by L Baures | Dec 31, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is traction control, why would you want to turn it off and how to turn off traction control?
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First off, what exactly is traction control?
It’s a safety feature. Abbreviated as TC, TCS, or TRAC.
Traction control systems are designed to assist the vehicle from losing traction. In other words, to stop the wheels from skidding/slipping/spinning. There are various methods in which traction controls systems do this. They either apply engine braking to reduce power to the wheels or apply the brakes on each wheel that is spinning. How does the vehicle know a wheel is slipping? There are various sensors on the vehicle that can detect a difference in each wheel speed and the speed the vehicle is actually moving at.
For example, say the vehicle is traveling at 30mph, however, one wheel starts to spin. That one wheel might now be doing 50mph. The sensors detect this and traction control will kick in to reduce the speed of that particular wheel.
When the system is actively applying the traction control system, the light will flash on your driver information display.
Traction control light
So why on earth would you want to turn off a system that is designed to keep you safer?
Why would you turn off traction control?
When traveling up a steep icy hill, or when trying to get unstuck from snow/mud. When attempting to travel through deep snow or mud, reduced power may end up in the vehicle getting stuck. Reducing power or applying brakes to a spinning wheel(s) in these circumstances is counterintuitive.
These situations may require more momentum, so reducing the power is not good.
When you might need traction control off in deep snow. Photo: L Baures
How to turn off traction control (TC) (TCS) (TRAC)
This may vary by the manufacturer of your vehicle. If equipped, there should be a switch/button showing a picture of a car with wavy lines underneath.
Press this button to turn off traction control.
This should then display the light on the dash as a steady yellow light indicating the TC is now turned off.
On a Ford, depending on the year/model, either press and hold the traction control button or scroll through the menu using steering wheel controls on the instrument cluster. On the left-hand side of the steering wheel, press the back arrow (facing left), then scroll down (using down arrow) to get to ‘settings’. Select ‘ok’, then select ‘Driver Assist but pressing ‘ok’ again.’Traction Control’ will then appear, select ‘ok’ on the steering wheel again
For Volkswagen’s, turn the car onto accessory mode (ignition on but not engine). Push the button to turn on the hazard warning lights (triangle button), followed by pressing the gas pedal 5 times. After the vehicle moves 5ft, TC will automatically turn back on. This may not be possible on all VW’s.
Note, that sometimes this may also deactivate other safety features such as trailer sway control (if equipped).
This may turn off the traction control/stability control partially.
When the traction control button is pushed, this partially disengages the traction control, but stability control will still be active (which can also reduce power, apply braking).
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the traction control system may also be linked to other active safety systems such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control). Variations of these systems have different names depending on the manufacturers. various names include; VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), ASC (Active Stability Control) DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
To turn off traction control and stability control systems fully
Note: “ESC “Full Off” mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use only. Major safety systems are not available when turned off. Not being in control of the vehicle may lead to death or serious injury. Some systems may automatically turn back on when a certain speed is reached (depending on the vehicle year make and model).
Ford, Lincoln
Source: 2018 Ford F-150 Owners Manual
Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge Jeep, and RAM
Engine running and vehicle at a stop. Push and hold the ESC button for 5 seconds until you hear a chime. “ESC OFF” will be displayed on the instrument cluster.
Toyota
Push and hold the VSC button for three seconds to turn off both TRAC and VSC. The TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators will appear.
GMC/Chevrolet
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the button (car with wiggly lines) in the center stack until the TC and Traction Control lights illuminate in the instrument cluster and the appropriate DIC message displays. As per 2018 GMC Sierra owners manual. StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn on if the vehicle exceeds
56 km/h (35 mph). Traction control will remain off.
You may also like: Tips for Driving in Snow
by L Baures | Dec 28, 2018 | Automotive News
Top 10 Features on the 2018 Ford Edge
Here is a list of the top 10 features available on the 2018 model year Ford Edge.
2018 Edge SEL, Photo: Ford
(more…)
by L Baures | Dec 20, 2018 | Automotive News
Is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator a Wrangler an SUV or a Pickup Truck?
It’s a pickup truck. A real pickup truck and a midsize one at that. A Jeep truck. Eagerly anticipated, the Jeep Gladiator is finally coming and its real. A real truck with 2 seats up front and 3 in the back. Not just a Jeep Wrangler with a bed attached to the back. Built on a truck frame, with the ability to tow, it’s longer and bigger than a Wrangler.
Coming to showrooms in the 2nd quarter of 2019
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon in Red, Photo: Jeep
Quick Specs
- 3.6L V6 Engine with Start/Stop technology (3.0L EcoDiesel coming later)
- Choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission
- Up to 7,650 lbs towing capacity
- Up to 1,600 lbs of payload capability
- Crew cab
- 5′ steel bad
- 3.73 Axle ratio (Rubicon is 4.10)
Off-Road Specs
- Command-Trac shift on the fly 4×4 system with a 2.72:1 crawl ratio
- Dana 44 axles
- Trac-Lok limited slip diff
- Up to 30″ water fording
(see Rubicon specs under trim levels)
Clearances
| Clearances | Sport | Overland | Rubicon |
|---|
| Ground Clearance | 10" | 10" | 11.1" |
| Approach Angle | 40.8 degrees | 40.8 degrees | 43.4 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 18.4 degrees | 18.4 degrees | 20.3 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 25 degrees | 25 degrees | 26 degrees |
Trim levels
All trim levels get a push-button start, rear under seat storage and lockable read behind seat storage. A six-way manual adjustment driver’s seat and 4-way manual adjusting passenger seat is also standard for all trims. Then there’s the removable carpets and a drain plug for a wash-out interior.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Photo: Jeep
Sport
‘Sport’ trims get a class II bumper hitch with four-pin and seven-pin wiring as standard. Cloth interior, a dampened tailgate, cargo lights and roll up windows. Halogen headlamps accented by a body-colored grille and fog lamps are included. Skid plates cover the transfer case and fuel tank. Wheels are steel, painted black and wrapped in 17″All-Season 245/75 R17 BSW Bridgestone Dueler H/Ts.
Sport S
Over and above what the ‘Sport’ trim level already has, the ‘Sport S’ will get 17′ aluminum wheels, power windows, and power locking doors/tailgate. Also added is remote keyless entry, and power heated mirrors. (Available upgrade to the 7″ screen with Apple CarPlay Android Auto capability).
Overland
Includes all feature on the ‘Sport S’ but adds body-color fender flares, 18″ aluminum wheels, 7″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tinted rear and quarter windows, as well as automatic headlamps and side steps, are included. Leather seats are available as an option on the ‘Overland’.
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Jeep Gladiator Overland, Photo: Jeep
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Jeep Gladiator Overland, Photo: Jeep
Rubicon
Off-road
- 33″ off-road tires (Rubicon)
- Rock-Trac NV241 OR shift on the fly transfer case, 4:1 low gear ratio and crawl ratios of 84.2:1 (manual trans Rubicon) or 77.2:1 (auto trans Rubicon).
- Forward-facing camera (on Rubicon)
- Tru-Lock electric front and rear axle lockers (Rubicon)
- Electronic sway bar disconnect (Rubicon)
- FOX monotube shocks (Rubicon)
- Heavy duty off-road bumpers front and rear (Rubicon)
Top of the range and off-road ready, as well the off-road specs listed, the Rubicon also gets; heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails and rock rails for the bed corners. Two-piece high-clearance fender flares in black or optional body-color. As well as the other skid plates, the Rubicon gets an extra brush guard one on the front. 18″ Falken Wildpeak A/T tires (M/Ts are optional), and 4 tow hooks. Exclusive on the Rubicon interior is LED center console ambient lamp and Rubicon premium cloth seats. Leather seats are an option.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Photos: Jeep
“There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere. Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks. Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility, and functionality resulting in the most capable midsize truck ever,” says Tim Kuniskis, Head of Jeep Brand – North America.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Photo: Jeep
Multimedia
All trims get at least one USB port and aux port and a 12v power outlet and 8 speakers.
Jeep Gladiator ‘Sport’ trim lines will get a 5″ touchscreen as standard with UConnect 3. A 7″ screen with UConnect 4 can be added through a package upgrade. ‘Overland’ and ‘Rubicon’ trims will get the 7″ touchscreen with Uconnect 4 as standard. An upgrade to the 8.4″ UConnect with NAV can be added with a package to ‘Overland’ and ‘Rubicon’s’. The 7″ and 8.4″ screens add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
2020 Jeep Gladiator interior, Photo: Jeep
Packages
Of course, with it a being a Jeep truck, there will be a plethora of accessories available to customize the Gladiator. Some package and Equipment groups available from the factory include;
- Trailer tow package.
- Premium LED lighting group.
- Cold weather group.
- Premium audio.
- Active Safety group (Blind Spot and Cross-Path Detection, LED Taillamps, ParkSense Rear Park-Assist).
- Advanced safety group (Advanced Brake Assist, Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control).
- Smokers group.
- Aux switch group.
- Cargo management with Trail Rail System.
Spray in bed liners, fender flares (standard on Overland), winch-capable steel front bumper and a forward facing trail cam are just some of the other available extras.
Roofs
There are 4 choices of roof/top configurations from the factory. Sunrider folding soft top with sunroof feature is standard. Other choices include a Black Freedom Top (3-piece hard top) and the Body-Color-3-Piece-Hard Top. Then there is the Premium Black Sunrider Soft Top. The Dual Top Group has both the black Freedom Top (hard top) and black Sunrider Top (soft top).
Prices
Gladiator pricing.
You can build your Jeep Gladiator on the Jeep website. This could be a popular choice of vehicle in Wyoming, and in the Rocky Mountain region. What do you think?
Contact your local Jeep dealership for more info.
by L Baures | Dec 17, 2018 | Automotive News
All New RAM 1500 North Edition
You may have heard or even seen some of the all-new RAM 1500s on the road. The half-ton pickup truck also won MotorTrend 2019 Truck of the Year.
The RAM 1500 North Edition is a special edition package available on the all-new truck. What is so special about it? The clue is in the name. It’s meant for cold weather.
2019 RAM North Edition, Photo FCA
Available in the popular configuration of a crew cab with the 5.7 L HEMI engine. A 3.6-liter eTorque (mild hybrid) Pentastar engine is also an option though. It looks as though this package is available in any of the RAM 1500 colors currently on offer.
“The Ram 1500 North is more than a great-looking pickup, it offers cold-weather content for truck owners who require a no-compromise 4×4 as part of their daily regimen,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “A factory lift, locking rear axle and all-weather tires deliver confidence when your path is anything but clear.”
2019 RAM North Edition, Photo: FCA
What is included in the RAM North Edition package?
Based on the Big Horn trim level, the North Edition package adds;
- Falken light truck severe snow service-rated tires (on/off-road) – 3 peak mountain snowflake
- One-inch factory lift
- Mopar all-weather floor mats
- Engine block heater
- Electric locking rear axle
- 4×4 transfer case with 4×4 Auto, 4×4 High and 4×4 Low
- Body-color bumpers, grille mirrors, and door handles
- 4×4 Decal
And a level 2 equipment Group (A63) which has;
- Heated front seats
- Remote start
- Heated steering wheel
- Rear window defroster
- Heated mirrors (power folding)
- Auto temperature control (dual zone climate control)
- 115V aux power outlet
- 400w inverter
- 8.4″ color touchscreen with Uconnect 4 (replaces standard 5″)
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Auto dimming mirror
- Class IV receiver hitch
- Dampened tailgate
- Parksense
- Power sliding rear window
- 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat (4-way passenger)
- Power adjustable pedals
- Universal garage door opener
- 1 year Sirius XM satellite radio with Travel Link Weather
2019 RAM 1500 North Edition in Patriot Blue Pearl, Photo: FCA
Where do I find a RAM 1500 North Edition for sale?
These are available to dealers now. When trying to find one, they may not come in searches under ‘North Edition’ because it is a package. Look for Big Horn trim levels and read the specs to find North Edition. If you’d like more information or any assistance in finding one, contact your local RAM dealer or Fremont Motors.
Photo: FCA
All New 2019 RAM 1500
New 2019 RAM 1500 Limited First Look : Video
by L Baures | Dec 11, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is a post TDI settlement Volkswagen?
To get up to speed real quick, back in 2015, the EPA issued VW a notice of violation for cheating on emissions tests. Making headlines across the world, named ‘Dieselgate‘. Volkswagen bought back all of those affected turbo diesel vehicles (TDI’s) from customers or provided restitution to owners. These are now called a post-emissions modified Volkswagen.
VW TDI Engine, Photo: Volkswagen
What happened to the vehicles and how are they are fixed?
After Volkswagen bought the vehicles back, they came up with a fix. The official term is AEM (Approved Emissions Modification). This fix approved by CARB (California Air Resource Board) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Modifications include engine and transmission software updates as well as a new emissions system.
2015 VW Golf SportWagen TDI is one of the affected vehicles. Photo: Volkswagen
Which Volkswagens are we talking about here?
The following vehicles equipped with the 2.0 TDI turbocharged diesel engine (EA288) have the modification (or are eligible for it).
- Beetle and Beetle Convertible
- Jetta
- Passat
- Golf
- Golf SportWagen
Source: Volkswagen
Look up affected vehicles on the VW website.
Advantages of buying a post-emissions modified Volkswagen TDI
Fixed, discounted and new emissions warranty
VW dealers across the nation are now getting these vehicles back, fixing and selling them.
In an effort to aid dealers, Volkswagen (the manufacturer) is providing an extended emissions warranty. All sorts of financing deals are also available to make the purchase for consumers very appealing.
Authorized VW dealerships participating in the post emission modified TDI program also do all the servicing and maintenance needed.
Extended emissions warranty
Post emissions modified vehicles get a 10 year / 120,000-mile warranty (from in-service date). If longer, (depending on the age of the vehicle) it’ll get 4 year/48,000 mile emissions warranty from date of modification. Emissions warranty covers anything the emissions system affected. ie; entire exhaust system, particulate filter, catalytic converter, engine long block, head, internals, glow plugs, injectors EGR system, and turbocharger.
Gen 3 engines (2015) get an 11-year/160,000-mile emissions warranty (from in-service date) or 5yr 60k miles after modifications. In-service date is the date the vehicle was originally purchased/put on the road the first time.
Click for more info on the extended emissions warranty or you can call VW on 1 (800) 822 8987.
2012 Jetta TDI. Photo: Volkswagen
Some of the vehicles even qualify as certified.
What does certified mean?
If the vehicle meets certain requirements, it is classed as part of the Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned Program. Meaning there is additional warranty.
Certified vehicles come with a 2-year unlimited mileage comprehensive limited warranty for models 2011 and up. Special financing deals for CPO vehicles start with rates as low as 2.99% (for well-qualified customers). This, you will need to check with your VW dealership on for the details.
How do the modifications affect the cars?
What are the pros and cons of the modification and do they affect fuel economy and performance?
- Engine sound may differ
- Automatic transmissions will shift sooner at low acceleration in ‘Sport Mode’
- DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) usage may increase
- Smoother acceleration
- Improved throttle response
- Golf models with auto transmissions, shift pattern will adapt to high altitude (higher revs).
- OBD (diagnostic system) emissions threshold adjusted
Volkswagen no longer manufacturers new diesel vehicles, so this could be an opportunity to swipe up a commuter that gets over 30 mpg.
Should I buy a post-emissions modified Volkswagen?
Consider the information above, and check the articles below too for another opinion.
CarandDriver.com test a post-emissions modified Volkswagen as did cars.com.
You can also find out more information from Volkswagen.
Where can I buy one?
Any Volkswagen dealership that is participating in the program.
Fremont Motor Volkswagen Casper, Wyoming is participating. Check the Fremont Volkswagen inventory.
Fremont Motors Technician in Top 14% in USA.
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