Traction Control

[carman99]

Help!

I would like to get some opinions on “Traction Control.” You know, instead of having a 2hi, 4hi and Lo, my Explorer has Auto, 4hi and Lo. When in “Auto” the transfer case works with the computer, recognizing slippage and engaging the front end to compensate. Although a good idea in theory, it seems to be sorely lacking in practice. It engages more frequently than I would like, and in general seems to be a bother.

When not in 4 wheel drive, I want my truck in 2 wheel drive (call me old fashioned). I want me to control the transfer case, not the computer.

What is the general consensus here? Should I leave this alone and live with it? Or is there a simple (or complex, I don’t care) fix that can make my transfer case work more traditionally (like a regular 2hi, 4 hi & Lo)?

I’d really appreciate some feedback.

Thanks,

Casey

 

[espnfreak]

its possible, i think you just need to unplug the switch for that. i think i've heard of it being done, so it would be like the way the 95-97 explorers had the switch

 

[Robert]

What kind of conditions are you driving in that cause it to engage to frequently? It sounds like your GEM might need to be reprogrammed if it is engaging 4x4 to easily. My '97 Auto mode works great, much better than the traction control I had on my '95 V8 T-bird. On dry pavement, the only time it kicks in is if I floor it when making a sharp turn from a stand-still. It helps to have sand on the road also. Even then, it merely makes a quick clunk as it engages. Within a few seconds the steering gets light again when the system disengages. In the rain, if I drive reasonably, it doesn't kick in. I have to be overly aggressive with the gas pedal before it kicks in. Even when it does kick in, you can only notice it by the steering wheel getting a little harder to turn. When I leave it in Auto in the sand or snow, I don't even notice it engaging and disengaging. In 12" of snow, I step on the gas, about 1/2-1 second later my Explorer starts driving as if it is in 4x4 High. The only difference between Auto and High in the snow is there is no delay in getting moving when I am in High. I love the way my Auto mode works and wouldn't trade it for 2WD. The only time I played around with the idea, I disconnected my transfercase solenoid and went for a quick drive in the rain. I could get it to fishtail pretty easily then.

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

Control Trac is