Im looking at buying a 2003 5-speed, and noticed when I was test driving it that there was a button for snow mode, next to the traction control button. I heard though, that there is no snow mode on manuals, only on automatics.

Is this the case? If so, what what the snow mode button for? Thanks.

 

i have an 02 manual and is has the snow button also my best guess is when it snows u push da button and it helps the traction know that there is snow on the floor my guess i know i have used it when it snows up here in NYC seems fine hope that helps bro

 

Snow button cuts the power just that little bit so u don't end up spinning the car when starting out. Think of it like a limp mode for driving on snow.

 

I have used the snow mode and I will say that it helps but I lived in Pittsburgh until February. There is no reason to use it if you are experienced with driving in the snow as you should be where you are from. It is nice to have the option to use it but it still will not be a definite fix all for bad weather driving. Get the manual you will love it, I do.

 

Thanks for the info. I was pretty sure it had it, but just wanted to confirm. I'm originally from upstate NY and have been driving in snow since I got my license (10 years ago), so I feel pretty confident in it. I've never driven a RWD though, so it'll definitely be a different experience. I'm really looking forward to getting this car. I've wanted an IS300 for years!

 

just b careful when u drive it in snow. rwd is a big difrence from fwd enjoy it though it is fun

 

Can be very fun in the snow.

 

How about snow mode using it in the rain. My girlfriend was asking me that question a few days ago. =)

 

It will help lessen the power to the wheels so you have a harder time spinning the tires, rain or snow.

 

the snow button really softens your throttle response with the drive-by-wire

 

As well as cutting a bit of power away, which is a very small amount, the main thing it does is makes your Traction Control much much touchier, and that is what really prevents you from spinning out.

 

snow mode is great on the highway! the 6spd manual has close ratio gears so highway driving tends to guzzel the gas but when the snow switch is pressed it economy improves at the price of power. Where i live there is no snow, maybe the occasional hail storm but I don't have enough frost in my freezer to throw on the driveway and properly test the snow function LOL

 

Yes. You just start in 2nd gear.