how does TCS work?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-07-2003, 11:08 PM
  #1  
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: sarasota:fl
Age: 42
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Question how does TCS work?

I know it works because i was out in the snow for the last three days without any problems. just wanted know what is happening when TCS kicks in.
Old 12-08-2003, 01:30 PM
  #2  
Instructor
 
scottt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Springfield, VA
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You will see the TCS light on your dash flash, and you will probably hear ABS noises.

Best suggestion to make sure it's working, find a deserted, snowy place, come to a stop, and then floor it. You'll see TCS come to life.
Old 12-08-2003, 01:48 PM
  #3  
Burning Brakes
 
Severin's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Glastonbury, CT
Age: 53
Posts: 756
Received 18 Likes on 17 Posts
The TCS light also flashes when the system is actively retarding wheel spin. At the same time its flashing you will hear an odd buzzing sound.
Old 12-08-2003, 02:08 PM
  #4  
Dragging knees in
iTrader: (2)
 
Pure Adrenaline's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Seattle Area
Age: 42
Posts: 12,434
Received 32 Likes on 21 Posts
I think he's asking about the mechanicals involved behind the TCS.

There are wheel speed sensors, detecting the speed of each wheel. These sensors are all hooked up into a TCS computer that monitors everything and can decide whether or not to intervene when it detects wheel slippage. How does it do it? Let's say you gunned it off the line, spinning the front tires. The front tires would be turning faster than the rear wheels, and the computer would know that there's a difference in wheel speed front and rear. Then depending on model/mechanicals, it can either cut the power (fuel) or apply each individual brake. To be honest, I don't know which system our cars use. But I would bet on the latter.
Old 12-08-2003, 02:35 PM
  #5  
Racer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Albany, New York
Age: 50
Posts: 309
Received 9 Likes on 4 Posts
I believe it is both.
Old 12-08-2003, 04:30 PM
  #6  
Banned
 
Ianbiz3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Rockledge, Florida
Age: 36
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i dont like it, its pretty pointless for our cars. the only good thing is it saves on the amount of rubber wasted when trying t b cool at skool
Old 12-08-2003, 04:39 PM
  #7  
Comptech Freak
 
samkws's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Toronto, Canada
Age: 40
Posts: 6,555
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
the TL-P's TCS only works at low spd, up to 40km/h

if u don't like it, u can just turn it off
Old 12-08-2003, 04:57 PM
  #8  
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: sarasota:fl
Age: 42
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by Pure Adrenaline
I think he's asking about the mechanicals involved behind the TCS.

There are wheel speed sensors, detecting the speed of each wheel. These sensors are all hooked up into a TCS computer that monitors everything and can decide whether or not to intervene when it detects wheel slippage. How does it do it? Let's say you gunned it off the line, spinning the front tires. The front tires would be turning faster than the rear wheels, and the computer would know that there's a difference in wheel speed front and rear. Then depending on model/mechanicals, it can either cut the power (fuel) or apply each individual brake. To be honest, I don't know which system our cars use. But I would bet on the latter.
Thanks, that is what i wanted to know.
Old 12-09-2003, 08:40 PM
  #9  
ULOOZ
 
livinglegend's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Chapin, SC
Age: 60
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Non S models use only the "Teves" type system which means that at lower speeds the anti-lock brakes are applied to slow the spinning wheel or wheels for maximun amount of traction. In slick conditions the TCS will give would give you best possible traction thats available at the tires. If you have an S model with VSA "vehicle stabilty assist" it also uses an overide throttle motor to limit what your feeding it with your right foot. The Vsa also has g-sensors and yaw sensors to help keep you between the ditches. Jeff
Old 12-09-2003, 09:42 PM
  #10  
Burning Brakes
 
Vicman17's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NNE of 716
Posts: 1,010
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
TCS are only for low- speed loss of traction. VSA on Type-S combines TCS and ABS/ throttle input to add stabilty in cornering and prevent side-slip (yaw). TCS uses a 3-channel ABS sensor (1 for each front wheel and 1 for both rear) and VSA uses a 4-channel ABS (one per wheel) and both systems should be transparent to the driver except to give you a more stable ride.
Old 12-10-2003, 12:16 AM
  #11  
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: sarasota:fl
Age: 42
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by vicman17
TCS are only for low- speed loss of traction. VSA on Type-S combines TCS and ABS/ throttle input to add stabilty in cornering and prevent side-slip (yaw). TCS uses a 3-channel ABS sensor (1 for each front wheel and 1 for both rear) and VSA uses a 4-channel ABS (one per wheel) and both systems should be transparent to the driver except to give you a more stable ride.
thanks for the info!
Old 12-10-2003, 08:06 AM
  #12  
Dr. TLS
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: ATL
Age: 42
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally posted by livinglegend
Non S models use only the "Teves" type system which means that at lower speeds the anti-lock brakes are applied to slow the spinning wheel or wheels for maximun amount of traction. In slick conditions the TCS will give would give you best possible traction thats available at the tires. If you have an S model with VSA "vehicle stabilty assist" it also uses an overide throttle motor to limit what your feeding it with your right foot. The Vsa also has g-sensors and yaw sensors to help keep you between the ditches. Jeff
Very informative! I thought I knew how it all worked until now. Gotta hand it to you and the board for schooling the rest of us. THX.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Yikes
2G TL (1999-2003)
35
05-03-2021 04:29 PM
acurajj
Car Parts for Sale
5
09-19-2015 03:47 PM
Bahamanurse1
2G TL (1999-2003)
17
09-10-2015 10:05 PM
Allen_442
2G TL (1999-2003)
10
09-08-2015 06:01 PM



Quick Reply: how does TCS work?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:37 PM.