I've noticed power loss during hard cornering if I leave the 2.4L LE5 2007 Cobalt SS in "Drive" and attempt to "power through" the corner..... the DIC displays "Low Traction". The way to "get around" the "Low Traction" and power loss, is to pull the automatic into "LOW" while braking just before entering the corner (90 degree) and then apply throttle through the turn without breaking traction..... anyone else had the problem or have a different solution?

 

the traction issue isn't that there is no grip, it is that the open diff is allowing one wheeel to spin. I would just either go slower, or invest in stickier tires.

 

I understand the open differential is allowing one wheel to spin (inside wheel usually). Its been my experience with LSD (which is NOT on this car) that the driving wheels will both spin if too much power is applied. In the case of a LSD FWD car like the COBALT, too much power in the corner will result in PLOWING or UNDER STEER. However what is happening as stated earlier is the engine management system is cutting power to maintain traction if the automatic transmission is left in Drive; if I drop the transmission into Low, I can maintain a neutral or OVER STEER condition through the corner.

I was wondering if there was anyone "Road Racing" a 2.4 Automatic? AND if they had run into the engine management system cutting power in the corners...

 

From what i've read, you can wire up a switch with the e-brake sensor, and that will make the 'balt think the ebrake is on and disable traction control.

 

which probably isnt the best choice for scca

 

Well, understeer happens in many cars, not just FWD. It's just more prevalent in them. The PLOW effect is carrying too much speed for a given turn and trying to turn / accelerate beyond the limits of the car's dynamics.

The LSD won't help that. All it does is let you get back on the throttle a little sooner while the wheels are still turned and the wieght is transferred to the outer wheel.

Cars in general, but FWD ones in particular, you can't do 2 things at the same time ... at least not effectively. You either Brake... turn, or accelerate.

As to the e-brake trick... I believe ( not 100% certain ) that if you pull the e brake to the 1st click it disables the TC. I know a couple NA SS guys that do that when Autocrossing in the past. Again... I could be wrong.

And yes... adding a switch like that would be a no-no for most sanctioning bodies IIRC.

 

isn't there a TC fuse someplace that you can just pull?

 

Since I originally posted, I've found that pulling the transmission into LOW does not always solve the power loss problem.... I have a K&N SRI installed on the 2.4L NA (Automatic Trans) so I can hear as well as feel the power loss during aggressive throttle application in hard corners.

I've really noticed this "LOW TRACTION" problem lately as air and road surfaces have gotten colder and the factory P-6 tires are less sticky.... Just something to be aware of in competition or aggressive driving.

 

Click the ebrake 1 click it should shut it off... Also a guy with an HHR did a write up on how to disable it with a toggle switch...

 

There are 2 fuses that you can remove from the under hood fuse block that will disable the ABS module and traction control system. ABS fuse is a large 50 amp the other is ABS 2 and its a small 10 amp. I would not recommend installing a toggle switch when its as easy as pullin 2 fuses. The parking brake pull I wouldnt recommend either seeing as how you are ever so slightly applying the brakes.

 

Sorry for a little off-topic but:

Hey DSM Huber. Are you doing most of your AutoXing in Rantoul? Just curious since I know they have open track days for the public or are you involved with the local SCCA club and they put on their own events!