First experience with VDC

[TimGinCentralNJ]

So, it was raining pretty hard today and I went to pull away from a stop sign--only to have the VDC kick in and cut the throttle momentarily. Personally, I would've preferring a slight amount of rear wheel spin as power was being shifted to the front wheels--and more importantly--I would've preferred no throttle cut. I could see many situations where this would be more harmful than helpful--like had I been trying to pull into traffic .

I'm not familiar with our VDC system; I'm assuming its an integrated traction and stability control? More importantly, is it an "all or none" type of system or are their modes? For instance, my 10 year old 7 Series has DSC with a "track mode" which disables stability control and the throttle control, leaving only traction control enabled....kinda' like a modern day posi-traction (only not nearly as good).

I will attempt to find the owners manual and answer my own question, but would be interested in hearing others' experiences with VDC; good, bad or otherwise.

Thanks!
Tim

[Avalanche325]

While the throttle cutting back may feel strange. You were accelerating faster than if your wheels were spinnng in the rain.

As far as I can tell, when it is off, it is all the way off. I have the RWD version and you can drift it, or lite the tires up off the line.........Uh, that's what a friends cousins brother told me.

[TimGinCentralNJ]

While the throttle cutting back may feel strange. You were accelerating faster than if your wheels were spinnng in the rain.

As far as I can tell, when it is off, it is all the way off. I have the RWD version and you can drift it, or lite the tires up off the line.........Uh, that's what a friends cousins brother told me.

Understood.

Cool....thanks for the info, Avalanche...!

Tim

[EXceptional]

Check out this Thread for more on the VDC/Snow Button >>> 2008-awd-what-does-the-snow-button-do-t467197.html

[TimGinCentralNJ]

Check out this Thread for more on the VDC/Snow Button >>> 2008-awd-what-does-the-snow-button-do-t467197.html

Awesome. Appreciate it, Dean!

Tim

[TimGinCentralNJ]

Check out this Thread for more on the VDC/Snow Button >>> 2008-awd-what-does-the-snow-button-do-t467197.html

Dean-

That was a very informative article. I had actually stumbled across it before but had been focusing specifically on what the Snow Mode button does. I think it's pretty innovative that by disabling the VDC system, traction/wheelspin (and of course ABS) is still being managed. I mean....I can't think of a single situation where I wouldn't want "limited slip" functionality to remain activated, right? Looking forward to giving mine a shakedown once we have some white stuff--and I've got some new winter-capable rubber.

On a side note, while reading that article I found a lot of generalizations and misconceptions about AWD (and Subaru's systems in particular) and how they function. Subaru actually has 4 systems currently and each works a good bit differently. It's frustrating that there are so many damn AWD systems out there now--and it doesn't help from a clarity standpoint that many crossover manufacturers intentionally do not explain with any detail how theirs' really work. Some are even calling their AWD systems "4WD", such as Toyota, Hyundai, and the new Ford Explorer. The Explorer's is a very capable system which--unlike most crossovers--has 4 driver actuated modes (based on driving conditions) and can actually be used in for mild to moderate off-roading even though It's still technically not 4WD. We had our 2011 Explorer down on the beaches of the Outer Banks this Fall and it performed really well.

I do find this AWD stuff pretty interesting....although I'd wager I'm probably alone in that respect

Thanks again,
Tim

[XIS]

No, you are not alone. I loved the SH-AWD in the Acura. Very innovative and functional...but too bad you have to punch it to feel it engage on dry roads.