Traction Control / Electric PS Oddity ?

[09Vibe]

I've always wondered if I had an issue with the electric power steering but driving in deep snow today for the first time made me wonder some more. I've always heard the electric power assist motor kick in as the vehicle first gets going (initial restart after the engine has been off), not sure what thats doing, line pressurization? I hear the relay click from the lower right part of the rack / pinion area then the electric motor sound. Anybody else hearing that kind of thing? Anyway thats not the reason I'm posting a question today, as I mentioned it was the first time driving in deep snow this morning and I noticed each time the traction control kicked in while trying to get going I would hear that same relay I think but as the wheels were receiving reduced power my headlights would dim noticeably, almost like there was excessive draw on the alternator while the traction control was engaging. Anyone else notice this type of oddity ? Cheers,

[ou.grizzly]

Thinking that is normal...

[09Vibe]

Soooo, you're hearing the same electric motor / relay engagement near the rack & pinion assembly on initial engine start / roll off as well ? Also getting what seems to be the sudden draw of electrical power when the Traction Control is working at lower RPM ? I just thought it was odd that my headlamps visibly dimmed from the current draw... Then again it could be because the system cuts electrical to the ignition to slow the motor spinning up the wheels? Which I assume results in what I'm seeing for the first time here... still seems odd.

[beemerphile1]

I think the lights dimming could be an indication of a problem. I've never noticed mine dimming and lately the traction control has been working a lot. I will pay attention next time to see if mine dims.

[midnighthunder89]

when I am in deep snow mine dims too the interior light the headlights and the radio all dim/ get quieter. I think that is normal. it only happens when I am really using the traction control like up steep hills in deep snow

[tpollauf]

My wife is driving my 09 Vibe GT during these winter months and said to me just yesterday that the "traction light" came on for the first time (last winter the Vibe was garaged the whole time ) It was while cornering in some snow! So at least I know it does work This was daytime AND she really cranks up the tunes so I doubt if she heard any relay noises. I'll get out and drive it soon (especially at night) so I can offer my opinion and input

[tpollauf]

For what it's worth, here is what is written on this topic in the Vibe's 2009 owners manual! It sounds like all these symptoms are normal

Attached files 2009Vibetractioncontrolinfo.pdf (27.9 KB) 

[09Vibe]

Thanks for all the responses, I saw that in the owners manual as well but the way the system kicks in was a little odd I thought. But if the relay engagement is cutting ignition at the point of sensing wheel spin to slow the engine torque curve it makes sense that there would be sudden electrical power drop that would dim the lights somewhat for a moment. Things recover immediately once the system disengages and the engine is back on full ignition / power. Would love to hear a technician chime in here or anyone else with more experience with regular wheel spin ! Toronto area has not seen much snow the last two winters at all !

[TONY TAT2]

Wheel spin readings are taken off the abs ring.Then the ecu adjust acordingly.I'st a magnetic pulse system,counts the spaces between the ring.

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by 09Vibe »Anyone else notice this type of oddity ? Nope. I turn the system off and drive the car!

[beemerphile1]

This morning at 0 dark thirty; 2009 Vibe with six inches ground clearance plowing through twelve inches of snow.Traction control light on, engine slowed, no dimming.

[midnighthunder89]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver » Nope. I turn the system off and drive the car! how do you turn it off when i hit 35mph it auto turns on

[star_deceiver]

When you're at a dead stop push and hold the button in for 5 seconds. You'll see the traction control light come on and 5 seconds later you'll see the VSC off light come on then you release the button. Et voila... no more electronic nanny!!!

Attached files

[goochsmooch]

[QUOTE=star_deceiver]When you're at a dead stop push and hold the button in for 5 seconds. You'll see the traction control light come on and 5 seconds later you'll see the VSC off light come on then you release the button. Et voila... no more electronic nanny!!! This is definitely the way to go in slippery weather. I find the traction control gets me stuck more than anything because, when trying to get through deep snow, the engine cuts power and the cars loses all momentum. The traction control has also left me high and dry in the middle of slippery intersections. I really think it's a feature to allow people to stomp and go without jerking around too much. Conscientious coordination of the clutch and gas is a lot safer.Anyways, in response to the OP, my traction control does the same thing. I think the dimming of the lights happens more dramatically when you're taxing the alternator with the heater on high, headlights on, radio, charging devices, etc.

[09Vibe]

Awesome - thx for the tip on the TS kill, tried that this morning, perfect, must have missed that in the manual ! Yeah I agree, the lights dimming while the system is engaged can only be a sudden tax on the electrical system while all of this is going on, never seems like it wants to stall or anything and electrical recovers immediately the moment the system disengages. Appreciate everyone's observations... that's what I love about this place !