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just a stupid question about traction control

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Old 09-29-2004, 04:17 PM
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just a stupid question about traction control

i can't find the traction control button anywhere, can anyone tell me where it is? thanks
Old 09-29-2004, 04:18 PM
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are you in the USA?
Old 09-29-2004, 04:24 PM
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on your left hand side (that's if you're in the US). If you're in the UK, it's on your right hand side.
Old 09-29-2004, 04:26 PM
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Black button on the left hand side dash very near the drivers door.
Old 09-29-2004, 05:54 PM
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i couldn't find the button, is it possible it doesn't have one even thought the traction control light is on?
Old 09-29-2004, 07:32 PM
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Well, you could start by telling us what you have. Auto, 6-speed? Sport pkg, touring, grand touring?
Old 09-29-2004, 08:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Deuse
i couldn't find the button, is it possible it doesn't have one even thought the traction control light is on?
Are you sure you even have this option?

- Irish
Old 09-29-2004, 08:14 PM
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do you know where the little wheel/switch is to dim the dash lights and/or to turn them from day to night mode? also if you have turned your car off and then come back later and turned it on and the idiot light stays lit on the dash it means you have a traction control problem. that light should always turn off when you start the car as the system turns itself on by default.
Old 09-29-2004, 08:15 PM
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you do mean the light with the car and squiggly lines right?
Old 09-29-2004, 08:45 PM
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The button is in the bottom left of the steering wheel...close to the door. It's not hard to find.
Old 09-30-2004, 02:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Deuse
i couldn't find the button, is it possible it doesn't have one even thought the traction control light is on?
Are you sure it's the traction control warning light and not some other warning light (like tire pressure)?

It sounds like some quality time with your owners manual is in order. :p

Regards,
Gordon
Old 09-30-2004, 03:07 AM
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If the option is fitted (not on all US cars I believe) it should be ON by default every time you start the car.

Without the headlights/sidelights on there should be NO lights on the dash once the car is running, if there is read your handbook, see a dealer.

Oh and read your handbook.

TC switch is towards the door from the wheel, down and next to the display dimmer switch.
Old 09-30-2004, 09:14 AM
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RTFM

I work for a software company. This is how we classify tech support calls for people who have obviously never opened our documentation before calling us. It stands for: Read The F-ing Manual!

Which goes right along with:

PEBCAK

Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard

which should be modified in this case to read:

PEBSASW

Problem Exists Between Seat And Steering Wheel
Old 09-30-2004, 12:00 PM
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Or the problem is the "Nut behind wheel"
Old 09-30-2004, 12:21 PM
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She did warn everyone by titling the thread "Stupid Question.."
Old 09-30-2004, 12:29 PM
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Last I checked, this forum isn't a substitute for R'ingTFM.
Old 09-30-2004, 01:08 PM
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I just picked up my new 8 last Saturday. One of its options is the Sport package which includes the DSC system. I did a little "Reading The Fine Manual", but I was wondering if someone could provide a little more in-depth description of the Dynamic Stability Control.

I bought a new '85 RX7 and really enjoyed that for 3 wonderful years. Until last Saturday, I've been herding a basic Nissan pickup truck and now that I'm back in a true sports car, I realize how terribly my driving skills have declined. Guess I just need to get out on some country roads and get back into practice. Maybe the DSC will help keep out of trouble while my confidence returns (I don't plan on doing anything foolish).

1.3L
Old 09-30-2004, 01:09 PM
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For Tayninh:

How did you come up with your handle? I was in that area once upon a time.

1.3L
Old 09-30-2004, 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by 1.3L
I just picked up my new 8 last Saturday. One of its options is the Sport package which includes the DSC system. I did a little "Reading The Fine Manual", but I was wondering if someone could provide a little more in-depth description of the Dynamic Stability Control.

I bought a new '85 RX7 and really enjoyed that for 3 wonderful years. Until last Saturday, I've been herding a basic Nissan pickup truck and now that I'm back in a true sports car, I realize how terribly my driving skills have declined. Guess I just need to get out on some country roads and get back into practice. Maybe the DSC will help keep out of trouble while my confidence returns (I don't plan on doing anything foolish).

1.3L

even when you get your skills back you should keep it on...theres a reason traction control was banned in F1
Old 09-30-2004, 01:38 PM
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Sorry I'm a little growly today ... I'll lay off the RTFM stuff.

Yes, the manual is a little vague ... but, here's the gist of things ...

The DSC system works by comparing a number of data inputs - individual wheel speeds, steering wheel angle and rate of rotation, braking or throttle input, and rate of yaw (lateral g force).

When the car begins to slip or skid in a turn, the relatoinship between all those data inputs changes to signal the DSC brain that the car is headed into an unstable situation. The computer then responds by doing two things in combination:

1) individually braking the wheels - the system is smart enough to brake each wheel independently of the other in order to re-settle the car.

2) reducing power by reducing throttle input regardless of what you're calling for

The result is rather uncanny. If you go into a corner too "hot" but the situation is "saveable" the system will save you. You can feel it working - you'll feel a tugging sensation at the steering wheel as the front wheels are individually braked and if you're on the brakes, the brake pedal will pulsate as well. It's a little harder to sense the system chopping the power other than the usual RX-8 high RPM lunge just goes away.

My best suggestion to you is to head out on a rainy day to a big asphalt parking lot, preferably one coated with driveway sealer. Make sure you're not going to slide sideways across any storm drains or ruts (which can bend suspension components) or hit any light poles.

Then, at around a 30 mph pace or so try making sharp turns, especially sweeping or circular turns. Keep adding speed until you feel the system work. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with the workings of it.
Old 09-30-2004, 03:16 PM
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13L. I was stationed in that area. Vietnam 1969/1970 NW of Saigon. 25th Infantry Divsion The Electric Strawberry.

Good to see someone on here who knows the name
Old 09-30-2004, 03:16 PM
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^^^
What StewC625 said. (All of it :D)

Two days ago I triggered DSC for the first time, twice in one day! It was raining hard. No! Wait!! I always wanted to start a story with...

It was a dark and stormy night. Well actually it was morning, but anyway... I was pulling out of my driveway. Rear tires happened to be sitting on some soggy leaves and twigs. The DSC light flashed when I let out the clutch to engage 1st gear. Woo-hoo! First DSC, at 3mph.

On the way to work I took a corner a bit too fast. (Sorry, I promise never to do it again. :D) The right rear brake kicked in with that rapid thump-thump-thump you get with ABS. The tempo was very quick, about the speed of a woodpecker if you've ever heard on going full tilt. It only lasted a split second. I suppose the DSC light flashed but I really wasn't staring at my dashboard at the time.

So, am I ready for Laguna Seca yet? :p
Old 09-30-2004, 03:24 PM
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The DSC is a nice thing to have then? Have not been in a situation that its needed yet so I keep it off for now. Only had to car for a week now and its not driven much. Been raining in Colorado and some snow tomorrow!!! bummer so I guess I will wait for the weekend to take her for a spin. Any body name their RX yet?
Old 09-30-2004, 03:50 PM
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ok first off i didn't get the manual for the car if i had it i would have already looked at it, second there isn't a button for the traction control near the tach dimmer switch, third yes it is the light with the exclamation point and squiggly lines around it, yes it is a 6 speed with sport package, if its not the traction control light what is it and how do i fix it?
Old 09-30-2004, 04:25 PM
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ok first of go straight to the dealer and get your Manual and the little quick tips booklet. second sit down and read it. third if you have the sports package then you have dsc and then YES there is a button there.

4th and most important in this case- the DSC light is the picture of a car with squiggly lines at the bottom to denote a car that is losing traction. the light that depicts a exclamation point in a parenthesis with a squiggly line is what is supposed to look like a FLAT TIRE. what you have is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System light. you need to add or subtract air from your tires. most likely this tiem of year you need to add soem air. in the morning when your tires are cold check the tire pressure. then bring the tires up or down to 32 psi. the light will go away. remember to check them COLD and then fill them with the apropriate amount of air based on the cold measure. if you drive and then check the pressure it will be inaccurate because the tires and the air in them will have warmed up.


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