Traction Control

C

CanadaCraig

Registered Member
Joined
12 July 2002
Messages
44
Location
Victoria, BC, CANADA
A couple of weeks ago I brought my NSX in to my local Acura dealership for 'service'. I was informed that it sounds like [perhaps] the RR wheel bearings may be 'going'. [There IS a humming sound that never used to be there AND it's getting louder] I was told to leave the traction control OFF when driving to see IF that made any difference. Well... it didn't have any effect on the noise - but it sure did on the 'fun factor'. I can hardly believe it. In all these years [I've owned my NSX since June of 1995] I've NEVER turned off the TCS. With it OFF - my NSX is considerably FASTER. Is that possible?? Does that mean something is wrong WITH the TCS [like it's holding back the car when it shouldn't be] OR is that just how 'it' works?? ALSO - sometimes [with or without the TCS on] it feels as though I'm towing something. [if that makes sense] Would worn out bearings cause that??

Do YOU drive with the TCS on or off? Could it have anything to do with the 'noise'? Should turning it OFF have THAT great an effect on performance?? Is worn-out wheel bearings a 'big deal'?? [money and otherwise]

Thanks
Craig
 
I don't know if this really has anything to do with your post, but I am replying anyway
smile.gif


Last night when leaving work I started my car (been having ignition switch problems of some variety) and after starting my 'upper' TCS light came on, the amber colored one, not the lower green one.

As I was leaving the parking lot, there were some cars coming quicker than I had originally anticipated, so I jumped on it a bit, I spun the tires like crazy and launched into the intersection like never before. Was my TCS disabled (the light did not come on again after starting again)?

It definitely was hopping 'off the line' in a way I wasn't used to, I also have never really driven with TCS off... but it was fun
biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by Jonathan (edited 12 September 2002).]
 
I've never driven my nsx without the tcs, but I think i'm going to now
smile.gif
 
Thanks Jonathan and NSX36 for replying to my message.

One of the reasons I have never turned off the TCS [before] is because quite a few NSX road tests I read [when I first got my car] warned about how easy it was to 'spin' the car with TCS turned OFF - even a low speeds. I decided NOT to take a chance - left it alone - and never thought about it again.

[until now]

To be honest - I feel kinda 'cheated' out of 7+ years of REALLY knowing how great my NSX could be.

Hey NSX36 - let us know if YOU notice any difference.

Thanks
Craig

ps I'd still like to know [from anyone else?] if replacing rear wheel bearings is a big [i.e. expensive] thing to do AND what YOUR experience has been with the TCS turned off. [have you EVER 'spun' your car with it turned off, etc.?]
 
A lot of the guys I know remove the TCS all together, you get better throttle response. Also it's my understanding that many people don't have the guts to take the NSX at a speed to the point of 4 wheel drift anyway. I wouldn't have TCS "on" unless it was raining and if it's raining, use your other car. Also the TCS is connected to the throttle so it does have some effect on your throttle response.
 
Just replaced the rear wheel bearings and hubs, they werent making noise yet but had considerable play in them, the hole job was about 360.00. good luck. \PS I only drive with the TCS off major difference have fun
 
I had a blown-tire a couple of weeks ago in France on the way back (old/worn tires) and had them replaced by Marshall 265/35ZR18. Last week I replaced the front tires with S03 PP 215/40ZR17. All tires are now up to stock pressures. The cars feels lighter up front than it did before.
It seems however than I can activate TCS easier than before, especially when applying throttle in short turns. This week I almost spinned the car at a large turn-about that I normally like to run quick.
I was thinking about trying to drive with TCS off over the next couple of days but now I'm certainly know I will do that.
Will keep you posted as to my findings....
 
I usually drive with the TCS on; however, for kicks, I did have it OFF for a few hours last week, all I can say is WOW, the car behaves like a completely different kind of animal. The car also seemed (note, everything may just be placebo) slipperier around turns, wiggly if you will; although, it was nothing that was beyond control. For routine street driving, I do plan on keeping the TCS on.
 
WoW. Same here. I can't believe the difference and i've never turned it off before. With TSC off, it feels crisper and faster at slower speeds. IMO more fun to drive. Too bad it won't stay off and that annoying light comes on.

------------------
keep the shiny side up
MikeC 01 #46
 
Whoever designed the setup must have been dyslexic! I didn't realize the TCS was "off" when the light was "on" until I had the car dynoed. Guess that's better than finding out at the dragstrip!
 
The only times I have the traction control on is when it rains and when I take the wife out. Otherwise it is part of my startup to turn it off before I put the car in gear.
Yes you will spinn !!!! I have several times and it scares the crap out of you. Not so much when the car was stock, but do anything to the suspension, or give a little kick in the horsepower, and you will send the NSX into the grass if you are not carefull.
But that is what I got the car for, It makes for a great rush to use all of your cars power.
IMO keep it off and drive like you stole it.
Have fun and be safe.
Joe
 
Originally posted by McAttack:
Whoever designed the setup must have been dyslexic! I didn't realize the TCS was "off" when the light was "on" until I had the car dynoed. Guess that's better than finding out at the dragstrip!
Click to expand...


So, should the TCS be off when it's on the dyno?
 
Originally posted by burnmacs:
Is there a fuse that I can just pull to completely disable TCS?
Click to expand...


Hi Mike,

Behind the drivers seat there is the TCS unit. You can unplug it to disable the TCS.

Gerard
 
Originally posted by Gerard van Santen:

Hi Mike,

Behind the drivers seat there is the TCS unit. You can unplug it to disable the TCS.

Gerard
Click to expand...

The install instructions for the SmartTCS explains how to access it.

I wonder why they don't have one for the newer models?
 
I usually leave my TCS on, but gave it a go last night(off). Sorry, but I really didn't notice a difference in my 01'. No perceivable improvement in throttle response or performance. Maybe some of the early models had a more aggressive(read annoying) TCS??? Or maybe you all never spin-up the RPMs in your every day driving, but did while testing the TCS? I drive the crap out of mine every time I’m in it and haven’t really noticed any interference from the TCS. I think we're talking placebo here.

Now, drop the ambient temp below 70-F and I notice a performance kick. And it’s that time of year again. Woooo-Hoooo!
wink.gif



------------------
01' NSX-T Silverstone
02' Chevy Avalanche 1500
00' Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300
02' Honda VTX-1800
02' Aprilia Falco SL1000
 
I have never used the tcs inless caught in a rain storm and the is rare for me as I dont take her out on days that look like rain.I have never felt like I would lose control even on the twistys i like to run just down the street.
burnmac: I cant beleive you were dragging the car with tcs on.it limits your fuel if it senses your tires are breaking loose YOU need to control that not the tcs.sure way to loose
frown.gif

you CAN as posted unplug it behind driver side rear panel or pull the fuse.as for buying another widget to plug in that keeps my tcs of all day.just make a habit of doing it as part of your routine.start car,fasten restraint belts , turn off tcs with one push of button.AND then it is there when and if you need it.the one think you will notice is you must exercise restaint on your launchs or you will break em loose getting out into traffic in a hurry.on normal coast is clear launches you can launch like a little old lady.anyone running nos should never have it on
david
 
Thanks for responding. I'd still love to hear from the rest of you as to whether or NOT you drive with the TCS on.

To update you on my little story - I took my NSX to my local Acura dealer yesterday [Acura of Victoria] to have it looked at. [It's still there!!] They put it on a 'lift' - raised it a bit - started it - put it in gear - and raised it some more. The 'problem' was obvious. The entire right axle was hanging on by a thread. [so to speak] It was moving in a circular motion and making that 'clicking' sound that I could hear while driving. A new axle is on order. There was only one in Canada - in Toronto. What I'm worried about is what they will discover once the axle is replaced. I'm already looking at $900 CDN to replace the axle. I've got my fingers crossed that nothing else needs fix'n. The car also [often] hesitates whenever I accelerate hard. It's annoying. Not sure what THAT could be. Trouble is - I'm starting to wonder if maybe I should get 'out' while I still can. In the last year alone I've had to replace the tires, the timing belt, the passenger power window motor, the clutch master cylinder and now the right axle. [to start with] It a wonderful car - but I'm not sure I'm having enough 'fun' in it to justify the expense. Maybe a new 350Z is the answer. It might not be quite a great as an NSX - but it WOULD have a WARRANTY!!

Craig
 
Originally posted by CanadaCraig:
I'd still love to hear from the rest of you as to whether or NOT you drive with the TCS on.
Click to expand...

On the racetrack: TCS off.
On public roads: TCS on.

Originally posted by CanadaCraig:
What I'm worried about is what they will discover once the axle is replaced.
Click to expand...

I think this is the first time I've heard of anyone replacing an axle. I wonder how your car might have gotten so beat up. It's very unusual for an NSX.

Originally posted by CanadaCraig:
The car also [often] hesitates whenever I accelerate hard. It's annoying. Not sure what THAT could be.
Click to expand...

What size are your tires, and what model are they? This sounds like the TCS activating. It could be caused by using tire sizes different from stock, if the ratio of the front-to-rear outer diameters is significantly different. It could also be caused by using mediocre tires that just don't grip well.

Originally posted by CanadaCraig:
In the last year alone I've had to replace the tires, the timing belt, the passenger power window motor, the clutch master cylinder and now the right axle.
Click to expand...

Well, tires are a normal wear item, and the timing belt is scheduled maintenance (every 90K miles or 6 years). Both are normal maintenance that you'll have to do with any car. The passenger power window regulator, if it occurred because the clip broke, could have been easily and inexpensively prevented with the fix-it thingies, so shame on you for not doing so. Only the last two are unexpected repairs, and both are fairly unusual. OTOH every new car comes with a warranty; if you'd rather be driving a new car, go for it. I think you'll miss your NSX after a while, though...

[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 18 September 2002).]
 
dont get out for the axle.900 cnd is not alot of money.as for your other woes,timing belt and tires are wear items and come with the territory.the master clutch cylinder is not a normal wear item but not that big a deal.look at it from the other end ..your cup is half full.you have repaired the known issue with the windows.a cheap fix if you did it before they went and master clutch cylinder and axle.doubt your run of bad luck will last and you have a new timing belt.sounds like after the axle is taken care of you will be good to go.
david
 
Hi nsxtasy,

I drive my car [for the most part] like an old lady. I have NEVER abused it - in any way what so ever. There is no way that the cause of the broken axle could be due to abuse.

The tires are [as they always have been] Yokohama's. I've never used a different brand or size than what originally came with the car. So THAT can't be what's causing the hesitation problem.

Shame on me for NOT fixing something that wasn't broken??? I really don't quite understand THAT comment - to be honest. I was out driving when the passenger window suddenly dropped into the door. AND what 'fix-it-thingies' are you talking about??

I realize that the timing belt and tires are maintainence items - but it still all adds up. The NSX is an expensive car. Naturally - when faced with yet another nearly $1000 'repair' [if not more - this time] one ponders the idea of moving on and getting something that would cost LESS.

Hi David,

I appreciate your supportive message. I hope you're right. I'm sure you can understand the fear I have that this may be the beginning of a bottomless pit. Usually by the time it dawns on someone that they are spending far too much on a car - it's TOO late.

I appreciate both of you for responding.

Craig
 

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