I was driving and when the TCS turned on it sounded like a machine or grinding sound..what is that? any insights?

 

I assume TL? TL-S is different.

When the TL's traction control kicks-in it is a buzzing sound.

 

I have a 1999 TL and it makes that sound is it normal?

 

well all I can tell you is we have a ford windstar with traction control and it too makes a grinding noise if the traction control is engaged.

The buzzing noise in the TL-S occurs when:

a) you first turn on the car and begin moving, happens twice
b) The ABS is engaged you hear the same noise
c) VSA is engaged.

 

That noise you hear is the TCS working so don't worry.

 

Nothing to worry about. If the noise wasn't there, then that's when you know there's something wrong.

Remember that VSA, ABS, and TCS are all mechanical, save for the computers overseeing the operations. When they are engaged, you will hear noises.

 

I feel like I am killing the car with the TCS on in the snow only though. We just had a foot of snow and the car grinds like crazy. I was trying to get out of a spot and the car was grinding and would like jump a little. Glad if it is normal but I do not like it at all. Car suks in the snow though.. with falcon all season high performace tires on type s wheels!

 

The TCS is there to get you out of trouble should you start to lose traction. Turn it off in the snow. You'll get that traction. The car is fine in the snow.

 

Ok, not to sound conceited or anything but I'm pretty sure you guys are all wrong. That "machine" or "grinding" sound is actually your ABS (anti-lock brakes) system working. Ever notice how it only happens when you're braking? The TCS in your car does not make sounds when it works. All it does is reduce power to the wheels (you know it's working if you're flooring the car on ice and the RPMs won't go past 2k or 3k). If you do find that your TCS is making sounds, I would suggest a quick trip to the agency to figure out what's wrong! Hope this helps.

 

No, no, you have it incorrect.

The TCS in the TL uses the brakes to slow down any slipping wheels. Thus, when TCS is set off, you will hear noises (the ABS system). The TCS in the TL does NOT reduce power to the wheels (retard the engine). Basically in the TL, the TCS is a battle between the engine and the brakes.

In the TL-S, the TCS will makes ABS noises once it engages, but it will also retard the engine, so the ABS system and the engine are NOT battling it out. This is one of the reasons I bought the Type S, the better traction system, and VSA to boot.

Also, the person who said to turn off TCS when in snow, what the !#@$#$%#? Snow is one of the reasons TCS exists, leave it on and let it do its job.

 

Whoops I was talking about the TLS, which I drive. In my car, if I floor it in the snow, all that happens is the RPMS won't go past two or three after the initial spike. No ABS involvement at all until when I'm tryin to stop.

 

On my 2000 TLP I leave the TCS on unless i'm stuck in some snow. I wasn't going anywhere until I turned the TCS off, sometimes you need a little wheel spin to work yourself out of a snow drift.

 

i turn it off also...

sometimes, i do the second gear thing..
which works quite nicely..

and this car is good in snow..

i live in Jersey too.

i drove myfriends g35C...oh damn..what a nightmare..

that thing is dangerous in bad weather!..