Drove my 2002 Max in the snow today for the first time. The traction control is all but useless, the wheels still spin like mad. Is there something wrong with mine or has everyone experienced the same problem. If it works for everyone else, than I guess it's time for a trip to the dealer.

BTW, the Z28 I had before my Maxima was better in snow.

 

FIRST BIG QUESTION: Are you still running on the stock tires??

 

Unfortunatly, yes. There is a lot of tread left though, but I guess they aren't that good. Still, I thought the traction control was supposed to prevent SOME wheel spin. I guess I'm just disapointed in how the car handles in the snow. It's scary.

 

I think THAT is the single largest factor in your problem.

If you search on the comments about RE92's and even some of the comments in the poll thread about them (the recent one you can see a few items above or below this thread) it may explain some things.

All I can say is go Blizzak snow's or something comparable. Your life is worth the $$$. And, you can always swap the RE92's back on when it warms up and dries out (although I would just scrap them).

Good luck!

 

Your wheels spin like mad? Are you sure you have traction control? When the wheel begings to slip, the TCS light should flash and you feel the engine power down. It's very noticable and the wheels stop spinning immediately. The car then pulls out nice and slow.

 

I have it. The light blinks, the engine cuts back for maybe a 2 seconds, then powers back up hard. I thought it was because I was backing out of the throttle when it started to spin, so I tried to maintain a steady power setting. Doesn't make a difference though.

 

Don't expect the traction control to make your car feel like a 4x4. That aint gonna happen. Take it easy on the gas, you've got lots of torque in that monster!

 

I have the stock Goodyear Eagles on a 2003 Max. I find with a light foot on the gas the traction control works pretty good. After coming from a 4wheel drive(Durango) that was very good in snow/ice I am really pleasantly surprised.
Take it easy on the gas - let it do it's job - and something I had to remind myself of when I had the 4wd is that no matter how good the grip to accelerate is - it still takes a lot longer to stop

 

Exactly. TCS is not a 4x4 replacement. The Max has a LOT of power(especially torque), and it's hard not to spin the tires (stock ones) even when it's dry out, nevermind snow. Just drive the car the same way as if you didn't have TCS, and it will definitely keep it smooth--don't expect TCS to do miracles. I've got the HLSD on mine, and the tires still spin sometimes when it's wet or there's snow out there, so you just have to be easy with the throttle.

 

Exactly. TCS is not a 4x4 replacement. The Max has a LOT of power(especially torque), and it's hard not to spin the tires (stock ones) even when it's dry out, nevermind snow. Just drive the car the same way as if you didn't have TCS, and it will definitely keep it smooth--don't expect TCS to do miracles. I've got the HLSD on mine, and the tires still spin sometimes when it's wet or there's snow out there, so you just have to be easy with the throttle.

Yeah amen bro, till I wear out the potenzas I use the Explorer when we get snow or ice

 

I HATE THOSE TIRES

damn the snow

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