n00b question regarding TCS

[dablackgoku1234]

I know by default, traction control is on. A few days ago, it was raining and while doing a turn at an intersection, I gave it a little too much gas in first gear and the the rear slid out. Now, should traction control be able to stop that? I have a feeling my TCS might be busted. What is the real test to know whether traction control is working or not? Do a burn out?

John

 

[Zishan]

John, if your rear end suddenly goes sideways, there is nothing that can be done except to correct via steering. Obviously, brace yourself/slow down immediately to a controllable speed.

If you’d like to test the traction control, you can do a burnout. I strongly suggest doing this on wet payment and in a big empty parking lot with no one around, away from curbs and light poles of course.

Keep it simple, in first gear, accelerate to 5mph, and then just floor it briefly. The rear tires should break loose and TCS should kick on and you will feel the car hesitate.

 

[gdae]

Cut a watermelon in half. Eat the red part. Jack up car. Lower tires into rinds. Start car. Put it in gear. Attempt to launch. Observe TCS light.
Also serves as a great practical joke.:biggrin:

 

[dablackgoku1234]

I'll give that a try. The green TCS light should turn on when it kicks in right?

 

[Zishan]

Hmm, I haven't driving my NSX in a while. Nor have I breaken the rear tires loose anytime recently. So I can't remember what flashes what. :tongue:

Sorry,

 

[evel333]

TCS won't help you in a turn.

 

[tom4416]

I tried mine while test driving the car and it worked fine in a straight line but anti-skid it isn't. My 03 4Runner has a much more sophisticated system that will correct a skid via a series of yaw sensors, throttle inputs, braking and other factors but in the "olden days" of the NSX, skid control wasn't widely used. I actually prefer not having all the electronic nannies.

 

[s14_tat]

my tcs is weird, when its 30 degrees out side and i punch it, i can the tires all thru 1st rear and probably through second gear with the traction control on. However I have felt it kick on and make my car hesitate at different times. I just don't think its fast reacting enough.

 

[otoro]

Cut a watermelon in half. Eat the red part. Jack up car. Lower tires into rinds. Start car. Put it in gear. Attempt to launch. Observe TCS light.
Also serves as a great practical joke.:biggrin:

actually, you can marinate the white part with lemon, salt, and chili; let sit overnight for a healthy and guilt-free snack. It works wonders for hangovers as well :biggrin:

 

[Big_D]

I usually run with the TCS engaged. I have had the rearend kick out sideways on me in a turn, plenty of times. Especially if I am shifting into second. I would say that TCS is more for slippery roads than to prevent drifting. :smile: I wouldn't bother doing a burnout and put unneccessary wear and tear on the drivetrain.

 

[gdae]

Does anyone ever have their TCS kick in during regular cornering? 'Cause there's one near here that is generally taken at 20-30 mph, (turning from the feeder of one hwy to another); it bends at an angle a little greater than 90 degrees. It's one of those corners that you really want to launch out of, with plenty of road and no danger, BUT no matter what, even when it's dry, TCS kicks in.
Could be lateral g's in the corner, or the computer can't handle all the tires spinning at slightly different speeds during the tight turn, or it could be symptomatic of a problem with the car, or some combination, or I could be typing too much so I'll stop now.:smile: