2001 Active Handling Questions
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Penticton BC
2001 Active Handling Questions
I am looking for ways to eliminate/by-pass the active handling (AH) system on a 2001 Z06 for track only (road coarse) use. As I understand it, simply unplugging the steering wheel position sensor (SWPS) will accomplish this (please correct me if I am wrong). Has anyone ran the SWPS wires to a switch so that the AH can be turned on/off? If so, do you run all four wires through a switch, or can you run just one (which one)?
I have read all the "use competition mode" replies in other threads, but as I understand it competition mode does not 100% eliminate AH, it just makes it less responsive. Again, please correct me if I am wrong.
I have read all the "use competition mode" replies in other threads, but as I understand it competition mode does not 100% eliminate AH, it just makes it less responsive. Again, please correct me if I am wrong.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I am looking for ways to eliminate/by-pass the active handling (AH) system on a 2001 Z06 for track only (road coarse) use. As I understand it, simply unplugging the steering wheel position sensor (SWPS) will accomplish this (please correct me if I am wrong). Has anyone ran the SWPS wires to a switch so that the AH can be turned on/off? If so, do you run all four wires through a switch, or can you run just one (which one)?
I have read all the "use competition mode" replies in other threads, but as I understand it competition mode does not 100% eliminate AH, it just makes it less responsive. Again, please correct me if I am wrong.
I have read all the "use competition mode" replies in other threads, but as I understand it competition mode does not 100% eliminate AH, it just makes it less responsive. Again, please correct me if I am wrong.
What additional AH do you think will still limit you???
Bill
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Penticton BC
TC ON - all systems (ABS, AH, TC) 100% on
TC OFF - ABS 100% on, TC & AH 100% OFF
Comp Mode - ABS 100% on, AH (% reduced) on, TC (100%) off
Is this correct?
Last edited by SRS_Chris; Feb 22, 2018 at 01:46 PM. Reason: additional information
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Penticton BC
Even if you can run a switch you do realize that you cannot just switch these services off and then on again without an ignition cycle in between?
Once any of the systems (ABS, TC or AH also known as Vehicle Stability Enhancement Services or VSES) goes to an OFF condition it remains OFF until diagnostics are run at the next ignition cycle.
This is also the first reference I have seen to AH not being 100% OFF.
Once any of the systems (ABS, TC or AH also known as Vehicle Stability Enhancement Services or VSES) goes to an OFF condition it remains OFF until diagnostics are run at the next ignition cycle.
This is also the first reference I have seen to AH not being 100% OFF.
Regarding your last comment, do you mean during Competition Mode?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
I didn't think competition mode affected AH at all, just turned off TC. But, I had though OFF was truly OFF for both the TC and AH on the Corvettes.
Off is not OFF on some other GM vehicles, like the trucks where TC still applies the brakes but doesn't cut engine power when it's turned off.
Off is not OFF on some other GM vehicles, like the trucks where TC still applies the brakes but doesn't cut engine power when it's turned off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Summary of Active Handling System Modes
•ON - Active Handling is automatically enabled when the car is started. This is also true of the ABS brake and traction control systems.
•OFF - Like traction control, the Active Handling system may be manually turned off if the driver so desires. This is not true of the ABS brake system which is always enabled.
•COMPETITIVE DRIVING - In this mode, Active Handling and ABS are both enabled, but traction control is shut off.
The "OFF" and "COMPETITIVE DRIVING" modes are important features on a high-performance sports car like the Corvette. As mentioned earlier, skilled drivers may find that some wheelspin and oversteer can be beneficial to their lap times in competitive events, and the Corvette system allows them to operate the car in this fashion when appropriate. Chevrolet recommends against selecting these modes for street use.
•ON - Active Handling is automatically enabled when the car is started. This is also true of the ABS brake and traction control systems.
•OFF - Like traction control, the Active Handling system may be manually turned off if the driver so desires. This is not true of the ABS brake system which is always enabled.
•COMPETITIVE DRIVING - In this mode, Active Handling and ABS are both enabled, but traction control is shut off.
The "OFF" and "COMPETITIVE DRIVING" modes are important features on a high-performance sports car like the Corvette. As mentioned earlier, skilled drivers may find that some wheelspin and oversteer can be beneficial to their lap times in competitive events, and the Corvette system allows them to operate the car in this fashion when appropriate. Chevrolet recommends against selecting these modes for street use.
According to the above summary, you just need to turn it off with the console's button. The only thing that would remain active is the ABS.
Last edited by GCG; Feb 22, 2018 at 05:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Penticton BC
Here is a summary from this article from a GM Press Release:
According to the above summary, you just need to turn it off with the console's button. The only thing that would remain active is the ABS.
According to the above summary, you just need to turn it off with the console's button. The only thing that would remain active is the ABS.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,044
Likes: 9,808
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
There is no need to modify the car you have the ability to do what you want with the car as it is. It isn't a Porsche or BMW which kept you from doing those things. Although the new models copied Corvettes way of doing things.
You have the following choices depending on how you push the button:
Full Active Handling and Traction Control. Car starts in this mode.
Full Active Handling and Traction Control Off
Competition Mode Active Handling. This is a mode that establishes a wider dead band in the Active Handling Algorithm which permits more movement of the car before the system activates. This means it won't activate as quickly in an understeer or oversteer situation which can allow the driver to do some things to place the car differently in a corner. It isn't just for stomping on the throttle to get a drifting style but slow exit from a corner, it is meant for handling to get go through a corner quicker and to drive off the corner harder. Comp Mode also turns off Traction Control so you don't have the power flow interrupted when you go over bumps and swells on the track.
Then you have everything off NO AH and NO TC.
It has been 9 years since I sold my C5 so I can't remember for sure which button pushes got me what but I think one push turns off TC, Two pushes turns off both AH and TC and one Long 5 second push sets Competition Mode. The O/M will provide the proper info so check it.
Over a decade ago I posted the GM SAE Paper that explained all of the C5 Active Handling Modes. That has probably disappeared now so I am attaching the PDF file so people can understand what the system does Vs the myths so often seen on the forum. This paper was for the early active handling which was updated for the 2001-2004 models to include Dynamic Rear Proportioning so the rear proportioning valve could be eliminated. If you have ever wanted what the message Active Handling Warming up means it is explained in this paper.
Bill
You have the following choices depending on how you push the button:
Full Active Handling and Traction Control. Car starts in this mode.
Full Active Handling and Traction Control Off
Competition Mode Active Handling. This is a mode that establishes a wider dead band in the Active Handling Algorithm which permits more movement of the car before the system activates. This means it won't activate as quickly in an understeer or oversteer situation which can allow the driver to do some things to place the car differently in a corner. It isn't just for stomping on the throttle to get a drifting style but slow exit from a corner, it is meant for handling to get go through a corner quicker and to drive off the corner harder. Comp Mode also turns off Traction Control so you don't have the power flow interrupted when you go over bumps and swells on the track.
Then you have everything off NO AH and NO TC.
It has been 9 years since I sold my C5 so I can't remember for sure which button pushes got me what but I think one push turns off TC, Two pushes turns off both AH and TC and one Long 5 second push sets Competition Mode. The O/M will provide the proper info so check it.
Over a decade ago I posted the GM SAE Paper that explained all of the C5 Active Handling Modes. That has probably disappeared now so I am attaching the PDF file so people can understand what the system does Vs the myths so often seen on the forum. This paper was for the early active handling which was updated for the 2001-2004 models to include Dynamic Rear Proportioning so the rear proportioning valve could be eliminated. If you have ever wanted what the message Active Handling Warming up means it is explained in this paper.
Bill
Last edited by Bill Dearborn; Feb 23, 2018 at 08:53 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Penticton BC
There is no need to modify the car you have the ability to do what you want with the car as it is. It isn't a Porsche or BMW which kept you from doing those things. Although the new models copied Corvettes way of doing things.
You have the following choices depending on how you push the button:
Full Active Handling and Traction Control. Car starts in this mode.
Full Active Handling and Traction Control Off
Competition Mode Active Handling. This is a mode that establishes a wider dead band in the Active Handling Algorithm which permits more movement of the car before the system activates. This means it won't activate as quickly in an understeer or oversteer situation which can allow the driver to do some things to place the car differently in a corner. It isn't just for stomping on the throttle to get a drifting style but slow exit from a corner, it is meant for handling to get go through a corner quicker and to drive off the corner harder. Comp Mode also turns off Traction Control so you don't have the power flow interrupted when you go over bumps and swells on the track.
Then you have everything off NO AH and NO TC.
It has been 9 years since I sold my C5 so I can't remember for sure which button pushes got me what but I think one push turns off TC, Two pushes turns off both AH and TC and one Long 5 second push sets Competition Mode. The O/M will provide the proper info so check it.
Over a decade ago I posted the GM SAE Paper that explained all of the C5 Active Handling Modes. That has probably disappeared now so I am attaching the PDF file so people can understand what the system does Vs the myths so often seen on the forum. This paper was for the early active handling which was updated for the 2001-2004 models to include Dynamic Rear Proportioning so the rear proportioning valve could be eliminated. If you have ever wanted what the message Active Handling Warming up means it is explained in this paper.
Bill
You have the following choices depending on how you push the button:
Full Active Handling and Traction Control. Car starts in this mode.
Full Active Handling and Traction Control Off
Competition Mode Active Handling. This is a mode that establishes a wider dead band in the Active Handling Algorithm which permits more movement of the car before the system activates. This means it won't activate as quickly in an understeer or oversteer situation which can allow the driver to do some things to place the car differently in a corner. It isn't just for stomping on the throttle to get a drifting style but slow exit from a corner, it is meant for handling to get go through a corner quicker and to drive off the corner harder. Comp Mode also turns off Traction Control so you don't have the power flow interrupted when you go over bumps and swells on the track.
Then you have everything off NO AH and NO TC.
It has been 9 years since I sold my C5 so I can't remember for sure which button pushes got me what but I think one push turns off TC, Two pushes turns off both AH and TC and one Long 5 second push sets Competition Mode. The O/M will provide the proper info so check it.
Over a decade ago I posted the GM SAE Paper that explained all of the C5 Active Handling Modes. That has probably disappeared now so I am attaching the PDF file so people can understand what the system does Vs the myths so often seen on the forum. This paper was for the early active handling which was updated for the 2001-2004 models to include Dynamic Rear Proportioning so the rear proportioning valve could be eliminated. If you have ever wanted what the message Active Handling Warming up means it is explained in this paper.
Bill