Traction Control Issue
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
Traction Control Issue
I just had new wheels and tires put on yesterday, and as I'm driving away from the shop, I go around a turn (a jughandle) and my traction control comes on. Every time I turn the wheel it activates now. Any ideas on what the shop could have done to screw the TCS up? I have to drive with it off now just to go anywhere.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Well, there is your problem....your front tires are slightly taller than the rears.
Traction control works by comparing front/rear wheel speeds. Any time you alter tire heights, you alter the speed the wheel sensor reads.
On a stock C5, the rear tires are about 1" taller than the fronts. Not just wheel size, but meaning the total tire height (25.6" front, 26.7" rear). Reducing that 1" height difference will make traction control more sensitive, and when you get to the point of front tires being taller than rears, you will find traction control coming on in just normal driving (like you're experiencing).
You now have front tires that are 25.7" tall, and rears that are 25.6" tall, and that is the problem.
I would suggest looking into a 275/35/19 or 285/35/19 size rear tire to cure this...otherwise, your only option is to continue driving with traction control off.
Traction control works by comparing front/rear wheel speeds. Any time you alter tire heights, you alter the speed the wheel sensor reads.
On a stock C5, the rear tires are about 1" taller than the fronts. Not just wheel size, but meaning the total tire height (25.6" front, 26.7" rear). Reducing that 1" height difference will make traction control more sensitive, and when you get to the point of front tires being taller than rears, you will find traction control coming on in just normal driving (like you're experiencing).
You now have front tires that are 25.7" tall, and rears that are 25.6" tall, and that is the problem.
I would suggest looking into a 275/35/19 or 285/35/19 size rear tire to cure this...otherwise, your only option is to continue driving with traction control off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Well, there is your problem....your front tires are slightly taller than the rears.
Traction control works by comparing front/rear wheel speeds. Any time you alter tire heights, you alter the speed the wheel sensor reads.
On a stock C5, the rear tires are about 1" taller than the fronts. Not just wheel size, but meaning the total tire height (25.6" front, 26.7" rear). Reducing that 1" height difference will make traction control more sensitive, and when you get to the point of front tires being taller than rears, you will find traction control coming on in just normal driving (like you're experiencing).
You now have front tires that are 25.7" tall, and rears that are 25.6" tall, and that is the problem.
I would suggest looking into a 275/35/19 or 285/35/19 size rear tire to cure this...otherwise, your only option is to continue driving with traction control off.
Traction control works by comparing front/rear wheel speeds. Any time you alter tire heights, you alter the speed the wheel sensor reads.
On a stock C5, the rear tires are about 1" taller than the fronts. Not just wheel size, but meaning the total tire height (25.6" front, 26.7" rear). Reducing that 1" height difference will make traction control more sensitive, and when you get to the point of front tires being taller than rears, you will find traction control coming on in just normal driving (like you're experiencing).
You now have front tires that are 25.7" tall, and rears that are 25.6" tall, and that is the problem.
I would suggest looking into a 275/35/19 or 285/35/19 size rear tire to cure this...otherwise, your only option is to continue driving with traction control off.
Good Luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
Guys,
I agree, driving with the Traction Control off is not going to work as a solution. Because I'm ignorant about tire sizes (which got me into this mess in the first place), can you guys let me know a couple things?
- What size tires will definitively fix this in the rear? 35?
- Right now my rear wheel wells look terrible....empty. Will a 35 help fill them up?
- The vendor said he won't take them back because I drove on them. Is that reasonable? He recommended them and said that's what his manufacturers recommend.
Thanks for the help.
I agree, driving with the Traction Control off is not going to work as a solution. Because I'm ignorant about tire sizes (which got me into this mess in the first place), can you guys let me know a couple things?
- What size tires will definitively fix this in the rear? 35?
- Right now my rear wheel wells look terrible....empty. Will a 35 help fill them up?
- The vendor said he won't take them back because I drove on them. Is that reasonable? He recommended them and said that's what his manufacturers recommend.
Thanks for the help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 0
From: Columbia MO
Well, there is your problem....your front tires are slightly taller than the rears.
Traction control works by comparing front/rear wheel speeds. Any time you alter tire heights, you alter the speed the wheel sensor reads.
On a stock C5, the rear tires are about 1" taller than the fronts. Not just wheel size, but meaning the total tire height (25.6" front, 26.7" rear). Reducing that 1" height difference will make traction control more sensitive, and when you get to the point of front tires being taller than rears, you will find traction control coming on in just normal driving (like you're experiencing).
You now have front tires that are 25.7" tall, and rears that are 25.6" tall, and that is the problem.
I would suggest looking into a 275/35/19 or 285/35/19 size rear tire to cure this...otherwise, your only option is to continue driving with traction control off.
Traction control works by comparing front/rear wheel speeds. Any time you alter tire heights, you alter the speed the wheel sensor reads.
On a stock C5, the rear tires are about 1" taller than the fronts. Not just wheel size, but meaning the total tire height (25.6" front, 26.7" rear). Reducing that 1" height difference will make traction control more sensitive, and when you get to the point of front tires being taller than rears, you will find traction control coming on in just normal driving (like you're experiencing).
You now have front tires that are 25.7" tall, and rears that are 25.6" tall, and that is the problem.
I would suggest looking into a 275/35/19 or 285/35/19 size rear tire to cure this...otherwise, your only option is to continue driving with traction control off.
(uh, I really don't have anything to add to the thread, I just like to hear myself type.
)
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 164
Likes: 2
From: WI
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Now I'm on shakey ground here but.........
I seem to remember that the TCS has some sort of calibration.
When I had my EBCM replaced and also when I had the new tires fitted I remember that the AH seemed particularly sensitive. It would pitch in when I made even the gentlest corrections and throw a caption. After a few manoeuvers it settled down.
All that said, the system senses wheel position in order to work. If they've screwed the basic alignment (for example got the steering wheel out of alignment) or damaged the sensors you may have a problem.
I'd give it a few days and see how you go. If its still bad take it back because they've caused the problem.
Any codes?
I seem to remember that the TCS has some sort of calibration.
When I had my EBCM replaced and also when I had the new tires fitted I remember that the AH seemed particularly sensitive. It would pitch in when I made even the gentlest corrections and throw a caption. After a few manoeuvers it settled down.
All that said, the system senses wheel position in order to work. If they've screwed the basic alignment (for example got the steering wheel out of alignment) or damaged the sensors you may have a problem.
I'd give it a few days and see how you go. If its still bad take it back because they've caused the problem.
Any codes?
Last edited by DeeGee; Jul 13, 2007 at 01:17 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Now I'm on shakey ground here but.........
I seem to remember that the TCS has some sort of calibration.
When I had my EBCM replaced and also when I had the new tires fitted I remember that the AH seemed particularly sensitive. It would pitch in when I made even the gentlest corrections and throw a caption. After a few manoeuvers it settled down.
All that said, the system senses wheel position in order to work. If they've screwed the basic alignment or damaged the sensors you may have a problem.
I'd give it a few days and see how you go.
I seem to remember that the TCS has some sort of calibration.
When I had my EBCM replaced and also when I had the new tires fitted I remember that the AH seemed particularly sensitive. It would pitch in when I made even the gentlest corrections and throw a caption. After a few manoeuvers it settled down.
All that said, the system senses wheel position in order to work. If they've screwed the basic alignment or damaged the sensors you may have a problem.
I'd give it a few days and see how you go.
This has nothing to do with his problem.
Although stock tires have 1 inch difference, the systems will work will 1/2 inch difference. If he recommended these sizes, he should fix it. I doubt that his book recommended these sizes, he probably just choose what he had in stock close. You could ask to see his book?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Active handling needs the car to go straight for a while to calibrate, if you turn as soon as you start up, it will say "active handling warming up".
This has nothing to do with his problem.
Although stock tires have 1 inch difference, the systems will work will 1/2 inch difference. If he recommended these sizes, he should fix it. I doubt that his book recommended these sizes, he probably just choose what he had in stock close. You could ask to see his book?
This has nothing to do with his problem.
Although stock tires have 1 inch difference, the systems will work will 1/2 inch difference. If he recommended these sizes, he should fix it. I doubt that his book recommended these sizes, he probably just choose what he had in stock close. You could ask to see his book?
My point was that the system needs to recalibrate after fitting the new wheel sizes (18/19 rather than 17/18s)
Either they've screwed up the basics or the computer is just "getting its bearings". If they got the steering wheel misaligned or damaged the sensors it will throw a caption
My experience was it took a couple of trips before my AH settled down. And I fitted Michelins of the correct size.
Last edited by DeeGee; Jul 13, 2007 at 01:35 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
I tend to agree that if they were recommended that they should be taken back. I also agree that he's trying to sell what he has. I'm really frustrated by this.
Anyone know if the 35 series will fill up the wheel well better?
Anyone know if the 35 series will fill up the wheel well better?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 0
I never try to sell just what i have in stock. I always had both the 30 and 35 series tire in stock. If a customer ask me what will look better, i will state my opinion and my opinion was the one you ended up going with. On all 3 of my customized cars my traction control system does not work properly either. I belive it should be because if tire hight also. I think they look great buti dont use my traction control anyways. For me, when modding a car there are always things i have to sacrifice to get pther things i want to have. If i want to have a fast car, i have to sacrifice the car being in the shop all the time or broken down because i have boost leak. But in the end this is my true passion.
anyhow, as you know we are here to help so please call us on monday so at least we can try our best to help you out.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Thanks,
vqmotoring.com
(877)-877-9420
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,567
Likes: 1
From: Edmond, OK...One of the first rules of online forums: If you don't like what is said but can't refute it, attack the poster.
If you recommended the 30's in the rear and DIDN'T mention that the AH might not work and that it doesn't work in your cars, then I think you should take them back.
jeff
jeff
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
I don't know what year your vette is ?
C5's came with 17 and 18's not 18 and 19's.
The new C6's come with 18 and 19's.
Hopefully you paid by credit card, if so dispute charges.
C5's came with 17 and 18's not 18 and 19's.
The new C6's come with 18 and 19's.
Hopefully you paid by credit card, if so dispute charges.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Webster NY
All other comments aside, Y2Kvert4me is correct, the issue is not AC, but TC and front to rear height ratio. I bought my '97 last year and all seemed fine after a test drive. As I left the dealer and sped up on an x-way ramp, same conditions you describe. Returning to dealer, I went directly to Service. The Tech came out, took one look at the custom 18" rims all around and tire size and said, "Wrong tire sizes"
Sure enough, replaced all 4 with new 18's but matching the original height, and all has been fine ever since!
BTW, hats off to Bob McDorman Chevy in Ohio. They diagnosed the problem in minutes, and offered a settlement AFTER the sale to correct the problem!
Sure enough, replaced all 4 with new 18's but matching the original height, and all has been fine ever since!
BTW, hats off to Bob McDorman Chevy in Ohio. They diagnosed the problem in minutes, and offered a settlement AFTER the sale to correct the problem!
Last edited by WFD088; Jul 17, 2007 at 05:33 PM. Reason: corrected typo
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Mike,
I never try to sell just what i have in stock. I always had both the 30 and 35 series tire in stock. If a customer ask me what will look better, i will state my opinion and my opinion was the one you ended up going with. On all 3 of my customized cars my traction control system does not work properly either. I belive it should be because if tire hight also. I think they look great buti dont use my traction control anyways. For me, when modding a car there are always things i have to sacrifice to get pther things i want to have. If i want to have a fast car, i have to sacrifice the car being in the shop all the time or broken down because i have boost leak. But in the end this is my true passion.
anyhow, as you know we are here to help so please call us on monday so at least we can try our best to help you out.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Thanks,
vqmotoring.com
(877)-877-9420
I never try to sell just what i have in stock. I always had both the 30 and 35 series tire in stock. If a customer ask me what will look better, i will state my opinion and my opinion was the one you ended up going with. On all 3 of my customized cars my traction control system does not work properly either. I belive it should be because if tire hight also. I think they look great buti dont use my traction control anyways. For me, when modding a car there are always things i have to sacrifice to get pther things i want to have. If i want to have a fast car, i have to sacrifice the car being in the shop all the time or broken down because i have boost leak. But in the end this is my true passion.
anyhow, as you know we are here to help so please call us on monday so at least we can try our best to help you out.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Thanks,
vqmotoring.com
(877)-877-9420
Dude, you're one fast talker... and a BAD sales person/business man. 
What you do in your life, is your choice. You don't go around giving "YOUR PERSONAL OPINIONS/PREFERENCES" to others, when they ask you for advice 
.. Instead - - You are supposed to give them "FACTS", and tell them the consequences..............and then let them decide. What looks good, or whatever sacrifices you enjoy making, others may NOT want the same 
. They look up to you as a "Professional". Act like one... Before you reply my comments, Read this thread and fix it, if you're really a MAN !!!! http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1795263
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,364
Likes: 6
From: Rocky Mount Virginia
I never heard of 40's up front and 30's in the rear. Regardless of the wheel size, that just seems odd. I would have at least matched the aspect ratio. 30's or 35's all the way around.