When I floor it it doesn't go!!

[vettegirl]

I think I saw you on the cross town this morning.

You may have, I hit the Crosstown about 7:30. I have the pewter/black convertible with tag FIERY-1. You'll have to beep next time!

 

[vettegirl]

Udate:

The roads were finally dry enought this weekend to try some of your suggestions.

Even with Traction Control off you cannot "smoke the tires" - still bogs down at WOT. Also, I cannot get my car to go into "Competition Mode"...I held the traction control button down for a full two minutes and nothing happens except "Traction Control Off" flashes every few seconds on the DIC.

Do you think this might be a software problem? If so, can I just go to dealer and ask them to update my software? Or do you think my throttle control or traction control modules might be failing? If so, is replacing them something you can do yourself? I have no codes showing except those listed previously..P1626HC, B2262H, and U1016H.

Thanks!
Lauren

 

[mick_s3]

Re: Udate:

Not all Vettes have competition mode. Mine doesn't, your may not either.

I am not saying that your problem is not software related, but I would rule out all the simple stuff first. Sounds to me like you are not getting enough air. Have you checked the radiator inlet for blockage?

Mick

The roads were finally dry enought this weekend to try some of your suggestions.

Even with Traction Control off you cannot "smoke the tires" - still bogs down at WOT. Also, I cannot get my car to go into "Competition Mode"...I held the traction control button down for a full two minutes and nothing happens except "Traction Control Off" flashes every few seconds on the DIC.

Do you think this might be a software problem? If so, can I just go to dealer and ask them to update my software? Or do you think my throttle control or traction control modules might be failing? If so, is replacing them something you can do yourself? I have no codes showing except those listed previously..P1626HC, B2262H, and U1016H.

Thanks!
Lauren

 

[vettegirl]

Oh, good to know they don't all have competition mode - that was worrying me (so what's new!). I would bet this problem is just me not knowing what is normal for the car (yet again)! You guys must be getting really sick of me ).

But anyway, I've been meaning to message you about the Beef O' Brady's lunch on Sept 13 - it's usually small, maybe 25-30 cars, but all the usual suspects from Valrico should be there. We'll probably caravan over together if you'd like to go..

Lauren

 

[Gorgon]

Lauren, Competative Driving Mode is an alternate mode for Active Handling which was an option on the 99 models. On the console if you had active handling it would say Active Handling next to the button. Like my 99, you more than likely only have a traction control system.

Having ruled TC out as the problem, I"ll let others add to what the potential problem could be. And don't be afraid to ask any questions. That is how we all learn.

Leon

 

[Tuna]

Gorgon is right - Active Handling was an option in 98-2000 (RPO JL4). So your 98 probably doesn't have it. It's been standard equipment since 01.

 

[fhturner]

Oh, good to know they don't all have competition mode - that was worrying me (so what's new!). I would bet this problem is just me not knowing what is normal for the car (yet again)!

Hi Lauren--

Competition Mode is only applicable if your Vette has Active Handling. Active Handling is a "98 1/2" option, so you very well might not have it. The button on your console will be labeled "Active Handling" if your Vette is so equipped. Otherwise, it just has the Traction Control icon on it.

As for your power-lacking problem, I'm not sure what to say there. If everything else seems to run okay, and you only have trouble when you try to burn a little rubber, then you might have something wrong with the torque management system in the computer. Actually, it might not technically be a problem. I don't fully understand it, but I think that the torque management system will intervene even if you have Traction Control off under some circumstances, to prevent you from damaging the powertrain. Perhaps c4c5 could add a little insight here...

One more thought-- although you have an automatic and I had/will have a manual, I noticed on mine that even with TC off, I could still experience problems launching if I didn't manipulate the throttle correctly. If I revved to about 2000 RPM, but let off the clutch as the RPMs were descending, then tried to hammer it, I'd bog the clutch down and wouldn't even chirp the tires. But if I made sure I was holding the RPMs steady or slightly increasing, I could start like I intended (quickly with a little bit of wheelspin). I wonder what would happen if you try to start off with aggressive, yet partial throttle. In other words, don't mash the pedal all the way down. If torque management is responding negatively to your WOT, then maybe partial throttle can give you the results you want.

You guys must be getting really sick of me ).

What we're sick of is the fact that your problem won't go away so you can enjoy your Vette! Seriously, everybody (okay, almost everybody) comes here to get their questions answered and problems solved, so I don't see how anybody would be getting sick of you. I've been helped numerous times, so I'm sure I speak for everyone else when I say we just want to help you get your problem solved.

Good luck,
Fred

 

[mick_s3]

Yea I would love to meet up with you guys.

Are you talking about the Beef's on Bell Shoals?


Mick

Oh, good to know they don't all have competition mode - that was worrying me (so what's new!). I would bet this problem is just me not knowing what is normal for the car (yet again)! You guys must be getting really sick of me ).

But anyway, I've been meaning to message you about the Beef O' Brady's lunch on Sept 13 - it's usually small, maybe 25-30 cars, but all the usual suspects from Valrico should be there. We'll probably caravan over together if you'd like to go..

Lauren

 

[MoeJr]

Vettegirl your 98 with Trac Control off should be able to light the tires up like no tomorrow. U need to find a qualified Vette tech to diagnose and fix it. No Vette should lose to a Stang. Just my .02

 

[johnl]

I'm with Mo here, If you have a 98 Corvette automatic, you should be able to mash down on the throtle and smoke the tires, period.

I'd take it to a quilified C4C5 specialist and let them findout what is wrong.

:cool

 

[mick_s3]

If what you say here is true then I should take mine in too, because when I mash it to the floor it squats and goes. My car has the 2.73 gear in it, which I think is why it won't smoke the tires, it will leave a foot or two of rubber sometimes but thats about it.

I am curious as to what rear-end gears those of you who have an A4 and can smoke the tires have.

Mick

I'm with Mo here, If you have a 98 Corvette automatic, you should be able to mash down on the throtle and smoke the tires, period.

I'd take it to a quilified C4C5 specialist and let them findout what is wrong.

:cool

 

[vettegirl]

I'm thinking maybe my car is normal

for the options and gear it has....good to know!

The Beef O'Brady's thing is at the one on Bearss and Bruce B. Downs. I don't quite remember why we have it there, I think Rick (a69vette) knows the owner. The thread is here: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34939

Now I need to find a "I Think My House is Burning Down" message board - I think we were struck by lightning last night. Our entertainment center caught on fire at about 2:30 this morning, then the GFCI outlet exploded when I tried to dry my hair this morning! At least it will keep my mind off my car for a day or two! :eek :eek :eek

 

[mick_s3]

Re: I'm thinking maybe my car is normal

Cool. Glad to hear that it is not the Beef's on Bell Shoals, it would only take me like 1 minute to drive there, not much of a criuse there

I believe you may be correct about the lightning, I found a couple of scorched black limbs off of one of our oak trees laying in the back yard this morning......

Definitley a lightning hit. :eek

Hope that you didn't loose too much electrical equipment.

Mick

for the options and gear it has....good to know!

The Beef O'Brady's thing is at the one on Bearss and Bruce B. Downs. I don't quite remember why we have it there, I think Rick (a69vette) knows the owner. The thread is here: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34939

Now I need to find a "I Think My House is Burning Down" message board - I think we were struck by lightning last night. Our entertainment center caught on fire at about 2:30 this morning, then the GFCI outlet exploded when I tried to dry my hair this morning! At least it will keep my mind off my car for a day or two! :eek :eek

 

[vettegirl]

Re: Re: I'm thinking maybe my car is normal

Hope that you didn't loose too much electrical equipment.

Mick

Been looking for an excuse to get one of those wide-screen TV's!

:L

 

[IWonAVette]

Maybe 2:73 gears getting in the way? Before I bought my '02 I test drove a 2:73 geared Vette.:eek I had the same feeling that you experienced and went with the 3:15s. Either that or try turning the TC off.

 

[MoeJr]

2.73 rear end and big C5 tires may be a good reason for lack of tire spin. Should still handle a Mustang though. Have u actually lost to a Stang vettegirl?

 

[2001MagRed]

This has happen to me a couple of times, WOT bogs down let up adjust pedal works fine. I agree it sounds like traction control. Will have to shut off TC and try again.

Cal