Hi,

So I've been stuck in the snow twice today (yes, it was imperative to go out) and I was able to get myself out. The only issue is...I don't know if I've done any damage to the transaxle.

I had VSA on at first, but that wasn't helping, and it was making a clicking noise...so I turned it off and got myself out. However, do you think I've broken something from all this moving-around-in-place and rocking-into-snow and all that stressful stuff?


It drove fine, but I am just concerned. What do you think?

 

you should be fine, i know what you mean my tl went through the same today the clicking noise could have been the vsa enabling your brakes, but as long as it feels normal and the VSA light is off you should not have done much harm if any

 

You didn't break anything, it's fine. You are better off turning the VSA off when driving in the snow anyway, otherwise it goes nuts and comes on constantly.

 

What happens if your VSA doesnt turn off and you still drive with it.

 

i'd be more concerned about your driveshafts. those are the only parts under car that aren't really covered. what i mean - your cv boots, etc. but eh...you're probably okay

 

Nothing, it just activates all the time and is really annoying.

 

how does VSA work and when would you need it on

 

VSA consist of a Switch and VSA Modulator. Your ABS also triggers it. If your rotors are corroded* and the grooves on it makes your ABS go Bezerk, your VSA will come on.

 

gee... drive in the snow without vsa... how about NO...

do this... find a nice patch of snow... go into it... now hit the gas...

now find another patch of snow... and just put it in D... no gas

which slipped less... vsa disables the throttle so you don't slip... if it is going crazy and blinking it is because you need to let the hell off the gas, because you are slipping

the vsa saved my ass a few times in near 90 degree spinouts...
1. a damn vw suv passed me and splashed water on my glass... right near a curve... I went straight instead of turning... slid 90 degrees vsa corrected the vehicle
2. I was on an empty highway speeding, althogh I shouldn't have anyway I had slowed down to around 65mph (15mph over the posted speed limit), I ran over a puddle and slid for around 10 feet, I could literally feel the tail coming back all because of the vsa...

ps. I am a really good drifter... rwd in the snow FTW

 

i actually turn my vsa off too. with 6MT, I really don't need VSA since I have more control over the car. VSA straightens you but i never like the feeling of something that controls my car when im in slippery conditions.

 

I don't do much snow driving but the car drives better at lower speeds with it off and at higher speeds with it on

 

I generally drive with VSA on during most situations anyway (I don't like seeing the hazard symbol...and who really cares in every day commutes anyway if you're using ALL of your talent or letting technology help you out...). I did have some fun in a parking lot with it off though. VSA just didn't help at all with digging myself out.

Thanks for the vote of confidence folks...I guess the car is made to have its wheels spin around on occasion.