4wd and TSC

[Tim Fuller]

So we've had lots of snow in upstate NY the least week or so and I've noticed that the TSC kicks on faster than the 4auto. This is counterproductive and my fix has been to just push the TSC button to deactivate it. My question , is this what's supposed to happen? My previous vehicles have not had both features, just one or the other. Side question, can I pull a fuse to deactivate feature and not lose anything else?

 

[B-McD]

Tim - Are you saying you think the traction control is coming on sooner in 4A? I have noticed that Ford seems to have the most intrusive TC around. Once it kicks in the only way to get power back seems to be to lift on the gas and then try again. My previous cars - mostly Audi and MB, have always has TC kick in once you get sliding but if you kept your foot in it, the car would keep giving you as much power as it could while maintaining control. Made for some fun snow driving in my RS4! I have found the truck to be better in the snow with TC disabled. You can hold the button down (5 seconds I think) and it turns off stability control as well. But it's still there in the background. Lawyers keeping the idiots safe I guess.

 

[Tim Fuller]

Before and during. Drives me nuts. I don't mind in turns at speed when it's useful, but from a dead stop it's useless. I guess I'll just keep pressing the button.

 

[deweysmith]

How do you know the 4A is doing anything? It’s silent and has no telltale, hahaha

 

[Muddy Bean]

Mine shows. 4A light on the dash for starters, and have you driven in snow in 2wd and 4A? If you have, you know, without a doubt, that it’s engaged.


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[B-McD]

I think he is referring to the overlord traction control system. But there is a noticeable difference from 2H to 4A. Seems to put more "drag" on the driveline I can feel when coasting and turning.

 

[JExpedition07]

If I’m in decent snow I click off traction control and put in in 4H, best control then.

 

[jkayca]

Get snow tires. They'll help you stop too, something 4 wheel drive does nothing for.

 

[gixer2000]

I think he is referring to the overlord traction control system. But there is a noticeable difference from 2H to 4A. Seems to put more "drag" on the driveline I can feel when coasting and turning.

Not positive but I believe that drag is from the hubs locking but not engaging the transfer case. So you'd be spinning all of the front end 4x4 components but not engaged at the transfer case.

 

[deweysmith]

That’s what I mean though. You can tell it’s engaged for sure but there’s no indicator that it’s shifting the torque balance and its silent. Traction control generally for me is less aggressive in 4A on my 2012 than it is when I’m in 2H, so I understand if he finds it’s too aggressive, but it starts shifting torque within a third of a rotation of a wheel, and can even predict wheel slip, I don’t understand what is meant by it “kicks on faster.”

I disable TCS in 4A occasionally but only when I feel like power sliding through parking lots.

 

[B-McD]

Plus as mentioned above - a set of dedicated snows makes a world of difference. The RS4 and S7 I used to have were undriveable in snow with the summer rubber on there. I always had a separate set of wheels, typically in gray to blend in with the salt and slush, shod with performance snow tires. Makes you the rally champ of the 'hood! I can only imagine what a beast the Expy would be with a big set of snows installed!

 

[Muddy Bean]

For those of you who disable traction control while in 4H. If your system detects slip, it will engage an electronic “locker” and this will actually cause the truck to be less secure on slick pavement at higher speeds because the axles will all be turning without any rotational differences thus forcing the tires to slip around turns etc. it’s great for slow speed deep snow or mud situations, but not designed for higher speed slick driving with possible turns or curves. I have a lot of experience with a truly triple locked truck (my previous land cruiser) and have driven it in all conditions in all different modes (4A 4H 4L front locked, Center locked, rear locked and various combos of each). Best high speed stability is usually 4A letting the truck apply and control torque distribution automatically. But once you go to 4H and then disable traction control, any slip and the computer “virtual locks” the diffs and this electronic locker won’t disengage until you either turn traction control back on or switch out of 4H. It’s an awesome feature in the right conditions but could actually encourage a loss of traction in other situations.


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[Tim Fuller]

I mean that going up my driveway, I stop because the TCS trumps the 4A. If turn off TCS I go up like a superstar.

 

[Tim Fuller]

Fat fingers. Driveway is straight. I agree that the TCS is useful at speed but from a stop the 4wd should take charge right?

 

[Muddy Bean]

Honestly Tim, I constantly turn off the TCS because it bugs me. But for a lot of people who just sit and drive and aren’t actively involved or aware of their vehicles it does the trick.


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[deweysmith]

I mean that going up my driveway, I stop because the TCS trumps the 4A. If turn off TCS I go up like a superstar.

It doesn’t “trump” the 4A, it’s trying to prevent side-to-side sliding. Try it in 2H with or without TCS and then in 4A with the same if you like and you’ll see what I mean. 4A is silent and doesn’t light up the TCS light or anything, it just goes.

 

[Tim Fuller]

Right... The side to side prevention is keeping me from ascending my straight driveway. I guess the correct question to ask is, should this feature turn on when I'm going straight uphill or is something "wrong"?

 

[jkayca]

TSC and 4-auto work for most people in most situations. If that doesn't work for you, switch to 4-hi. If that still doesn't work then switch off the traction control. If you are at this point though, I'm going to guess the truck isn't moving at speed and this should be safe. I've had a number of vehicles where the TSC has prevented me from getting out of a snow bank or truly slippery situations such as pure ice. Sometimes you just need to gun the car to get out and the TSC just gets in the way.

Also, IIRC, using 4-hi on dry pavement for prolonged periods can damage the truck. It think it says this somewhere in the user's manual. So once you get yourself out of the current mess you're in don't forget to put her back in 4-auto or 2-hi depending on conditions.

 

[08T1]

I just wish there was a way to completely bypass the TCS.

On my 12 f150 I could completely shut off the nanny. But this one engages it above 25-30

Can I pull a fuse?


Just asking.

CJ

 

[bobmbx]

Page 175 of the 2017 Owners Manual:

USING TRACTION CONTROL

WARNING

The stability and traction control light illuminates steadily if the system detects a failure. Make sure you did not manually disable the traction control system using the switch. If the stability control and traction control light is still illuminating steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle with traction control disabled could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

The system automatically turns on each time you switch the ignition on.

If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, switching traction control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.