Mazdagirl

Hi guys,

I was searching the old forums and came across one about shutting off the DSC. I have a 2005 Grand Touring. Am I reading it right that I need to hold the button in for 7 seconds to disable traction control? I thought just pushing the button did it

Thanks,
Beth =)

GlenAnderson

pushing the button only turns it partially off. If you really goof up, it will still kick in. The only way to make sure it doesn't kick in is to hold the button until both lights come on. (the DSC light and the car with a squiggly burnout)

To get the DSC back on, you must restart the car.

Mazdagirl

Hmmmm, I'll try that this weekend at our big event and see if it makes a difference =)

Thanks!

Mazdagirl

One more question =) PLEASE keep in mind I am totally clueless about cars, I just get in them and drive and am learning as I go along....

I just got off the phone with my service guy who is trained to work on the RX8's and is said to be the best. He told me the extra light that comes on after holding the DSC button for 7 seconds takes away the advanced breaking also.

Sooooo, Question is....

What do you guys do when you AutoX? Partial off or Full? What are some of the differences I might notice with it completley off as opposed to partially? Any help before this Sunday will be great... Lots of competition to try and keep up with...

More_Revs

Partial off doesn't do much for me, but turning it completely off cut 2 seconds off my time right off the very next run. The biggest differece I notice was I can get the car to rotate a lot easier. Too bad it took me 2 runs to realized I forgot to turn it off yesterday.

And I didn't notice any difference in braking either.

CosmosMpower

Autocross=hold it for 7 seconds until the yellow light comes on in the middle of the cluster which indicates everything is off (DSC/TSC).

Street= Leave everything on, I don't really ever see a reason to turn it partially off.

TrackAddict

I found that partially off works great unless you are braking hard (into ABS) and have some slip angle. At that point you feel DSC kick back in. If you do the long press, DSC stays completely off.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

Would you agree with this TrackAddict ?

Street = leave on

windy road dry = partially off

track dry = partially off

track wet = leave on (unless you have very large cajoules)

auto x = partially off ?

Drag race = partially off ?

ULLLOSE

iTrader: (1)

If you are faster in the wet or dry with the DSC or TC on you need to work on your driving. The OE TC and DSC systems are not a performance based system and they will slow you down every time.

ScottyStyles

Auto X and Drag Race = full off. Partial off will hinder your launch some, and you can't do a lot of the cornering you need to in Auto X with it only partially off.

I actually don't notice an ounce of difference between partial off, and fully on. I definetely feel it fully off, though. It feels good :-D

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

fair comment but I would have to say most average drivers should leave those systems on when its wet . I've seen too many cars go into the wall to turn it off .

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

I do - it makes a huge difference on the track

ULLLOSE

iTrader: (1)

An "average" driver should not be on the track in the rain.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

ah - but this is where the dsc comes to the rescue and allows the average driver to actually look like a decent driver

TrackAddict

I have it on all the time on the street. It doesn't get in the way and don't see why I would mess with it.
On track, I usually just do the partially off. I always go out and do my warm up lap with DSC on.
On a wet track, I keep it on since I am not after lap times and instead use it as a learning exprience to help with smoothness.
I did a few autoX's in the past and I ran it fully off. I would keep it off if autoX in the wet since the speeds are so much lower and damage potential much smaller than a road course.
I have never been to a drag strip and am not likely to but fully off seems the way to go as you want a bit of tire slip.

Just do what is comfortable for you. After all, no one on the internet is going to fix your car if you f it up. Do what is right for you and most importantly have fun and be safe.

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

street on, track off--unless there is very little runoff room , after you are familar with your car, have no wife and the car is paid for.
olddragger

dknv

You're obviously not clueless; you're asking good questions.

It doesn't take the 'best' service guy to know how the DSC functions; though he is correct. The difference you might notice with it completely off as opposed to partially: better lap times if you gain the skills to control the car properly. A worthy goal.

As ULLLOSE points out -- if you are faster with any of it on - you need to work on your driving skills. DSC/TSC, advanced braking and such features are great for the street, but cover up a multitude of sins (and slows you down) in autox.

p.s. You might want to be careful about what you are telling your service guy. (If you want potential future problems resolved under warranty.)

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

silly girls, tee-hee-hee ....

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

yeah - Team actually runs with his in the "double off" position which is even more off than "fully off" .....

swoope

iTrader: (5)

simple answer..

one push dsc is off..

7 second push.. dsc and tc off...

i really think that is backwards, but all the info above is good...

beers

Mazdagirl

Silly girl, maybe...Getting better with your help? You bet!

And yes I know all about not telling service about AutoX. The tech who works there is a friend of a fellow Autocrosser and knows to keep quiet =)

Thank you so much for all the input. I'll let you all know how it works for me this weekend!

CosmosMpower

Best of luck but how do you run both STU and BS? Do you change springs in and out all the time or just run a underprepped STU car?

Mazdagirl

I was told STU is a softer PAX.

The RX is Bone Stock straight off the showroom floor...
Added Falken Azenis about 2 months ago! Shocks are next...

All the cars I run against in either BS or STU are WAY more set up for AutoX than mine and they have race tires.. I dont think I do that bad keeping up with them.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

lol, double off = no dsc

mine is a Base model, you don't get dsc until the Sport option and higher or whatever they call it these days

ULLLOSE

iTrader: (1)

It is amazing that with DSC/TC making "average drivers look good" that all the fast cars are base models without that crap. How did Mazda get away with selling a base model, clearly it is not safe for us to be on the street without DSC/TC.