Launch Control
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Launch Control
OK I must be doing something wrong. I have a C7 Automatic with
Z51 (No Magnetic Ride Control Option). I place the car in Track Mode, hold the brake, press accelerator to floor and the car tach stabilizes at 2k rpm. When I let go of the brake the car pulls away slowly and my 0-60 runs are high 4's to 5. Certainly not launching!
If I do the same as above with the traction control off, when I nail it the tires just spin like crazy even while I hold the brake. That can't be right?
What am I doing wrong?
Z51 (No Magnetic Ride Control Option). I place the car in Track Mode, hold the brake, press accelerator to floor and the car tach stabilizes at 2k rpm. When I let go of the brake the car pulls away slowly and my 0-60 runs are high 4's to 5. Certainly not launching!
If I do the same as above with the traction control off, when I nail it the tires just spin like crazy even while I hold the brake. That can't be right?
What am I doing wrong?
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
You have to configure the system via traction/stability control procedure, while in track mode. I read the procedure, however probably will never use launch control. Seems you have not totally/actually gotten into the launch control program.
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 39,064
Likes: 17,931
From: DFW Area TX
You have to be in Competitive Driving Mode:
Launch Control (Track
Mode Only)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode (except Z51 with Magnetic
Selective Ride Control) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride
Control), on all vehicles to allow the
driver to achieve high levels of
vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of
traction control that manages tire
spin while launching the vehicle.
This feature is intended for use
during closed course race events
where consistent zero to
60 and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
. Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (except Z51 with
Magnetic Selective Ride Control)
or any of the Performance
Traction Management modes
are selected (Z51 with Magnetic
Selective Ride Control). The
TCS light comes on the
instrument panel and the
appropriate DIC message
displays.
. The vehicle is not moving.
. The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
Manual Transmissions
. The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in 1 (First) gear.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle.
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the
clutch, while maintaining the fully
pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip. Complete shifts
as described in Manual
Transmission on page 9-30.
Automatic Transmissions
. The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle. (If
the vehicle rolls due to wide
open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal
more firmly, and re-apply the
accelerator to wide open
throttle.)
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
9-46 Driving and Operating
A smooth, quick release of the
brake pedal, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Mode (except Z51 with Magnetic
Selective Ride Control) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride
Control).
Mode Only)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode (except Z51 with Magnetic
Selective Ride Control) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride
Control), on all vehicles to allow the
driver to achieve high levels of
vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of
traction control that manages tire
spin while launching the vehicle.
This feature is intended for use
during closed course race events
where consistent zero to
60 and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
. Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (except Z51 with
Magnetic Selective Ride Control)
or any of the Performance
Traction Management modes
are selected (Z51 with Magnetic
Selective Ride Control). The
TCS light comes on the
instrument panel and the
appropriate DIC message
displays.
. The vehicle is not moving.
. The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
Manual Transmissions
. The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in 1 (First) gear.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle.
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the
clutch, while maintaining the fully
pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip. Complete shifts
as described in Manual
Transmission on page 9-30.
Automatic Transmissions
. The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle. (If
the vehicle rolls due to wide
open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal
more firmly, and re-apply the
accelerator to wide open
throttle.)
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
9-46 Driving and Operating
A smooth, quick release of the
brake pedal, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Mode (except Z51 with Magnetic
Selective Ride Control) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride
Control).
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 39,064
Likes: 17,931
From: DFW Area TX
No. Re-read it carefully:
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
. Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (except Z51 with
Magnetic Selective Ride Control)
or any of the Performance
Traction Management modes
are selected (Z51 with Magnetic
Selective Ride Control). The
TCS light comes on the
instrument panel and the
appropriate DIC message
displays.
when the following criteria are met:
. Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (except Z51 with
Magnetic Selective Ride Control)
or any of the Performance
Traction Management modes
are selected (Z51 with Magnetic
Selective Ride Control). The
TCS light comes on the
instrument panel and the
appropriate DIC message
displays.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 828
Likes: 40
From: Mountaintop PA
I have a z51 with the mag ride/a6. I never used launch control yet. However , it's my understanding that you put the car in track mode, and then in one of the Ptm modes. For example sport 1. Apply the brake, jam the gas petal on the floor, release the brake and hold on.
Is this correct?
Al
Is this correct?
Al
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 136
Likes: 13
From: Tennessee
I agree, this is confusing. My Z51 M7 doesn't have MSRC. I see no way to configure Launch Control. Pressing the console button twice fast, doesn't bring up any PTM settings. And with traction control off, it's hard to keep from spinning in the first 3 gears. Might do better in the summer with the factory tires.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Launch control is HORRIBLE and does nothing but hurt your 0-60 times and bog your car.
In an M7 car, put it in tour mode (not sport or track, mmkay? It just results in more spin)... hold revs manually at 2800-3K... control the release of the clutch in a quick and smooth manner, being careful to not slip it too much. DO NOT dump the clutch or it will bog and spin while the computer retards the timing.
In an A7 car, I would assume Tour or Sport mode would be the best, traction ON (for the street, only turn off on a drag strip after tires are heated) and punch it off the line, flashing the torque converter.. should launch MUCH better than launch control.
Launch control only works on a GT-R and Porsche. GM's implementation here is garbage IMO.
In an M7 car, put it in tour mode (not sport or track, mmkay? It just results in more spin)... hold revs manually at 2800-3K... control the release of the clutch in a quick and smooth manner, being careful to not slip it too much. DO NOT dump the clutch or it will bog and spin while the computer retards the timing.
In an A7 car, I would assume Tour or Sport mode would be the best, traction ON (for the street, only turn off on a drag strip after tires are heated) and punch it off the line, flashing the torque converter.. should launch MUCH better than launch control.
Launch control only works on a GT-R and Porsche. GM's implementation here is garbage IMO.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the suggestions. I finally spoke with a Vette Engineer who figured things out. When you press the traction control button twice you should get a message that states "Competive Driving Mode". I did not get any message because some early production models had a glitch in the Electronic Brake Control Module which didn't allow for Competitive Driving Mode. Need to bring mine in and get the software updated. I'll follow up in a few days after my service.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 828
Likes: 40
From: Mountaintop PA
Thanks for all the suggestions. I finally spoke with a Vette Engineer who figured things out. When you press the traction control button twice you should get a message that states "Competive Driving Mode". I did not get any message because some early production models had a glitch in the Electronic Brake Control Module which didn't allow for Competitive Driving Mode. Need to bring mine in and get the software updated. I'll follow up in a few days after my service.
Should it say "competitive Driving mode" if you have an A6 Z51, magnetic?