Esp

Webby-FR

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on my FR there is a button on the center console that allows me to switch it off.

Question is why would you wanna ? unless a track day or something.
 

Rael

TDi - Smokin'!
Jul 9, 2008
187
0
Gatwick
I'd like to be able to disable the traction control in isolation, because it irritates the bejesus out of me when you get a bit of wheel spin and it cuts power...but, I don't want to turn it all off as (I believe) it turns off the ABS and break assist stuff too. Unless someone can correct me?
 
Oct 17, 2006
2,141
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Mid Wales
I'd like to be able to disable the traction control in isolation, because it irritates the bejesus out of me when you get a bit of wheel spin and it cuts power...but, I don't want to turn it all off as (I believe) it turns off the ABS and break assist stuff too. Unless someone can correct me?

ABS is always on - I'm not too sure on EBA though - my guess would be that this would not be affected by the ESP switch either
 
I would also assume that EBA is 'always on' just like ABS.

You can test the EBA easily enough (in a safe location!). Just hit the brakes hard while doing a fair speed and you should feel your eyes almost come out of your head as the car stops quicker than you expect. Your emergency flashers will also be automatically activated for a few seconds. :)
 

Pheo

Active Member
Sep 11, 2009
275
0
I would also assume that EBA is 'always on' just like ABS.

You can test the EBA easily enough (in a safe location!). Just hit the brakes hard while doing a fair speed and you should feel your eyes almost come out of your head as the car stops quicker than you expect. Your emergency flashers will also be automatically activated for a few seconds. :)

Does it need to be a facelifted MK2 for that to happen?

Certainly noticed the eye popping moment the other day though.
 
My FR TFSI is an 09 reg but pre-facelift. I did an emergency stop for real rather than a test on my commute a couple of months ago - tractor turned out in front of the car in front and there was oncoming traffic. Luckily we both stopped in time.

I noticed the flashers were activated for a couple of seconds afterwards - presumably linked to the EBA doing its thing. I couldn't believe how effective the brakes were under such circumstances... I reckon my previous cars wouldn't have stopped. Don't like that sort of thing but it sure gets the adrenaline pumping!
 

Rael

TDi - Smokin'!
Jul 9, 2008
187
0
Gatwick
I would also assume that EBA is 'always on' just like ABS.

You can test the EBA easily enough (in a safe location!). Just hit the brakes hard while doing a fair speed and you should feel your eyes almost come out of your head as the car stops quicker than you expect. Your emergency flashers will also be automatically activated for a few seconds. :)

Cheers. As its quite wet at the mo, it'll be easier to test! It happened again today, I was pulling out of a junction and needed to boot it a bit, and the bloody traction control jumped in, knocked the turbo out and it all went a bit wobbly. I'd much prefer a bit of controlled wheel spin and a lot more progress.
 

n_olympios

greek member
I don't know how well the EBA system will work on wet surfaces (or any surface with reduced traction), as the ABS will kick in more frequently.

The EBA (Electronic Brake Assistance) will take info from various sensors (how quickly you lift the foot off the gas pedal, how much you press the brake pedal etc), understand when it's panic braking and then apply full pressure to the brake system for maximum stopping force. This was designed because surveys and research showed that for various reasons, drivers - when in panic mode - tend not to use full pressure on the brake pedal.

Rael, what you'd like more would probably be, instead of cutting the engine power, applying the brakes on the front wheels ever so slightly in order to reduce their rotation speed, thus spin. This would perhaps work best, but isn't as cost effective as the current TCS operation. I mean, it would wear the brakes pads more easily (and the whole braking system) plus it would cost much more on petrol.

If you want controlled wheel spin and more progress, especially on wet surfaces, get a good 4WD car. :D
 

Rael

TDi - Smokin'!
Jul 9, 2008
187
0
Gatwick
hahah cheers Nath...maybe that's half my problem!!!

That is what I mean though, if the system didn't cut power, the spin can be controlled by the foot, feeling the spin and keeping the momentum going. All the syustem achieves is cutting power, which cuts the boost which then takes ages to spool up properly again!

Nick - that would be better in theory, tbu agreed would wear the brakes quick! I might have a go with the ESP off tonight and see what happens...I will be careful, don't worry!!!
 
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