TCS/DCS Advice

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ThreeNav
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Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2022 3:28 pm

Post by ThreeNav »

Just checking to see if I've got this right... :roll: The more I think about it the more I think I'm over-thinking it, but anyway, here goes... :roll:

From what I can make out, the DCS is always running passively, "in the background" as it were, unless it is switched off manually each time the vehicle is driven.
Am I correct in making this assumption? I'm asking because I keep forgetting to turn it off and I'm wondering whether it's acceptable to do so while the vehicle is
still in motion, or if it's necessary to stop before disengaging the TCS?

All this fuss for an extra fifty yards of MPG, eh?!... :lol:
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HouseSpider
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Post by HouseSpider »

Why would you want to turn off this safety system?
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ThreeNav
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Post by ThreeNav »

HouseSpider wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 7:16 am Why would you want to turn off this safety system?
To be honest, I think of a Traction Control System as a “Driver Aid”, rather than a “Safety System”, but I suppose that’s a matter of personal choice, really. Where I live we’ve had a comparatively mild winter this year, and I don’t see the need to have TCS running non-stop in an AWD vehicle on decent roads when driving at normal road speeds (that way, I’ll get my fifty extra yards of MPG! :mrgreen: ). When, or if, the cold, icy stuff descends upon us, it’ll be a different story!

I’m still wondering about the correct “on/off” procedure for the TCS, though, if there is such a thing. :?:
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hsdejong
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Post by hsdejong »

I do not understand the relation between both (safety) systems and the fuel consumption.
Under normal driving conditions (no slip or sideslip) both systems are passive. I may be wrong, but I don't think that the systems apply the brakes every corner.

https://www.mazda.com/en/innovation/tec ... y/dsc_tcs/
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Deleted User 1027

Post by Deleted User 1027 »

Should I ever switch traction control off?

We wouldn’t recommend turning traction control off during normal road driving – it doesn’t matter how good a driver you are, the traction control system can act to prevent a loss of control far faster than you are able to react behind the wheel.
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hsdejong
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Post by hsdejong »

Mazda recommends that you do not disable TCS/DCS under normal driving conditions.
However, if the car is stuck in fresh snow, on slippery ice or in mud, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the system in order to be able to drive away.
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ThreeNav
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Post by ThreeNav »

hsdejong wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 11:38 am Mazda recommends that you do not disable TCS/DCS under normal driving conditions.
However, if the car is stuck in fresh snow, on slippery ice or in mud, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the system in order to be able to drive away.

:?: :?: :?: :?: :?:
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hsdejong
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Post by hsdejong »

From one of the (many) manuals:

Traction Control System
(TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by controlling
engine torque and braking. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque and operates the brakes to
prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-29.
WARNING
Do not rely on the Traction Control System
(TCS) as a substitute for safe driving:
The Traction Control System (TCS) cannot
compensate for unsafe and reckless
driving, excessive speed, tailgating
(following another vehicle too closely), and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and
road contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
Use snow tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are covered
with ice and/or snow:
Driving without proper traction devices on
snow and/or ice-covered roads is
dangerous. The Traction Control System
(TCS) alone cannot provide adequate
traction and you could still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the TCS OFF
switch (page 4-67).
▼ TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or the
brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
 In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
 On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-66
▼ TCS OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
It also illuminates when the TCS OFF
switch is pressed and TCS is switched off.
Refer to TCS OFF Switch on page 4-67.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS is not switched off, take your vehicle
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The DSC
may have a malfunction.
▼ TCS OFF Switch
Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the
TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS
back on. The TCS OFF indicator light will
turn off.
NOTE
When TCS is on and you attempt to free
the vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it
out of freshly fallen snow, the TCS (part
of the DSC system) will activate.
Depressing the accelerator will not
increase engine power and freeing the
vehicle may be difficult. When this
happens, turn off the TCS.

 If the TCS is off when the engine is
turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
Leaving the TCS on will provide the best
traction.

 If the TCS OFF switch is pressed and
held for 10 seconds or more, the TCS
OFF switch malfunction detection
function operates and the TCS system
activates automatically. The TCS OFF
indicator light turns off while the TCS
system is operative.
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