Traction Control vs. PSM

[armstrong]

Does anyone know if traction control on a 1999 C2 works at all speeds? For instance, if you mash the throttle at the apex of a sharp corner, will TC prevent the tail end from breaking loose? How does TC compare to the PSM system?

[KevinC]

Does anyone know if traction control on a 1999 C2 works at all speeds? For instance, if you mash the throttle at the apex of a sharp corner, will TC prevent the tail end from breaking loose? How does TC compare to the PSM system?

TC is more primitive than PSM. TC does two things: 1. The ASR function detects both rear wheels spinning and cuts the throttle. 2. The ABD function detects one rear wheel spinning and applies the brake on that wheel to allow more torque to to be applied to the wheel with better traction. ABD only functions below 60 MPH. However, it remains active when you hit the switch to turn off TC. (This is helpful on the track.) PSM performs the same functions as well as detecting understeer and oversteer and attempting to correct by pulsing the brake on individual wheels.

My car has TC and I can tell you from experience that it does not prevent the rear end from coming around. Once I applied a bit too much throttle while exiting a turn on a wet road and I experienced a major tank slapper as I worked to regain control.

[armstrong]

Does anyone know if traction control on a 1999 C2 works at all speeds? For instance, if you mash the throttle at the apex of a sharp corner, will TC prevent the tail end from breaking loose? How does TC compare to the PSM system?

TC is more primitive than PSM. TC does two things: 1. The ASR function detects both rear wheels spinning and cuts the throttle. 2. The ABD function detects one rear wheel spinning and applies the brake on that wheel to allow more torque to to be applied to the wheel with better traction. ABD only functions below 60 MPH. However, it remains active when you hit the switch to turn off TC. (This is helpful on the track.) PSM performs the same functions as well as detecting understeer and oversteer and attempting to correct by pulsing the brake on individual wheels.

My car has TC and I can tell you from experience that it does not prevent the rear end from coming around. Once I applied a bit too much throttle while exiting a turn on a wet road and I experienced a major tank slapper as I worked to regain control.

Thanks!!! I hoping not to find out the hard way. I've heard that many Porsche owners see a wall/barrier in their rearview mirror just before some major body work. Best Regards.

Edited April 2, 2007 by armstrong

[Mike in CA]

Does anyone know if traction control on a 1999 C2 works at all speeds? For instance, if you mash the throttle at the apex of a sharp corner, will TC prevent the tail end from breaking loose? How does TC compare to the PSM system?

Just FYI, in case you were unaware, if you have the traction control option on a 1999 model C2 your car is also equipped with a mechanical LSD (Limited Slip Differential). The '99 C2 was the last normal (not GT3) version of the 996 with this feature. My '99 996 was so equipped. It was great for autocrossing; I could turn off the electronic traction control which tended to cut the power at inoportune moments, yet I still got the benefit of enhanced traction with the LSD.

[vwrado]

Does anyone know if traction control on a 1999 C2 works at all speeds? For instance, if you mash the throttle at the apex of a sharp corner, will TC prevent the tail end from breaking loose? How does TC compare to the PSM system?

Just FYI, in case you were unaware, if you have the traction control option on a 1999 model C2 your car is also equipped with a mechanical LSD (Limited Slip Differential). The '99 C2 was the last normal (not GT3) version of the 996 with this feature. My '99 996 was so equipped. It was great for autocrossing; I could turn off the electronic traction control which tended to cut the power at inoportune moments, yet I still got the benefit of enhanced traction with the LSD.

This is great info. My early 99 has TC as I see a button to turn it off. I never knew I had LSD until now!

[Mike in CA]

Does anyone know if traction control on a 1999 C2 works at all speeds? For instance, if you mash the throttle at the apex of a sharp corner, will TC prevent the tail end from breaking loose? How does TC compare to the PSM system?

Just FYI, in case you were unaware, if you have the traction control option on a 1999 model C2 your car is also equipped with a mechanical LSD (Limited Slip Differential). The '99 C2 was the last normal (not GT3) version of the 996 with this feature. My '99 996 was so equipped. It was great for autocrossing; I could turn off the electronic traction control which tended to cut the power at inoportune moments, yet I still got the benefit of enhanced traction with the LSD.

This is great info. My early 99 has TC as I see a button to turn it off. I never knew I had LSD until now!

BTW, I should have mentioned one additional fact; the info on the mechanical LSD applies only to 6 speed manual equipped cars. If you have a 6 speed and TC you and your LSD are good to go!

[wwest]

Does anyone know if traction control on a 1999 C2 works at all speeds? For instance, if you mash the throttle at the apex of a sharp corner, will TC prevent the tail end from breaking loose? How does TC compare to the PSM system?

Just FYI, in case you were unaware, if you have the traction control option on a 1999 model C2 your car is also equipped with a mechanical LSD (Limited Slip Differential). The '99 C2 was the last normal (not GT3) version of the 996 with this feature. My '99 996 was so equipped. It was great for autocrossing; I could turn off the electronic traction control which tended to cut the power at inoportune moments, yet I still got the benefit of enhanced traction with the LSD.

This is great info. My early 99 has TC as I see a button to turn it off. I never knew I had LSD until now!

BTW, I should have mentioned one additional fact; the info on the mechanical LSD applies only to 6 speed manual equipped cars. If you have a 6 speed and TC you and your LSD are good to go!

Are you really sure of that '99 TC/6-speed LSD issue?

I had one but I don't think it had an LSD, mechanical or virtual.