Clanking noise - AWD Engages?

[cx9gtguy]

Have a question for AWD owners.

I have been noticing that when it is raining, and I am taking off at the traffic light, I hear a slight clanking noise coming from underneath the car just as I start moving. It never happens when it is dry outside, or if there is only a light shower - the road must be quite wet. I also heard it when there was a snow on the ground (the only time it snowed so far in NJ this winter)

I was thinking this must be AWD engaging. Am I right? Or is there potentially a problem, and I need to have it checked out by a dealer?

The car drives great otherwise in the rain, AWD is definately helping, never had the wheels slip no matter how hard it rained.

 

[ceric]

I think it was the TCS (traction control system).
You tires were slipping on wet surface. The OE tires are bad on wet also.

 

[cx9gtguy]

Not sure it is TCS.
I think it happens right after i depress the break pedal, but before i push the accelerator, so the wheels shouldn't be slipping yet.
Will have to pay close attention next time.