Jump to content

Now I know to turn off Stabilitrack in deep snow...

mikeyk101

By mikeyk101
in Engines & Drivetrain

 Share

Recommended Posts

mikeyk101 Senior Enthusiast

mikeyk101

Posted
Posted (edited)

So I have had my Silverado for almost 5 years and have driven in snow before. But today, the truck had been parked for a day and we had about a foot of snow since it was parked. I will point out that I am due for tires but trying to hold off for a bit. I have driven in snow many times before and have driven many different 4x4 vehicles but today was different. When trying to move, I put it in 4x4 hi and tried pulling forward. It acted like a 2 wheel drive and would barely move and was sliding side to side a bit. It felt like the wheels were just spinning and couldn't get traction. I finally made some headway after going forwards and back several times but it was still struggling. I decided to give 4 wheel lo a try. I noticed that when doing this, it deactivated the stabilitrack. This time, it pulled forward easily. I didn't even think of that. I know years ago when driving Ford Crown Vics at work, in heavy snow, we would need to deactivate the traction control or we would get stuck on a regular basis. Well now I know that next time this happens, first thing I will do is deactivate the stabilitrack...

Edited by mikeyk101
Colossus Senior Enthusiast

Colossus

Posted
Posted

Thanks for the tip.  This is my first truck with stabilitrack, my previous trucks didn't have it, just 4X4 and the G80 rear diff, and that always got me by just fine. 

ftwhite Enthusiast

ftwhite

Posted
Posted

Maybe it wasn't Stabilitrak being off that helped, but rather Traction Control being off. Stabilitrak tries to keep the truck from flipping over by detecting when the truck is in a skid (understeer/oversteer) and applies brakes to correct the direction of the skid. My experience is it works awesome at highway speeds. I am not sure what it would do when the truck is stuck and just spinning its wheels. Traction Control on the other hand tries to detect wheel spin and applies breaks to slipping wheels to direct more torque to wheels that are not spinning (assume because they have traction). However, in the snow, when traction is missing or at the edge on all wheels, it can be better to turn the system off and allow the driver control of spin with the throttle and rocking (like you said you did in 4L). 4L turns both off, but you can also turn them off with the button. 

mikeyk101 Senior Enthusiast

mikeyk101

Posted
  • Author
Posted

You could be right. I may have been describing wrong thing. All I know is that when switching to 4 lo, I saw the yellow stabilitrack warning light come on and the truck easily moved forward. It was night and day difference. I did already know that I could hold the stabilitrack button down for a few seconds to deactivate but didn't even think about that. I do know what I need to do the next time though.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • Another JR
      Gasser Subforum Has Been Quiet - - So, Regenerative Braking and Using L10

      By Another JR · Posted

      Have considered installing a DC to DC charger in your camper to replace your isolator?  
    • newdude
      Gas fill door

      By newdude · Posted

      Common failure.  You need to replace the fuel door housing.   The painted cover transfers over to the new housing.  To remove the old one there is 4 spots where you poke the plastic to release it.  
    • newdude
      Gasser Subforum Has Been Quiet - - So, Regenerative Braking and Using L10

      By newdude · Posted

      No such thing as regenerative braking on a pure ICE vehicle.     Regenerative braking is the re-capture of energy from electric motors and stores it in the battery pack.  So hybrids, PHEV and EVs have regenerative braking.     What you are seeing is the charging system changing modes is all.  Its likely entering charge mode for some sort of reason is all.  All of the charging modes will be listed below.   As for L10 vs D.  L10 turns off automatic grade braking.  L10 puts you in control of grade downshifts where in D it will automatically do it based on brake pedal position and other factors.  Otherwise L10 and D drive exactly the same aside from that one aspect.    Battery Sulfation Mode The BCM will enter this mode when the interpreted Generator output voltage is less than 13.2 V for 45 minutes. When this condition exists the BCM will enter Charge Mode for 2–3 minutes. The BCM will then determine which mode to enter depending on voltage requirements.   Charge Mode The BCM will enter Charge Mode when ever one of the following conditions are met:   Windshield wipers are ON for more than 3 s. Climate Control Voltage Boost Mode Request is true, as sensed by the HVAC control module via serial data. High speed cooling fan, rear defogger, and HVAC high speed blower operation can cause the BCM to enter the Charge Mode. The estimated battery temperature is less than 0°C (32°F). Battery State of Charge is less than 80%. Vehicle speed is greater than 145 km/h (90 mph) A current sensor malfunction exists. System voltage is determined to be below 12.56 V When any one of these conditions is met, the system will set targeted generator output voltage to a charging voltage between 13.9–15.5 V, depending on the battery state of charge and estimated battery temperature.   Fuel Economy Mode The BCM will enter Fuel Economy Mode when the estimated battery temperature is at least 0°C (32°F) but less than or equal to 80°C (176°F), the calculated battery current is less than 15 A and greater than −8 A, and the battery state-of-charge is greater than or equal to 80%. Its targeted generator output voltage is the open circuit voltage of the battery and can be between 12.5–13.1 V. When fuel economy mode is active, the generator is not charging, only maintaining open circuit battery voltage. The BCM will exit this mode and enter Charge Mode when any of the conditions described above are present.   Headlamp Mode The BCM will enter Headlamp Mode when ever the head lamps are ON (high or low beams). Voltage will be regulated between 13.9–14.5 V.   Start Up Mode When the engine is started the BCM sets a targeted generator output voltage of 14.5 V for 30 s.   Tow/Haul Mode (if applicable) Pressing the Tow/Haul Mode button located on the center stack, the vehicle system voltage is raised and the remote (non-vehicle) battery will be charged. Having the headlamps on will raise the system voltage and if the Tow/Haul button is applied it will not serve any purpose. The voltage is regulated between 13.9-14.5 V.      
    • jaszr2
      Active Grille Delete

      By jaszr2 · Posted

      Hello from Australia Just sharing that there is now a way to delete the active shutters entirely with just a plug in module. Opens up tons of room to light bars etc.
    • jake111
      Gasser Subforum Has Been Quiet - - So, Regenerative Braking and Using L10

      By jake111 · Posted

      I have an observation and a question... 1) I watch the voltage closely because I have had to dial in the cut-in/cut-out voltages of the battery separator to my camper.  The "smart" charging drives me nuts.  Anyway, I noticed that when coasting for a while, and especially if lightly using the brakes (though not necessary), the voltage goes up from mid/high-13 volts to mid/high-14 volts.  Then it drops back down after stopping or going again.  Consistently!   The only explanation I can come up with is REGENERATIVE BRAKING!  Well, maybe that's a little bit of an exaggeration, but it's certainly free extra battery charging.   2) Driving on mountain roads I will use L and vary the max gear.  Things straighten out and I end up in L10.  Sometimes I leave it there for a while.  Is there any difference between L10 and D?   

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...