TCS comes on sporadicly

[jerryho]

I just upgraded from the stock 15/16" wheel setup to
the 95+ style 16/17" setup. After shifting from 1st to
2nd gear (2000-3000rpm), my TCS light will come on momentarily and I can feel a slight interrupt in power. It does not appear to come in on any other gear or RPM. Is there a way to fix this other than disabling the TCS. Perhaps resetting the computer? I don't have the tire size in front of me but I'm 99.9% positive that I have the correct tire profile/size.

Thanks

 

[nsxtasy]

Two thoughts come to mind.

First, as you mention, check your tire size - just because that is often the cause. Also, I assume you have the same kind of tires front and rear? Just asking.

The second possibility is that tires do not grip as well when they are brand new, and they could be slipping (and triggering TCS) for this reason. As noted on the Tire Rack website:

Tires are comprised of many layers of rubber, steel and fabric. Due to these different components, your new tires require a "break-in" period to ensure that they deliver their normal ride quality and maximum performance. As tires are cured, a "release lubricant" is applied to prevent them from sticking in their mold. Some of the lubricant stays on the surface of your tires, reducing traction until it is worn away. Five hundred miles of easy acceleration, cornering and braking will allow the mold release lubricant to wear off, allowing the other tire components to begin working together.It is also important to note that your old tires probably had very little tread depth remaining when you felt it was time to replace them. As any autocrosser or racer who has tread rubber shaved off of his tires will tell you "low tread depth tires respond quicker." Don’t be surprised if your new tires are a little slower to respond (even if you use the exact same tire as before). Their new, full depth brings with it a little more tread squirm until they wear down.

If this is the reason, it should go away after a few hundred miles.

 

[NSXpnsv]

TCS problem

Just one more idea to consider: I had my TCS come on several times over a period of two days driving back from Texas. It would come on at about 55 MPH. It would not disengage until I dropped below about 35 MPH. I couldn't feel any vibration or slippage prior to the TCS engaging. I was beginning to think I had computer problems until I started to feel a vibration develop in the steering wheel that gradually got worse to the point that I couldn't exceed about 40MPH without the car shaking. It turned out that my left front tire was developing a tread separation and the TCS felt it before I could. It was a brand new 17X8 Dunlop SP9000 that eventually developed a huge bubble on one side and could no longer be driven. Replaced the tire and the problem is gone. This tells me that a tire does not have to be much out of balance to trigger the TCS. One other possibilty - Make sure your tire shop places the "heavy" side of the tire opposite the "heavy" side of the rim before balancing. It can make a difference.