Testing HDC and traction control

[Ivan]

Just purchased the wife a new freelander (2001 V6 SE). It has a 3yr warranty so not fussed about problems. However, I have never owned a car before with HDC and traction control. So, is there a simple way to test this stuff?

TIA

Ivan

[LOVEMYRANGIE]

HDC, a big hill, low range and switch turned on. Sit at the top, take your foot off the brake and roll forward, system will do the rest. Will sound like everything's about lockup and explode but that's normal!

Traction control, all you need is a straight dirt road and a whole lot of right foot mashing from a standing start then at the other end, stand on the brakes. No spin on start and no locking on stop.

Andrew

Using Capitals, the difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse or helping your uncle jack off a horse...

[SuperMono]

In most cases it is likely that no warning lights ON = Systems OK.

But yes, aim down a steep hill and press the HDC button, feet off pedals.
More noticable when you are on something bumpy as the system allows the speed to come up on smooth surfaces.

Traction control, drive over a sequence of holes so that you get a wheel in the air, if you can keep driving the traction control is probably working.

Somewhere like this:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/10/862.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/15944/title/grover-dips-his-toe/cat/878)

or this
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e334/gazzz21/033.jpg

[Ivan]

Thanks folks. Will give it a try.

Ivan

[101RRS]

Test HDC as mentioned. For TC - park the car on the side of the road - one that has a gravel shoulder. Park so the drivers side wheels are on the bitumen and the passenger side on the gravel and the floor it - try to spin the wheels. If TC is working the ones on the gravel will spin activating TC and transfer drive to the drivers side wheel. Inside the car you will feel a shuddering (same as when ABS and HDC activates - is all normal) and the TC light will come on.

Garry

[SuperMono]

The gravel is a more effective test of the traction control working (which it will be) but I prefer getting wheels in the air :)

[Phideaux]

Thanks for the 'about to lock up and explode' comment about Hill Descent Control. I switched it on accidentally, once - thought I'd got concrete on the clutch, or something! - and nearly freaked.

I've since used it 'real time' - and it works well, but sounds so brutal that I switch it off as soon as the slope eases. Or before. I don't recall the (Perth) dealer saying 'it sounds like breaking bedsprings' but then, in Perth, would never find out.