How to disable DSC and traction control?

[ksconekiller]

I took my 2012 2.0i sedan to an autocross today, and I tried to disable stability control and traction control, but it didn't seem like it worked. Following the procedure in the owner's manual, I held the DSC button down for 5 seconds in order to disable the system, but it seemed like it was still active. The manual does not specify if I need to to push the button at start up, at idle, with brake on, etc., so I don't know if I can do something different to disable it. The silliest part is that there is no visual verification that the system has been shut off, so I have no idea if it has or not. Can somebody confirm the proper method for disabling the DSC/TC systems?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[crsmclaren]

umm DSC idk.... as far as TCS there is a button that I always thought turned off with a push and then my dahs light has a TCS off indicator thats all it takes for me.

 

[ksconekiller]

Yep, pushing the button one time disables the TCS, but then DSC stays on. I want to disable them both. The owners manual says to disable the DSC by pushing that button for 5 seconds, which I did. But the throttle was still being held back when coming out of quick transitional maneuvers, which signals to me that DSC is still active. Someone else said he had to hold the button while starting the car to make it work, so I will try that tomorrow.

 

[crsmclaren]

Yea sorry I have never done aggressive race driving...(moto cross or something) so I never had to run off DSC, Good luck

 

[ksconekiller]

Okay, so I figured out how to disable DSC, but the system still kicks on to limit throttle application after doing any maneuvers that lighten the rear wheels through a corner. If I take a corner quickly and lift a rear tire, or if I try tapping the brakes while entering a corner to get a little rotation, the throttle goes dead for a moment. It sucks. In researching the subject, I found out that Mazda 2 owners have the same problem and are able to defeat it by removing the fuse for the DSC. I think I will try this for my car to see if the results are the same.

 

[kchandra]

So, how did you do it? I tried to do the same with the switch and no luck...I only turn TCS. I tried the 5 second rule and no lights lit up to confirm DSC is off. Thanks!

 

[ksconekiller]

Pushing the TC button once will disable traction control; pushing and holding it for 5+ seconds will disable stability control. You can verify it was successful by trying to turn it back on; if you have correctly turned it off, you will not be able to get the dash light to come off until shutting off the car's ignition.

Here's the kicker, though: even with the system off, the car will still use the stability control in extreme maneuvers if it feels it is necessary. This is the part that upsets me. If I am going through the trouble to disable it, obviously I want it off and should have to deal with the consequences if it got me in trouble. I hate that the system still has a fail safe to engage the DSC if it feels it necessary. What gives the car the right to determine if its necessary?? Okay, rant over.

Bottom line is that I was able to completely disable the DSC by pulling the fuse. The dash lights up like a Christmas tree, but I think I have full control of the car. I just pulled it yesterday to test it, and I haven't had an opportunity to put the car in an evasive situation yet, but I will in the upcoming days. There are no more local autocross events for 4 months, so I will have to use my local abandoned parking lot.

 

[kchandra]

Pushing the TC button once will disable traction control; pushing and holding it for 5+ seconds will disable stability control. You can verify it was successful by trying to turn it back on; if you have correctly turned it off, you will not be able to get the dash light to come off until shutting off the car's ignition.

Here's the kicker, though: even with the system off, the car will still use the stability control in extreme maneuvers if it feels it is necessary. This is the part that upsets me. If I am going through the trouble to disable it, obviously I want it off and should have to deal with the consequences if it got me in trouble. I hate that the system still has a fail safe to engage the DSC if it feels it necessary. What gives the car the right to determine if its necessary?? Okay, rant over.

Bottom line is that I was able to completely disable the DSC by pulling the fuse. The dash lights up like a Christmas tree, but I think I have full control of the car. I just pulled it yesterday to test it, and I haven't had an opportunity to put the car in an evasive situation yet, but I will in the upcoming days. There are no more local autocross events for 4 months, so I will have to use my local abandoned parking lot.

I actually did what you said above by accident once. I held it down longer, the DSC OFF light turned off and I could not turn it back on by hitting the button. I actually freaked out thinking I had broken something. So, I pulled over and re-started the car and it came back on. I left it alone after that LOL. It would be nice if they indicated TCS off, but like you said, I am guessing it is NOT since it kicks in as needed. That would be annoying for auto-x.

Thanks for posting this up. I appreciate it.