BigDB

I was coming home from a beach trip and was merging onto another interstate at 70mph. I downshifted into 3rd from 6th and gunned it. The TCS low trac light came on and when I lifted it went off. My car is the 3 channle w/o traction control. The tires didnt break loose, whats up?

WhiteRhino

iTrader: (6)

Its because your back tires slowed faster than the computer could read causing a low trac warning. Basically you caused the tires to skid for a split second. It's normal for the light to come on if that happens. Just try not to down shift from to high of a speed or you could do some damage.For example, If you were in the rain and went from 4th to 2nd from a decent speed. Then let the clutch out before slowing it would do the same thing. The rear tires lock for a split second.

BigDB

so the light will come on even if my car isnt equiped with traction control?

WhiteRhino

iTrader: (6)

Yes, that light has nothing to do with traction control. It's a warning light for exactly that. It's sorta complicated and I dont know how to explain other than the above post. The computer reads that the motor is at a certain rpm and the rear tires aren't matching or have a sudden shock, like the above scenerio. I wish someone would pop in and explain it better. I've had the light come on a few times down shifting with dust all over the road.

But it is nothing more than a Hey!, becareful light.

BigDB

alright thanks.

1badragtop

Wow, thats good to know! I had that happen to me twice now, though when very hard braking. I didn't notice anything wrong so I didn't look into it anymore. Is very interesting none the less.