Not Chevy, but need some tech info

[d-dog]

Sorry for the non-Chevy post, but I'm looking for some technical info that the dealer can't hlep me with but some folks here probably know about.

My girlfriend has a 2004 Chrysler Sebring and there's a button on the steering column labeled "TRAC off" I'm figuring this turns off the traction lock system (?). Why in the world would I want to turn off a posi-trac system? The dealer doesn't have an answer, but I'm figuring they must have put it there for a reason? Can anyone think of a condition where turning off the posi system would be an advantage? (The car defaults to the "on" each time the ignition is turned on.) Now that the snow is on the road, we've started to think about it.

Thanx

[asepgrad98]

those traction control systems can do things such as apply braking and reduce engine power. Some drivers want to be in total control of their car. Also, you could also have a malfunction with the system and a "off" switch would be handy.

[Taaaaaaahoe?]

Not sure how the Chrysler ones work...if they are the same as the older stuff it just uses the abs to grab the wheel to stop it from spinning. Besides just wanting to peal out... Other situations you may want to turn it off is if you are stuck in snow and your trying to "rock" your car out. You would not want this thing activating and heating up, or simply getting in the way of what your trying to do.

 

Mike

[d-dog]

Thanx - I drove it this morning with the roads icy and about 3" of snow and you're 100% dead on. It's more than just a posi-type thing. There's no way to fully spin the front wheels with it on, (like ABS in reverse) and I can feel what seems like power alternating between the left and right wheels. Kinda wierd. I turned it off for a while, and really didn't have much affect, unless I tried to do something stupid. Definitely made me appreciate my Z71!

Thanx

[mcreyaufmiller]

First let me say BLAHHHHH!!!!! Okay now that I have that out of my system, the Trac function, although useful in some climates also uses additional fuel. Personally, I like to turn them off and burn up the tires, more fun. In some cases you may want to turn it off to play, otherwise, leave it on for the girlfriend, just for safety sake!