[drdave]

We got our first real snowfall of the year today and I after driving around a bit I have a question. My car is making a horrible grinding/clunking sound when starting from a complete stop on ice (wheels spinning). The only thing I can think of is that it might be the traction control but it doesn't sound like a noise any car should be making to me. Has anyone else heard anything like this?

 

[Turbo 'ToonSter]

Yes. It is your traction control. Really do not like when it cuts the motor out.

 

[lagonwagon]

We got our first real snowfall of the year today and I after driving around a bit I have a question. My car is making a horrible grinding/clunking sound when starting from a complete stop on ice (wheels spinning). The only thing I can think of is that it might be the traction control but it doesn't sound like a noise any car should be making to me. Has anyone else heard anything like this?

Sounds like my 07 Jeep GC when the TCS would kick in. It was all wheel drive though and I believe it was a clutch pack making all the ruckus. I don't know how the VT's TCS functions.

 

[Turbo 'ToonSter]

I believe the TCS is using the anti-lock braking to control wheel spin. That would be the clunking sound as the drive train is pushing the wheels to accelerate and the brakes are trying to stop them.

 

[drdave]

Hmm... ok thanks! I think I will try my luck with it turned off then because that is a horrible sound and it doesn't seem to help a whole lot!

 

[Turbo 'ToonSter]

I cringe every time I hear the sound. To me it is just a reminder to turn the TCS off.

 

[dplight]

I got my first TCS clunk today and got a little brake smell too. Two Lexus were racing from a stop light. I thought I'd make sure they both saw a little VT keeping right up with them. Forgot to turn off the TCS. Kept up anyway.

 

[Stone Axe]

The ECT/TCS doesn't seem to come on for me when I spin the hard tires off the line for a second or so.

When I exceed the fun limit and break the front wheels loose in 2nd in a tight corner the ECT light comes on but I don't feel the gravelly ABS thing.

I get that the ECT can be a drag but you never know when you are going to really need it to keep out of the ditch and right side up.

 

[Dcannon203]

ya it sounds like the caliper fell off and is grinding between the wheel and the rotor.... but appearently this is just the sound made by the antilock system.