TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS may apply brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduce engine power to provide enhanced acceleration and stability.
In light, wet snow and icy conditions TCS can be your best friend!
The TC button only turns off the traction control (TCS), the stability control (ESC) stays activated. To fully disable TCS and ESC you have to be in 4wd Low and follow a procedure which includes being STOPPED, motor running and holding the button down for 5 seconds. This will disable the TCS & ESC but only while your speed is below 40 mph, over 40mph the TCS and ESC resumes. When the vehicle speed drops below 35 mph the system returns to Full Off mode. To turn TCS/ESC on again, momentarily press the TC button.
ESC enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
ESC is designed to assist in keeping your vehicle from spinning out when making an evasive maneuver like trying to avoid a child, or an animal or debris on the road. It is so effective it became mandatory in 2012. Since ESC uses the brakes to stabilize the vehicle it heats up brakes and increases pad wear, regardless, it is very effective.
The TCS/ESC full disable option in 4wd Low mode will definitely help in deep snow or mud when you need to plow through and not lose momentum. When getting stuck in mud or snow and you need wheel speed to get going.
ESC, TCS, and ABS, in some conditions, can do more harm than good. Not being able to switch them off in certain situations (trying to pull out of deep snow or a mud hole) can be a very serious problem. Even the owner's manual tells you to switch it off in certain conditions.
