| Author | Message | ||
     Bruce Philp (Creemore) New Member Username: Creemore Post Number: 3 Registered: 09-2003 |
I have a 2000 Disco, and this weekend it and I encountered snow for the first time. I was very surprised to hear the traction control kick in while going through a pile of wet snow, with the accompanying feeling of 'bogging' that you get when the system refuses to allow wheelspin. I've had this feature on some BMWs I've owned, and didn't like it in the snow because, if it was bad enough, it would simply not allow the car to move. I'd have to switch it off and spin my way out. Surely a Land Rover would never put you in that position! Can someone fill me in on what to expect this winter? (BTW, I do have snows mounted... Michelin 4x4 Arctic Alpins). Thanks in advance. This is a great board. Bruce. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 875 Registered: 09-2002 |
ETC (electronic traction control) uses the ABS system to work so when it senses wheel spin, braking will be applied to the spinning wheel to slow it down and force torque through to the wheel with traction. Tires can make a huge difference as well but that's how ETC essentially works. | ||
| Bruce Philp (Creemore) New Member Username: Creemore Post Number: 4 Registered: 09-2003 |
Thanks for the explanation... that's pretty much what I thought. Some questions, though: What if all four wheels are slipping? With my Bimmer, the car would simply bog down, but you could turn the traction control off if you had to. Also, does the system work in low range, too? Sorry to sound dumb about this, but I have enough experience with snow to know that sometimes wheelspin is necessary, and I'd hate to think this beast won't allow it! Thanks, Bruce. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 877 Registered: 09-2002 |
I'm not too sure if you can shut off ETC. I'm guessing since it uses the ABS to work, if you pull the fuse for it, the ETC will stop working but some of the D2 guys will have to answer that but it doesn't make a lot of sense to shut it off when the D2's don't have a CDL. If you shut off ETS with no CDL, then all you have is open diffs everywhere so even less traction. This of course is just my guess based on how ETC works. Yes ETC does work in low range. But a good set of tires will go a long way towards preventing wheel spin. I think if you get into a situation where all 4 wheels are slipping then you maybe should have chains on at that point. Spinning wheels is a good way to have something snap on you if a tire suddenly grabs. | ||
| traveltoad (Traveltoad) Member Username: Traveltoad Post Number: 77 Registered: 11-2002 |
The ETC on my '03 DII seems to shut off if you give it a lot of throttle. I'm not sure if it's programmed to do so or if it just can't really "keep up" when you've got the hammer down. The ETC works best with steady throttle, not a lot of "on and off". It will "hunt" for the wheel with traction. If there is so little traction that all four wheels could freely spin, they won't unless you're locked. Without ETC all your power would be lost through one wheel. Even with a CDL, without ETC you'd only have two wheels spinning. Make sure you're lowering your tire pressures, use chains or get the thing locked up! | ||
| Randy Maynard (Rans) Senior Member Username: Rans Post Number: 654 Registered: 08-2002 |
Some guys have wired up a switch to cut off ETC, but they all have lockers so they are just trying to gain additional flexibility. I've been driving my '99 D2 in snow for 4 years and NEVER had a problem getting thru ANYTHING with the ETC operating, but then again, I am not in Mammoth Ca with 100+ inches of snow either. | ||
| robert emmers (Rhemmers) New Member Username: Rhemmers Post Number: 9 Registered: 08-2003 |
Speaking of that, I want to put in a switch to shut down the ETC (I've got Trutracks front and rear.) What's the best way to do it? |
