This may sound like a very stupid question, but since everything(almost) is computer controlled on our cars and the Traction control unit is part of the computer system....what are the chances that somebody can add a traction control system to a car that wasn't originally equiped with one??? Is this even possible with some software upgrades/changes and etc? Anyone done it? I'm very curious becuase i did realize that my 2k3 Maxima SE is having hard time getitng good traction in wet weather to the point where i should launch it very gently in order to avoid wheel spin. ... It's so bad that i have the feeling that if it's wet and i run against a little Honda Civic i'll get smoked by it simply because of lack of traction. I used to drive a front wheel drive Audi before and i never had such "problem" in the wet. I admit - i still have the stock Potenzas and i know how bad they are...but they still have 50%+ left on them, look good and i don't want to trow them away. Any solutions? Is trac. control really helping?

 

I think you underestimate how bad the ptenzas really are. To answer your question, I'm not sure how difficult it would be. I imagine it uses the same sensors already there for ABS so that is good, but I'm unsure as to whether or not there is a dedicated TC module or if everything is just in the ECU. Interesting to know though.

 

TCS use the same wheel sensors that the ABS uses, but it works in reverse, instead of the ABS taking some of the breaking away and pumping the brakes, TCS applies the breaks. To add this there is probably an independent unit, it may even be a diff. master cylinder. In short I wouldnt try, its cheaper and safer (you most likely couldn't do this-big safety issue) to get new tires.

 

I had no idea Maxima's had brake based TC. I thought they just had the typical power based.

Jeez I wish I had TC now, this winter might suck!

 

I have a 2K - and the TCS has nothing to do with the brakes. Engine power is cut when the system detects wheel spin. It works well enough in the snow, but it is a very clunky system. You sure know it when it kicks in.

 

That's what I thought. My old '99 3.2TL had that kind of TCS. When it kicked in you can really hear it like you say.

Brake based TC is usually in higher end cars (eg. MB)

 

I almost always turn mine off
it cuts the gas when it kicks in
good in snow and ok in rain
never use when its dry would slow me down in take offs ... I'd rather spin a little then have the gas cut

 

On a 2K max the trac control does not apply the brakes.
Engine power is reduced and the tranny upshifted quickly to lessen the torque to the driveline. So the car will basically bog down and fall flat on its face if really slippery out. Pretty effective system.
Mark

 

The TCS system is software based on max, this means you'd have to flash or update your current ECU...Nissan usually doesn't like to update ECU's.

To my knowledge, TCS systems cut/reduce or divert power to/from the slipping wheel, never apply the brakes...At least that's what Quattro and all other "popular" TCS systems do...

 

I was thinkin that TCS might control the drive by wire throttle also.
And these guys are right, even that (TCS) could not wave a magic wand over the Potenza's.

 

I appoligaze when I mentioned the brakes are used in TCS I was thinking of my old POS Intrepid.