Traction Control - Use In Tow/Haul Mode, or Not

[Tulecreeper]

Since this is the first vehicle I've owned that has traction control - which I guess they call Electronic Stability Control (ESC) now - I'm not exactly sure how it's supposed to work. I figure under normal driving condition just leave it alone, but what about when I'm towing and have Tow/Haul engaged?

 

[Jay P]

Just leave it on. Traction control and stability control are to different things. Traction control keeps the wheels from spinning (hard to do burnouts) and stability control keeps the car/truck form loosing control while in motion. On most vehicles stability control turns back on at a certain speed even if it's turned off.

 

[Jay P]

Also both are usually shut off when 4wd low range is used.

 

[Tulecreeper]

I read this (Motor Trend):

"The difference between traction control and stability control is like the difference between a GED and a master's degree or PhD in vehicle safety. Stability control is just traction control with more vehicular education (computer programming) and better tools (a more powerful processor and more electronic sensors)."

 

[Travelin Ram]

Leave it on, no need to do anything.

The only time to disable it is if you need more wheelspin, such as in escaping a mud hole or deep sand.

 

[Sherman Bird]

I read this (Motor Trend):

"The difference between traction control and stability control is like the difference between a GED and a master's degree or PhD in vehicle safety. Stability control is just traction control with more vehicular education (computer programming) and better tools (a more powerful processor and more electronic sensors)."

Toyota called my system "VSC" or Vehicle Stability Control. Maybe it's all just semantics germane the the manufacturer. I DO know that the "VSC" DID save me from an imminent roll over one time and took away my throttle control and braking input both then and another wet day when I lost traction transitioning from concrete to blacktop. These new-fangled vehicles with computer controlled electric steering are even more capable to save us from ourselves!

 

[Kickboxer]

Just leave it on, the time when you need to turn it off is in deep snow
and then the system just fiddle farts and does not let you get going.
As it engages the brake on the spinning wheel, and you just sit there
and get stuck.
This is common on any vehicle with traction control, not just Ram.
I live where we have snow 6 months out of the year.

You can look up the definition of "fiddle fart", it is in the Funk and
Wagnalls dictionary.............

 

[turkeybird56]

Just leave it on, the time when you need to turn it off is in deep snow
and then the system just fiddle farts and does not let you get going.
As it engages the brake on the spinning wheel, and you just sit there
and get stuck.
This is common on any vehicle with traction control, not just Ram.
I live where we have snow 6 months out of the year.

You can look up the definition of "fiddle fart", it is in the Funk and
Wagnalls dictionary.............

Gotta luv Funk and Wagnalls, both their dictionary and Encyclopedia set, trying to offset Encyclopedia Britannica in the day, lol. U could get yer F & W at the Supermarkets, not have to pay $$$ to salesman knocking on your door.

REF ESC/TSC: Leave it on and alone unless U stuck in deep stuff, like others have said.

 

[GTyankee]

LOL
Would you believe, i have not really looked at my old 2009 Dodge Ram or my current 2016 Ram dashboards.
The 2009 would spin the right rear tire on unimproved driveways, that had red or grey clay that was damp.
So when i ordered my 2016, i ordered LSD.

On the dashboard, i use my touch screen for Hot & Cold
I move the dimmer control, for the EVIC light intensity
I use the Multi-function switch & the Cruise Control settings
and lastly the FOB in the Ignition.
Everything else was preset years ago

I would have to look for any Traction Devices