Wheeling and Traction Control

[07JeepXK]

I don't believe this to be true. You can partially disable the ESP system while driving by pressing the button. I believe you can completely shut down the system with the button, but you must be in Park to do so. I'll try to dig up a copy of the manual that explains this.



From page 141 of the 2007 owners manual:Full Off (4WD Models Only) This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use when ESP stability features could inhibit vehicle maneuverability due to trail conditions. This mode is entered by depressing and holding the “ESP Control Switch” for 5 seconds when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running. After 5 seconds, the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will illuminate, and the _ESP OFF_ message will appear in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.

In this mode, ESP and TCS, except for the “limited slip” feature described in the TCS section, are turned off until the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph (64 km/h). At 40 mph (64 km/h) the system returns to “Partial Off” mode, described above. When the vehicle speed drops below 35 mph (56 km/h) the ESP system shuts off. ESP is off at low vehicle speeds so that it will not interfere with off-road driving but ESP function returns to provide the stability feature at speeds above 40 mph (64 km/h). The “ESP/ TCS Indicator Light” will always be illuminated when ESP is off. To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the “ESP Control Switch”. This will restore the normal “ESP On” mode of operation.

NOTE: The “ESP OFF” message will display and the audible chime will sound when the gear selector is placed into the “P” (Park) position from any position other than “P” (Park), and then moved out of the “P” (Park) position. This will occur even if the message was previously cleared.



This pertains to working in 4-Hi. Page 142 describes the system in 4-Lo.


HTH

The only way to completely disable the traction control on our vehicles is to pull the fuse or rig a switch like I have. Trust me on this. Holding down the button until you hear the chime only completely disables the ESP. The traction control still kicks in and applies the brakes to any tire that loses traction. Every time my jeep comes off the pavement I do this method and the traction control still kicks in. My jeep see's some sort of hardcore off roading on a monthly basis.

For just rock crawling which is what I do the most just putting it in 4LO is the best option. This keeps the system on enough to grab that spinning wheel quickly and keep you moving. I've tried it with holding the button down and it didn't work to well for the rocks where you have tires off the ground all the time. For the beach I just leave it in HI and hit the button never had a problem in that configuration either. For mud and snow listen to Matt and 07jeepXK since that what they find them selves in way more then I do I avoid the stuff LOL. Also I remember reading the flow chart for the computer system and the computer is never truly off I just wish I could find that thing again.

When I go to Rausch Creek, I put the XK in 4 low and hold down the traction control button until it displays ESP OFF. This only partially disables the traction control system. When a tire comes off the ground, it still applies the brakes to that wheel which kind of fools the open differential, sending power to the opposite wheel allowing you to continue moving forward. I do that method everytime I go offroading (4-low w/esp off) and have no issues climping rocks at RC.

I pulled the traction control fuse once while at RC on a blue trail and wasnt able to go anywhere. Every time a tire would lose traction it would just keep spinning and have no forward momentum. Basically you only have two wheels out of four spinning since the traction control doesnt kick in by applying the brake.