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VSC off option?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by member, Dec 23, 2006.

  1. member

    member New Member

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    I've tried searching for related threads but get an error every time I use the search function on this site. Not sure why.

    I got stuck in 1-2" of snow that had been "processed" by many cars driving through it. Close to freezing. Have Michellin X-Ice tires which perform well in every scenario except this dense but not packed snow. VSC prevents rocking. There has to be a way to turn off VSC temporarily, yes? Any suggestions appreciated.

    -D Name
     
    #1 member, Dec 23, 2006
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Display Name @ Dec 23 2006, 09:41 PM) [snapback]366180[/snapback]</div>
    That's actually the traction control causing that issue and there's no practical way to turn it off. And doing so would greatly risk over spinning of the MG and trashing it. It's certainly a pain having this issue, but I don't know any easy way around it.
     
    #2 efusco, Dec 23, 2006
  3. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    I hate to say this but get chains , that should do it your problem is inadequate traction. Snow tires are OK but they are not chains. We use them a lot out here going over passes in the mountains.
     
    #3 hdrygas, Dec 24, 2006
  4. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Display Name @ Dec 23 2006, 09:41 PM) [snapback]366180[/snapback]</div>
    The rocking ability is actually built-in... just floor it.

    The option is far from obvious, but pretty cool once you've tried it. The by-wire throttle is what makes it different from traditional vehicles.

    When the pedal hits the floor and the system detects slipping, power to the wheels alternates rapidly from side to side. The effect does indeed help provide increased traction. In fact, I just tried it on a slippery driveway three days ago.

    Personally, I like that a whole lot more than the old-fashion spin the wheels senselessly. You often end up just grinding off rubber or creating ice.
     
    #4 john1701a, Dec 24, 2006
  5. Ken Cooper

    Ken Cooper New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Dec 23 2006, 10:56 PM) [snapback]366215[/snapback]</div>
    It didn't work for me in several instances with my 2004 regardless of what I did with the accelerator. I don't think Prius should call this feature 'traction control', they should call it for what it is, a 'motor/generator protection system'.
     
    #5 Ken Cooper, Dec 24, 2006
  6. member

    member New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Dec 23 2006, 10:56 PM) [snapback]366215[/snapback]</div>

    I'll give this a shot, thanks!
     
    #6 member, Dec 24, 2006
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Dec 23 2006, 09:56 PM) [snapback]366215[/snapback]</div>
    John, most cars have drive-by-wire throttle now. Even the Corolla (2005+) has it.

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Display Name @ Dec 23 2006, 07:41 PM) [snapback]366180[/snapback]</div>
    Hmm, that's odd. We were having a discussion in another thread where the 2006+ models (and those 04/05 with the ECU update) had a different traction control program. We had a pretty bad snow storm at the end of November (ok, pretty bad for PNW anyway lol). I was able to rock the car if needed.
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Dec 24, 2006
  8. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Dec 24 2006, 01:20 PM) [snapback]366336[/snapback]</div>
    It's about time they finally caught up. Prius has had it since the beginning, back in 1997.
     
    #8 john1701a, Dec 24, 2006
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Dec 24 2006, 11:22 AM) [snapback]366337[/snapback]</div>
    and what about the luxury cars like the S-Class, LS400, 7-Series, XJ, A8? I'm sure they had that before 1997.
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Dec 24, 2006
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