D4 Traction Control System and Indications

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Originally Posted by Celtoid

Thanks people.

Just as a side, I haven't read anything about a D3 or D4 having issues in the sand, except under operator error.....too much pressure or DSC left on!

Mine has been awesome in the sand, even with the OEM boots and others have testified the same.

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x2 :)

Thanks fellas. I may have come across as a doubter about the new shape in terms of sand ability. I have been given plenty of feedback now by people who have been using them in sand and clearly they are impressed - thanks for the feedback including Gordon's comprehensive PM about the topic.


Cheers

Ok lets apply what we have learned in this discussion.

We have to drive on sand in a D4. We select offroad height, TR to sand, switch DSC off, select manual shift and high or low range - depends on sand conditions ???? In a manual vehicle - lower gears in high range or higher gears in low range - in a auto the same??. In sand mode the impact of TC is reduced.

So off we go and of course we hits some soft sand and come to a stop but are smart and do not spin any wheels so do not dig in. However we do get crossed up - in sand mode TC is not all that effective. Get out and dig the sand away from the front of the wheels.

So even though we are in sand - because we are crossed up TC effect is reduced so is of little value. So if I have understood the discussion correctly - as we now need TC we should switch to rock crawl (disengage DSC again because it auto on when we changed TR mode). But if we go to rock crawl we do go into low range - is this all that smart to start off in soft sand - with an auto does it really matter. I have only ever driven an auto offroad once and that was when I got stuck last week. In a manual I would always try high range first.

We get out on off we go but we are in rock crawl and low range but we should get back to sand mode to stop getting bogged down by the TC and maybe hi range. My system says I have to be in neutral to change into hi/lo range but I have heard it is possible on the run but I think I will pick a nice hard spot, pointed down hill to change.

So have I learnt well or am I the dunce sitting in the corner.

I am keen to pick up mistakes from those more experienced that me on using autos off road and TR systems. I do have extensive offroad experience but in manuals and cdl type 4wds some with diff locks on axles or TC. Generally speaking I do not go into low range on sand in these vehicles as they just dig in even at 10psi.

Cheers

Garry

All,

Just to add one more thing, on the training course we were told that the Grass Gravel Snow(GGS) rather than sand was a better choice for us Aussies. I seem to recall it was something to do with the different sand over here...

I also turn DSC off and hill descent as well...

Then into low range and into manual mode so plenty of torque is available and you can prepare for any obvious soft spots.
Cheers,
Ap

TR in Sand mode
DSC off (keep in mind it defaults to ON each and every time you start the car or change TR modes)
18psi
Low range and Manual shift in soft sand (I find auto holds low gear to long).
Gentle right foot.

DSC off, sand mode engaged. Use low range (even in sand), unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise (fuel consumption issues, or need to exceed 60kph continuously). This is more for the wheel articulation (which is increased in low range) than anything else. Remember - the D4 has a 'sand launch' feature that will prevent you digging in when you take off. It works very well. I normally leave it in auto, 16psi.

Rock crawl when stuck.

There's quite a bit more - that's why we run courses on these vehicles ;)

Cheers,

Gordon

Thanks for all that - so it does seem that I have reasonably comprehended the issues (including training). A couple of extra points clarified which is great.

In summary
Sand, Dsc off, low range - get stuck and just go to Mud Ruts (dsc off again) and off we go :D

cheers

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Originally Posted by garrycol

Sand, Dsc off, low range - get stuck and just go to Mud Ruts (dsc off again) and off we go :D

cheers

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I have taught my kids to chant "DSC off", "DSC off", "DSC off", "DSC off", "DSC off", "DSC off", "DSC off", "DSC off", "DSC off", "DSC off", whenever we're on the beach.

mmmm...I wonder if it is possible to wire in a relay to automatically disengage DSC when the TR is switched out of ON ROAD mode?

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Originally Posted by Duck's Guts

mmmm...I wonder if it is possible to wire in a relay to automatically disengage DSC when the TR is switched out of ON ROAD mode?

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On gravel roads, especially when towing, DSC is quite useful. Even on mud tracks it can come in handy - basically anywhere you're driving over walking speed - except in sand!

Cheers,

Gordon