Traction Control Light on while on highway?

achoren · 05-07-2012, 10:57 AM

Quick question/point of concern:

Last night when driving on the highway, twice while going around very slight turns my traction control light came on in several flashes (meaning not just once, but a series of 2 or 3 within a 5 second period). I'm a bit concerned because the turns were hardly drastic (changing lanes would be a greater turn radius than what I was on) and the weather was otherwise perfect - dry, good pavement, 65 degrees.

I have new 19" tires (~3k miles on them without a problem), and speed booster installed. In both instances I was maintaining speed (not pushing through the turn), doing about 75mph, but get a bit panicky when something electrical flashes on the sometimes Pandora's box of an MB, and that uncomfortable feeling when you loose throttle.

Is this normal or am I looking at a sign for some unforeseen repair/breakdown in my near future?

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AMGY · 05-07-2012, 02:28 PM

I would guess that your tire sizes are different diamaters front to back. I had the same problem with my previous corvette.

achoren · 05-07-2012, 04:50 PM

They are different widths (9 vs 9.5) and the manufacturer for the front/rear is different. If that's all it is, then thank you!! Still a bit concerned as to how/why that would happen though?

cindyclk · 05-07-2012, 05:02 PM

I have found that if the car skips over an expansion joint or an irregular surface, I get a flash on traction....same thing happens w/GLK...nothing to worry about unless it's coming on when surface is smooth.

MarcusF · 05-08-2012, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by achoren

They are different widths (9 vs 9.5) and the manufacturer for the front/rear is different. If that's all it is, then thank you!! Still a bit concerned as to how/why that would happen though?

Post the name of the tire manufacturers and what tire sizes you're running - then someone can look up the revs per mile figures and tell you for sure.

ambit · 05-08-2012, 01:26 AM

Sounds like the outer front is spinning a tiny bit faster than the inner rear around the turn and ESP/ABS doesn't appreciate it. I think I read (somewhere?) that up to 4% difference is acceptable.

05-07-2012, 05:02 PM	#4
cindyclk Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North of Boston Posts: 419	I have found that if the car skips over an expansion joint or an irregular surface, I get a flash on traction....same thing happens w/GLK...nothing to worry about unless it's coming on when surface is smooth. __________________ 2010 GLK350 4Matic Paladium Silver 2002 black CLK 55,Lorinser roof spoiler, illuminated AMG door sills, Eurocommand by Steve, black birdseye maple shift ****/door handles/arm rest, quad exhaust

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05-07-2012, 02:28 PM	#2
AMGY Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 379 Drives: 2004 CLK 55	I would guess that your tire sizes are different diamaters front to back. I had the same problem with my previous corvette.

05-07-2012, 04:50 PM	#3
achoren Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 61 Drives: 2002 CLK 430	They are different widths (9 vs 9.5) and the manufacturer for the front/rear is different. If that's all it is, then thank you!! Still a bit concerned as to how/why that would happen though?

05-08-2012, 01:26 AM	#6
ambit Member 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 235 Drives: 05 CLK55 AMG	Sounds like the outer front is spinning a tiny bit faster than the inner rear around the turn and ESP/ABS doesn't appreciate it. I think I read (somewhere?) that up to 4% difference is acceptable.

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