Sand and DSC

[murray]

I noticed a couple of mentions about when driving in sand to turn off the DSC and drive as a manual. Not experiencing any difficulty so far in sand using the sand setting on my MY13, I was wondering as to the why's and wherefores of turning off the DSC and driving as a manual.

[mikehzz]

If you try any big dunes with soft sand you will get up a certain distance and there will be an almighty thump and you will lose all power. The engine management and stability control get totally ballsed up by all the wheel slippage ploughing up the dune. It's not pleasant, I thought I had stuffed the car the first time it happened to me.
Manual mode stops the motor sticking in a low gear all the time and using all your fuel.

[101RRS]

In any offroad work, except maybe higher speed gravel roads, the DSC should be turned off. If the system is on and the car detects anything resembling a slide it was apply brakes to correct and cur engine power.

I personally use Command Shift offroad in my RRS but staying in auto is also Ok if you prefer but be aware of the limitations of both - and the pros.

Garry

[murray]

Thanks. Its good to know all the tips and tricks.

[mikehzz]

Mate, I notice you are in SA. A few of the beaches and dunes between Beachport and Robe will sort you out. :D Some of them are super heavy going. Don't go alone because recovery is expensive from the Robe end....around $300.

[multiLuke]

On a recent trip to Tassie I was lucky enough to have some spare time and took my 2011 SD4 on the sand from Macquarie heads near Strahan. I turned the magic dial and scurried across the soft stuff from the dune exit. Since I hadnt really given my newish car the full beans yet, I gave it a test blast and was absolutely blown away. It was a darn rocket ship, skipped across the soft bumpy stuff and then took off on the harder stuff, leaving the best pair of 11'ses I have ever done. Needless to say the passengers were stunned and amazed, but with big grins. Cant wait to take it to Beachport next June and leave the Toyotas and D3 far behind.

So, my question is, the dial changes transmission settings, throttle response etc, but does it also re-map and let all the engines horses out too?
I have been a little disappointed with the SD4 engine around town so far but was very happy with its response with using the sand mode dial. Dont get me wrong, the engine has been respectable on the road, quiet, smooth and excellent overtaking pick up. But its like its being held back to get better fuel economy (which hasnt been that great at average 8.4l/100km), especially since I came from a Pug307 with the 2.0L HDi.
Do all the dial selections re-map the engine in a similar fashion, giving varied available torque?