Traction control on or off?

Glinno

Forum Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2012
Messages
4
Location
Perth, western australia
So I took the forester on the soft sand of Lancelot sand dunes north of perth and had a bit of a play with the traction control on or off. History tells us that awd system programmers don't understand deep soft sand and the systems tend to give up and leave people stranded.
From my perspective I struggled to work out whether the foz went better with the traction control on or off.
I think it went better turned 'off' but it was a close call.
Anyone any explanation or experience?
 
Off is better. Traction control will use brakes to grab a spinning wheel and this is the last thing you need on sand; especially when you're cresting a dune!
 
My experience matches up with Kevin's.. I turn mine off when I get into sand.

If *I* end up getting the car stuck because I mashed the gas too hard on a bad spot, that's one thing. Having the "system" cut power, stop me, and get me stuck is entirely another..
lol.gif
 
Off as Traction Control cuts the power to the wheels, either by applying the brake OR cutting the throttle or both. When you need power TC is not your freind.
 
G'day Glinno & :welcome: to ORS.

Sorry I can't be of any help re the traction control, but from what I've heard from other people's experience, I understand that it's best to have it off, for sand driving.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Yep, VDC off is the best option for offroading generally. This will stop engine power being cut (as happens with it on) but still leaves the so-called 'brake traction control' function active so that if a single wheel spins the brake is applied to it.
 
Fabo
I will be back up there in feb to further test the theories, thanks to you all. By then I plan to have a sump protector fitted and a suspension lift.
So excited....
Thanks again
 
Ive got a 2011 SH9 and i always turn off my VDC when off-road..

Watch this video and youl see the SH9 is alot better offroad the VDC turned off

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz8AI9VkHps"]2010 Subaru Forester traction control test - YouTube[/ame]

Also mines an Auto so if i use it manually in 1st or 2nd gear the Active Torque Split will go to 50/50 when normally in Drive or above 2nd gear it will run 60/40..
 
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