[SPClark]

Question: when the ASC kicks the brakes on, do the brake lights come on too?

I've had my 2003 S about 5200 miles now, it's winter in Chicago & I find I prefer to have the ASC switched off most of the time.

Aound town, to avoid an impromptue application of brakes when I'm trying to get thru an intersection or some such maneuver, it seems less than useful, even in snow or rain. I can feather the throttle more consistently - if I feel wheelspin - than the ASC chooses to by a hard, fast application of the brakes which I'm afraid will give the Ford Excrescence on my rear bumper an opportunity to rearrange my tailpipes.

[Dom]

ASC doesn't use brakes... DSC does in a way...

I know the brake lights come on on the Porsche DSC stuff, as I've seen it as he nearly lost it round a roundabout (unfortunately, I was waiting to join so I could take the mick and go round the inside )

Dom

[KlausR]

ASC+T (!) uses the brakes too as it contains the function of an electronic limited slip differential. By braking a spinning wheel power is transferred automatically to the other wheel, that ought to have more traction (hopefully).

The whole thing is after all more some safety than performance stuff, in contrary to a real LSD.

As far as I know the brake light is not involved in the process as the system doesn´t really make the car slower, at least not in every case.

Klaus

[SPClark]

Quote:

Originally posted by Dom
ASC doesn't use brakes... DSC does in a way...

Well, whatever it is (can be switched on or off at the toggles behiind the shifter), it clamps on the brakes at absurdly inopportune moments when I'm more interested in motoring thru a situation than wondering if my fuel pump has cut out (SAAB's I've known & loved) or I've caught the brake pedal while clutching for an upshift (Dr. Martens are great for walking...).

Seems to happen more often whilst starting a turn from a standing stop, like away from a traffic light. Relatively low speeds, 1st gear mostly.

[Dom]

Quote:

Originally posted by KlausR
ASC+T (!) uses the brakes too as it contains the function of an electronic limited slip differential. By braking a spinning wheel power is transferred automatically to the other wheel, that ought to have more traction (hopefully).

The whole thing is after all more some safety than performance stuff, in contrary to a real LSD.

As far as I know the brake light is not involved in the process as the system doesn´t really make the car slower, at least not in every case.

Klaus

I just thought it cut the power in the engine... that's what it feels like to me

It can be rather excessive at times, but is generally useful

Dom

[HarryHBMCC]

ASC+T also employs the brakes but does not, TMK, turn on the brake lights. Only pressing the brake pedal lights them.

Harry

[KlausR]

@Dom

ASC+T also reduces the power supply when the braking isn´t effective enough. It´s quite difficult to work within the thin line between first braking (more traction) and further ASC interventions (power cutoff).

Klaus

[Dom]

Thanks Klaus

[noahe]

Quote:

Originally posted by SPClark
(Dr. Martens are great for walking...).

Hilarious! And here I was thinking I was just clumsy with the pedals.

[Minty]

i thought ASC used brakes, and DSC cuts power to the engine?!

[Shaun]

I have asc fitted and find it more usefull than intrusive especially on the curently rather slimey wet roads. I find it allows a degree of slip before cutting in and helping me make a quick getaway much better than a standing burnout all to frequent in the old Min.I only really see it flash when I pull away and turn at the same time like junctions and on greasy second gear roundabouts.It only comes on in the dry when I am really giving it some.
And it even works in reverse gear.
But its no bloody use in deep mud (The IMM 2002)

[noahe]

Both ASC+T and DSC can activate the brakes.

The ASC+T is an advanced traction control system that not only limits wheel slip, but attempts to put the most power to the ground. Compare it to some rudimentary GM systems, that cut spark for an arbitrary period of time (say 3 secs) the ASC+T will ease off on the gas (drive-by-wire throttle) which can be done progressivly, where cutting spark is more of an on/off thing. If both wheels slip, the system will reduce the power to the wheels, only to the point where static grip is re-gained. Since this means NO wheel-spin, it feels intrusive, and conservative. If one wheel slips, it will activate the brake on the spinning wheel until the wheel speed is equal between the two front driving wheels. This is a similar function to a limited slip diff, but generally considered inferior to actually having a diff.

The DSC does all this, and adds a yaw sensor, steering angle input sensor, and independant control of the rear brakes. This allows it to counter-act oversteer/understeer conditons by reducing engine torque, vehicle speed, and directional control using the rear brake scrub to pull the vehicle back into line.

[HarryHBMCC]

ASC+T is also a very useful indicator of VERY poor roads. On dry roads it'll come on if you really give'er. On slippery roads it'll come on in first and sometimes second if you're pulling away quickly. In deep snow it'll stay on even in 3rd gear sometimes even when not giving it much power. On sheer ice it'll stay on even in 4th gear which is a good reminder that you should really, really, really take the corners slowly!

Harry