03 cobra traction lock

[clldreese]

I have read articles that the traction lock engages when you start up. If I'm reading the owners manual correct, you have to push the button to engage( light comes on) How do you really know?::huh:
Chris 03 cobra

[Mugger]

From what I've noticed on my Cobra is that it is on when you start it up, it is off when the light is on.:cbra:

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1813&papass=&sort=1&thecat=500

[BlkCobra03]

When you start it up, it is engaged (light off) you need to push the button to disengage (light on).

[Sbosserman]

If you want to find out how it works get the tires spinning and floor it. You should know pretty quick if its on or off. You have to turn Trac-loc off after starting. You couldnt drive an 03 without it on snow. I don't think many will be driven in snow. Why they put it on the Cobra I'll never understand!

[MadMax]

It's part of my start up procedure. 1) Clutch in, 2) Ignition on, 3) Push Trac-loc button to defeat it !!! All it takes is one episode when you really need to get on the gas to get out of harm's way and the stupid thing kills the motor PUTTING YOU IN HARM'S WAY ! I almost got creamed by a semi-truck when I first had my Cobra because I spun on some dirt/sand trying to cross an intersection. The motor coughed and sputtered and I almost got slammed ! I'm willing to bet that someone is going to sue Ford in the near future, because they got hit while trying to get out of the way of danger and forgot to turn the traction control off.

[Sbosserman]

I've been going over the wiring diagrams at work.I think I have found a way to automatically shut off the Trac-Loc every time the car is started. I just need to find out if there is any liability if I share the info. I'll post results asap. :cbra:

[Waltman]

MadMax, I had experienced the same problem you had and turn off the TC at start up. I agree with you and my gut feeling is that Ford should recall the cars and fix it. TC should kick in when traction is lost and at low speeds, but in no way should kill the engine. Probably TC works better in automatic cars, they need to do something for the 6 sp. TC is dangerous as is. My ex-Acura TL had TC and never had a problem ON or OFF.
Let's pray nobody gets hurt. :(

[Stunt Stangs]

Originally posted by MadMax
It's part of my start up procedure. 1) Clutch in, 2) Ignition on, 3) Push Trac-loc button to defeat it !!! All it takes is one episode when you really need to get on the gas to get out of harm's way and the stupid thing kills the motor PUTTING YOU IN HARM'S WAY ! I almost got creamed by a semi-truck when I first had my Cobra because I spun on some dirt/sand trying to cross an intersection. The motor coughed and sputtered and I almost got slammed ! I'm willing to bet that someone is going to sue Ford in the near future, because they got hit while trying to get out of the way of danger and forgot to turn the traction control off.
I've had the same problem and agree with you 100%:rant:

[Jhendrix]

Your comments provoke serious consideration! Having retired from police dept...working hundreds....hundreds...of traffic fatalities..as well as being a prosecuting attorney now...I am a "fan" of traction control UNTIL one becomes accustomed to the power of this beast. I hope no father/mother buys this car for the inexperienced! Having said that, once acclimated, it is a car that one can slide/move with the throttle steer. However, in the rain, the T.C. should, in my humble opinion, be turned on.

I might add as a footnote, I have seen 360 degree slides/nightmares at 130 mph, in a 1972 Plymouth 440 Mag police car, and have, thank God, lived to tell of it.

[rachrse]

A 1972 Plymouth 440 is a tank with horsepower, It's like comparing apples and oranges, the 03 Cobra is a far more advanced than a 1972 Plymouth. In my opinion the TC is just a pain and I also turn it off as soon as the car starts. I feal I'm in better control of the car with it off. Rachrse

[mot]

I think trac-control is good for rain and getting used to the awsome power of this beast. However I think it is a drag in the dry. I admit that I leave it on most of the time. It does make the car drive diffirent through the twisties. I think that it can give you a false sence of security. If you want to go for it though it's got to go! How often do you need to turn 12's on the street?

[2003SVT]

I agree with Mugger, the lock is turn a automaticaly when you turn on the car you have to press the button and when the light comes on the the trac lock is off

[MidLifeC]

Traction control in the rain:

Bowse the svtperformance forums for a first hand account of Cobra in the rain meets concrete highway divider. This from an experienced, but unlucky driver.

[Jhendrix]

Being used to the beast that dwells within the 03..I now turn off traction control, except in the rain. With my car, when it activates, it slows me but doesn't cut all power. This is not a car for the novice......:)

[mot]

I did not crash, but got very sideways when I thought I would get cute in the rain. I have never had a car with limited slip diff. It will make a believer out of you! trac. control has it's place.:allhail:

[Sbosserman]

I have to agree. We get very little rain in New Mexico and I won't take my cobra out in wet weather. But if I were caught in the rain I can see where trac- loc would be very helpful. I've been trying to come up with a device to disable trac- loc when started. My problem now is once disabled I can't turn it back on. I just want the system be off when started and engaged when I hit the switch.

[khaine]

there is a little black box available that will remember the last switch position for you, so you cna have it off most of the time and then just switch it on when you need it

[Mongoose]

Originally posted by Sbosserman
I have to agree. We get very little rain in New Mexico and I won't take my cobra out in wet weather. But if I were caught in the rain I can see where trac- loc would be very helpful. I've been trying to come up with a device to disable trac- loc when started. My problem now is once disabled I can't turn it back on. I just want the system be off when started and engaged when I hit the switch.

If I had a schematic to the existing wiring of this backwards feature I could probably figure this out for all of us. So......who has a schematic they can post?:huh:

[Sbosserman]

Hey Khaine. I will get you diagrams next week. I was trying to use an old seat belt timer module. When the car is started it would apply voltage for about 6 seconds and then open the circuit. I wired it paralell with the switch in the hope I could still use the switch to engage trac-loc when pressed. Signal runs from switch to electronic cluster to ABS module. Problem is the system has to prove out before the switch is integrated into the system. My module applies voltage immediately. I need a delay for prove out then my timer would take over just like pressing the switch.:cbra:

[khaine]

I don't need it, my traction control has been completely disabled by my chip. Last thing I want is TC removing fuel

now if they fix it for the next gen so that it removes spark instead of fuel, I'll leave it enabled