Hi,

I have an 04 XLR for just over a year and from time to time I’ve had the traction system kick in on a dry road at about 60-70 mph. It’s seems to be getting progressive worse, although I recently get rid of my balding rear tires, move my front to the read and put new tiers on the front.

I can now reproduce it on one stretch of highway every time. This stretch happens to be an older style concrete type and a 15 degree uphill grade, but I’ve seen it occur on newer black asphalt on flat grade.

When it occurs I can hold the accelerator pedal to the floorboards and nothing but the DIC saying “TRACTION SYS ACTIVE”. My quick reflexes now quickly switches off the traction control on the center console, but It’s a bit of a hazard at 65MPH to go to pass and have no punch. (BTW, it’s not like I’m trying to floor it and this is occurring, I can just be trying to climb the 15 degree grade and it will bog.)

Also, possible related is that from time to time by DIC does black out for a sec. Whatever is attempting to be displayed is too quick for the human eye, but the LED segment will complete blink off for a sec and then return back to the previous mode (Typically Tire pressure which are all at 32 when cold)

I’ve taken it into the dealer twice and they cannot find any “codes” so they have no clue. I’m going try to get a tech for an hour test drive, or camcorder it occurring and show them but thought I should run it past this forum too.

Over the past year or since I’ve purchased the car the knowledge and posts in this forum has been a great reference. Thank you all for your past help and any insight you might have on my current dilemma.

Thanks Again,
Mike Pisano
Long Island, N.Y.

Hi,

I have an 04 XLR for just over a year and from time to time I’ve had the traction system kick in on a dry road at about 60-70 mph. It’s seems to be getting progressive worse, although I recently get rid of my balding rear tires, move my front to the read and put new tiers on the front.

I can now reproduce it on one stretch of highway every time. This stretch happens to be an older style concrete type and a 15 degree uphill grade, but I’ve seen it occur on newer black asphalt on flat grade.

When it occurs I can hold the accelerator pedal to the floorboards and nothing but the DIC saying “TRACTION SYS ACTIVE”. My quick reflexes now quickly switches off the traction control on the center console, but It’s a bit of a hazard at 65MPH to go to pass and have no punch. (BTW, it’s not like I’m trying to floor it and this is occurring, I can just be trying to climb the 15 degree grade and it will bog.)

Also, possible related is that from time to time by DIC does black out for a sec. Whatever is attempting to be displayed is too quick for the human eye, but the LED segment will complete blink off for a sec and then return back to the previous mode (Typically Tire pressure which are all at 32 when cold)

I’ve taken it into the dealer twice and they cannot find any “codes” so they have no clue. I’m going try to get a tech for an hour test drive, or camcorder it occurring and show them but thought I should run it past this forum too.

Over the past year or since I’ve purchased the car the knowledge and posts in this forum has been a great reference. Thank you all for your past help and any insight you might have on my current dilemma.

Thanks Again,
Mike Pisano
Long Island, N.Y.
Mike:

Thanks for reposting your questions.

My suggestion is to ask your dealer to run the diagnostics on the car. There has to be a code that is stored which will lead them to the root cause of your problem.

I agree that it isn't safe the way it is now so I wouldn't mess around.

If they can't find it I would ask that they get in touch with the XLR team to get them to look it over.

Please let us know how it comes out.

Regards

Thanks for the access and the reply.

I shot some video clips today - mostly of the road conditions and me stomping on pedal and the view of the DIC.

I am going to burn it and leave it with the dealer and see if they can call the XLR team for some help.

In the mean time I have got use to switching off the traction control when I start the X.

Thanks again,
Mike

Sorry to hear about the problem. You're proceeding the right way in terms of finding a repeatable situation. Anything you can learn about what it will and won't do will assist in resolving the matter.

You've probably already searched the net and the various XLR boards, but there was something similar on a C5 and/or C6 Corvette. With them, I think yaw sensor, steering position sensor and connector issues were alleged to be involved. Many of the systems are similar, so if you haven't checked a vette board, the NHTSA or GM TSB's, those would be another options.

The tires should all be the same size and pressured correctly.

I'd also check to see if the system was operating properly- for example, coming on when the wheels actually might be spinning, as from a stop or on surfaces with poor traction.

If you're switching the t/c off, be careful with the accelerator, particularly if the tires are cold.

Some dealers have specific XLR techs that get additional training. Try to find one if you can, although there are so few of these cars around in a lot of the country that many rarely see one.

Good luck.