2006 GX470 Creeps slowly on icy road unpredictably
10-07-17, 06:57 AM
#1
9th Gear
Thread Starter
2006 GX470 Creeps slowly on icy road unpredictably
My 2006 GX470 creeps very slowly at the end of our gravel road if any of the wheels are on ice. This causes us to enter a very busy road at no more than 0.5 MPH. Even when the accelerator is pushed to the floor, the car will continue to creep forward at the same pace. Once all four tires are on dry pavement, the car can accelerate. The slow speed is unpredictable and has led to a couple of near misses. Does anyone have any idea why this is happening? If it is a "safety" feature can it be disabled? Thanks for any help.
Last edited by Menomineef; 10-07-17 at 07:22 AM.
10-07-17, 09:48 AM
#2
Pole Position
This is the stability/traction control system (ATRAC/VSC). Best choice is to get a set of snow/ice tires so you don't lose traction.
The systems will turn off when you have the center differential locked, but since you are turning onto a paved road, you ABSOLUTELY do not want to do that. Severe mechanical damage can result!
Chip H.
The systems will turn off when you have the center differential locked, but since you are turning onto a paved road, you ABSOLUTELY do not want to do that. Severe mechanical damage can result!
Chip H.
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Menomineef (10-08-17)
10-07-17, 09:10 PM
#3
9th Gear
Thread Starter
Thanks Chris, I appreciate your help. From our experience, I'm surprised this traction control system has not caused serious accidents. We've had several 4wd trucks, but none that has restricted speed to a crawl.
10-08-17, 06:26 AM
#4
Driver School Candidate
If it is that slippery, I’m surprised you haven’t been in an accident in other vehicles. Not that the GX AWD system is the best, but it is really good, especially for its time of build. Even Acura systems weren’t as good during our years.
10-08-17, 06:39 AM
#5
9th Gear
Thread Starter
Hi Goosed, Thanks for your feedback. The road isn't that slippery. My wife makes it out in her camry without a problem. The issue is only with the GX. The car takes over to a crawl if just one tire is on ice. Maybe our GX470 has something thats not operating correctly on the traction control. Just looking to see if others have had similar problems or if theres a simple way to turn off traction control.
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Menomineef (10-11-17)
10-09-17, 06:05 AM
#7
Pole Position
It's possible you have a bad ABS sensor (it's how the computer knows the wheel speeds). But more than likely it's your tires. Get some Bridgestone Blizzaks or Michelin X-Ice (the Blizzaks get consistently better reviews)
Chip H.
Chip H.
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Menomineef (10-09-17)
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10-10-17, 08:03 AM
#8
Pole Position
Get better tires is the #1 solution. Goodyear Duratracs have proven brilliant as a year round AT tire, we deal with some pretty serious winters where I live as well. BFG AT/TA KO2's are another severe winter rated AT tire worth looking into as a year round solution.
If it's that slippery/sketchy to get onto the main road and accelerate, I would lock the CDL and get yourself moving, then disengage the CDL once you're on a grippier surface. You don't want to drive on dry pavement with the CDL locked, but at the same time this is what it's designed to do, as long as you remember to unlock it no damage can be done.
If it's that slippery/sketchy to get onto the main road and accelerate, I would lock the CDL and get yourself moving, then disengage the CDL once you're on a grippier surface. You don't want to drive on dry pavement with the CDL locked, but at the same time this is what it's designed to do, as long as you remember to unlock it no damage can be done.
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Menomineef (10-11-17)
10-11-17, 06:43 PM
#9
9th Gear
Thread Starter
Thanks Chip and Ian. I'll give new tires a try. My Michelins still have plenty of good tread though. Other than this, we've really been happy with our GX . Wish this wasn't an issue for us. If the tires don't work, I'll try the abs sensors.
10-11-17, 07:36 PM
#10
Pole Position
One of the things about Michelins is that they're optimized for longevity, not grip. This is because they're typically sold to people who expect the high price to correlate with being able to keep them a long time. -- They're still good tires, don't get me wrong (the consistency and quality is top notch). But the design constraints they've chosen mean that high grip (soft compound) isn't a priority.
Chip H.
Chip H.
10-13-17, 11:14 AM
#12
Intermediate
Do not lock the center diff with the tires spinning off a slippery terrain onto a paved road. Center diff lock should only be used on surfaces that allow the wheels to slip. You could do it if you go really slow but that is what youre trying to avoid. It prevents the wheels from spinning at different speeds offering true 4wd, but one must be aware of its limitations.
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Menomineef (10-13-17)
10-13-17, 11:39 AM
#13
9th Gear
Thread Starter
Hi Mann, I think the VSC light might come on, but to confirm, I'll have to wait until it gets icy here in Michigan again. Thanks for everyone's help. We're going to start with new tires to see if that solves the problem.
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