Just buy a TypeR/RA. Problem over.

 

Excuse my ignorance, but what are they?

 

Fury pilot,its just the ABS on the scooby that makes it a bit hairy out on the snow,the AWD is great it got me up a very snowy hill which other cars couldnt.

And type RA/R scoobys,i think aint got ABS(jap import)thats why they are better in the snow.

 

Ah, thanks. So there *is* some sense in pulling the ABS fuse in snow/ice then.

 

I think John may have been actually referring to the DCCD (driver controlled centre diff)

Apologies if not!

 

As far as i'm aware (please tell me if i am wrong) but ABS does NOT work at speads below 3-5mph (Almost 100% of this fact! Def true in Mercedes). This would therefore explain the lack of steering at low speeds (and on hills) as there is no traction. Your best bet would be the old fasion way to re-apply(pump) the brakes or select 2nd gears, release the brakes and steer hoping for the best.
This would also explain the ABS self test the car carries out when 1st starting of at around 5mph. Refer too your owners manuals and this should all be explained.

tony

 

i was refering to the DCCD in diff lock mode and no ABS, both work together well in those conditions.

Do some reading of the forums if you dont know what a TypeRA is, they are awesome pieces of kit.

 

Emmm.... sorry... but I don't think it's just snow/ice that the ABS system is Shiite on! I've posted this before but I think the ABS on the UK WRK's is plain FECKIN dangerous on some surfaces. Like anything other than mill pond smooth. Fair enough... there are ways to drive round this. Like... slow up... etc. don't remember it being this bad on either the MY97/99, currently a MY01. Perhaps I'm just a crap driver... or the roads up her are just badly made up (bonny Scotland)... Not just my car, as I've driven two other WRX's and found them simialr. Rather not have ABS to be honest. Just my thoughts.

Enjoy..........

 

Its a combination of your tyres (I'm assuming you have kept your normal tyres on) and the ABS.

Snow will fill the gaps in your tread block, as you are going slowly you will not be able to fling the snow out again. Add to this ABS brakes and you are going to have to take extra care.

Removing the fuse to prevent the ABS working is one idea, but I'd avoid that unless you are adept at removing/replacing it on the move, as ABS will be more than useful for the remainder (probably 99% of the distance) of your journey. The other alternative is to get some cheap winter tyres to fit in place of your normal tyres which are only designed for summer use. Other than that, knowing you have a problem drive around it, just drive more slowly knowing that your brakes are going to be less effective.

Oh and please don't use the handbrake, the locked rear wheels will just follow the slope of the hill, and will even at not much above walking pace have your car's rear sliding out sideways across the road, never a good idea unless you enjoy being completely out of control.

As an aside, Audi used to fit a button in the car to enable you to disable the ABS, plus their system didn't work at speeds below 10mph, enabling the wheels to lock and slowing the car more effectively. This is because a small pile of snow that the locked wheel would cause to form infront of the skidding tyre would help to slow the car.

[Edited by Reffro - 1/8/2003 1:01:38 PM]

 

I reckon you can stop it quicker on packed ice/snow by cadence braking even with ABS. I did a few experiments on some packed ice/snow last night - should have logged them, but basically I could stop in half the distance using cadence. Not ideal, but if you are quick the ABS does not trigger. Once the ABS triggers it is a nightmare to stop. I have 215/45R17s.

[Edited by john banks - 1/8/2003 6:04:33 PM]