Traction Control on sand/beach

[Steevo Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steevo]

Hi all, I have got a 2000 V6 grande, I'm about to do a trip and I'm maybe thinking about a beach/sand run (Fraser, Rainbow etc). I've never had a vehicle on sand that has traction control and I'm wondering is the TC going to be a more of a problem than a help? I've heard stories that it can cause dramas on sand and as I don't think I can turn it off on my model (not that I've seen anyway) is it best to avoid beaches?.
Thanks Steve

Appologies I was'nt sure which category this fell into

[JoshF Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close JoshF]

Traction Control on sand is usually not the issue, it is the stability control that causes the problem. Stability control thinks that the side ways motion on sand is an issue and kicks in traction control. Turn off stability control and you should be fine

[Steevo Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steevo]

Thanks Josh I don't think that mine has the VSC, how do I know if it has it and how do I turn it off?

Thanks Steve

[wholesalesuspension Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close wholesalesuspension]

Hi Steve, if it has Traction Control, it has Stability control also.

Mine switches the VSC off automatically when you engage the diff lock in low range.
It is fine on the sand, but inevitably still tries to grab a little with the Traction Control in a bog situation.

Regards, Jason.

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

Hi Steve,

I have a 2002 VX with Traction control and no Stability control, I believe only the diesels have the stability control.
I have done a lot of sand driving on Fraser Island, Double Island Point, Bribie Is etc plus a crossing of the Simpson and have had no issues with the traction control at all.
If the sand is very soft use low range and second gear start and you will be okay.
Main thing is too get your tyre pressures right, I start at 25 psi and if it is super soft like Fraser Is was in January this year, drop it down to 18 psi.

I am guessing Jason's Prado os a diesel Grande not a V6 petrol.

Lee

[Steevo Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steevo]

Thanks Jason and Lee, I've driven Fraser, Bribie, Rainbow, Robe and Stockton(Gee that was soft) and Stockton had my pressures down on the Paj I had to 18 on front and 16psi on back (Yep was a little concerned about rolling the tyre off the bead) but have never driven sand with a TC vehicle and have heard different stories regarding it.
Mine doesn't seem to have a VSC light come up on the dash so I'm thinking maybe it doesn't have it, yes?

Cheers for replies
Steve

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

I had traction/stability on my 90 turbo diesel grande. If yours dose have stability it can only be turned off by locking centre diff lock either high or low it will deactivate, it will come up on the dash displaying its been deactivated. Traction control cant be turned off unless you pull the fuse which will then leave a code requiring it to be cancelled out later on (pain in the arse). When I had the 90 I did numerous runs on Stockton beach and must say the traction control didn't give me any issues what so ever, in fact I think it saved me from burying myself at one stage. I went to take off and it started to spin so obviously traction control cut in but I felt it straight away so took foot off the accelerator. I then gave it another go and it wanted to bury itself again so this time I wacked it in low range and gave it a gut full and launched out of the sand with no I issues. Tyre pressures will play a major part in how you go on the sand. I have always found 16/18 psi to suit the sand I've driven on with BF A/T's, also found my 90 petrol was better on the sand then my 90 diesel was...........Cheers Steve

[Steevo Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steevo]

Thanks Steve and Steve lol good names. I'm thinking mine doesn't have it as I haven't seen a light when cdl is engaged. I feel a bit better should I take it on the beach/sand now. Thanks to all for your replies its much appreciated.

cheers Steve