the snow today, I spent more time analyzing the ESC.
I drove the car both with and without the ESC off. Although the ESC light flashes even when it is turned off, it is NOT the computer synchronized ESC which controls ABS, Traction control and power to the drive wheels. The light only informs you that Traction Control has engaged. Both traction control and ABS function independently regardless of the ESC setting. Further, I only had the Michelin Pilots A/S tires and the car handled well. I was in about 4” of powder. I saw plenty of others having far bigger problems than I had.

 

[CanukV6]

You are correct, the ESC & ABS are seperate and operate independantly. The ESC does use the same wheel sensors as ABS to detect speed differential when driving which activates the Traction Control portion of ESC by braking the wheel that is spinning. The Skid Control uses Yaw sensors to detect lateral movement and compares those to the steering position and uses brake control of the inside wheel(s) to prevent the rear of the car getting too far out of line.

With the ESC off, the traction control is disabled but the Skid control remains although it allows larger yaw angles before it engages. When pulling away on snowy or slippery roads I usually turn off the ESC until I am safely underway and then re-engage it. I've had too many close calls pulling out of intersections in winter to trust the ESC. With it turned off and judicious use of the accelerator pedal, I never have a problem, although I do use winter tires.

 

[nearwater]

I agree with both of you.
Funny that it works better with the ESC off in heavy snow.
With ESC on, it intrudes too much that it makes it even more dangerous in slippery conditions, especially when accelerating(and pulling into traffic like you mentioned).
I wish there was a way to FULLY disengage the traction control.

Dan

 

[Cut-Throat]

I agree with both of you.
Funny that it works better with the ESC off in heavy snow.
With ESC on, it intrudes too much that it makes it even more dangerous in slippery conditions, especially when accelerating(and pulling into traffic like you mentioned).

It makes perfect sense, if you understand what it is for and how it works. The reason there is a switch to turn it off, is for exactly the situation that you describe. The ESC is for speeds above 30 mph to keep you from losing control.

At complete stops for pulling into traffic, you need to shut off the ESC because the spinning of tires is normal in this situation. So, that is exactly what the switch is for! -- If you were supposed to leave it on all the time, there would not be a switch.

 

[CanukV6]

There is no reason for the ESC to cut in so soon and so agressively in the ON mode. It is all a matter of the programming. I have driven a number of vehicles where some slip is allowed at low speed, just to address the driving conditions mentioned above. You shouldn't have to turn it off just to move safely out from a slippery intersection.

 

[ctrcbob]

It would be nice if that switch was easier to reach and see.

Down too low and vision blocked by the steering wheel.

 

[bigel]

It would be nice if that switch was easier to reach and see.

Down too low and vision blocked by the steering wheel.

I agree on both counts...

 

[ctrcbob]

What I really would rather have is a "PosiTraction" rear end, vice the ESC "Traction Control" that puts the brake on in the spinning wheel.

 

[mikec]

What I really would rather have is a "PosiTraction" rear end, vice the ESC "Traction Control" that puts the brake on in the spinning wheel.

If I remember correctly, the 09 V8s have a true limited slip differential. The V6 models have an open differential and instead use the traction control system to brake the spinning wheel... not quite the same. I don't know about the later model year cars though my memory says the 2010-later V8s may not have the limited slip diff any longer.

Some time when I have the car on jackstands I'll release the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral, then turn either rear wheel while watching the other. If they turn in opposite directions, the car has a conventional (open) differential; if they rotate together it's a LSD.

mike c.

 

[CanukV6]

The current V8 models still have the LSD, at least in Canada they do. I agree a combination of LSD and a less intrusive Traction control system would be the ideal combination.

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