Excessive Wheelspin on takeoff in the wet..

[OilBurna]

Guys and Gals,

have a TDi wagon (103kw version) seems that if I want to takeoff reasonably quickly I get excessive wheelspin and axle tramp in the wet before the traction control cuts in, ie for what seems like 1 / 2 seconds. Is this anything to do with the electronic differential lock. Anyone other TDi owners had the same experience??

In the wife's Merc (also FWD) the traction control seems to cut in a lot quicker and no axle tramp, it has a lot less power and torque though. Is it a case of the diesel torque overwhelming the electronics before the brain kicks in?

tyres are still pretty much brand new - Dunlop SP Sports.

[DAN682]

I got one of these:

http://www.goapr.com.au/products/engine_mount_insert.html

It fixed the axle tramp feel and is easy to install.

[guthrie]

My 103kW sedan does exactly the same. I even have the wider 18" tyres as part of the sport suspension package and it still does it... The traction control seems pretty crude at best.

My work car (Mitzi 380) doesnt seem as bad and it puts down 170kW through the front wheels

[theplanner]

I reckon the tires may have a part in the wheel spin. The first day I took delivery of my R36, I took it around a corner at speed (not excessive and have done so in other less capable cars which performed better) it understeer quite significantly. My conclusion is the tires. The dunlops. I definitely wont be replacing the same ones.

The understeering just felt like the tires werent gripping to the ground as they should. I have only ever experienced such understeering on wet roads and the road was not wet.

[craigy]

Does the Passat have a W button? Using it on my GT TDI makes a big difference in the wet.

[OilBurna]

thanks guys suspect that may be part of the problem along with the EDL and the traction control...

[Mischa]

the axle tramp is due to sloppy engine mounts designed to increase comfort and decrease fibration.

[OilBurna]

fibration hehehehhehe?

the merc doesn't do it... once again prob has about half the torque.

[rark]

Does the Passat have a W button? Using it on my GT TDI makes a big difference in the wet.

From memory , the W button stands for Winter, and starts the car in 3rd gear to avoid wheel slip in wet/icy/snowing conditions.

[Mischa]

From memory , the W button stands for Winter, and starts the car in 3rd gear to avoid wheel slip in wet/icy/snowing conditions.

lol you wouldnt be able to start the car in 3rd gear without destroying your clutch(es). it just restricts the torque so you accelerate slower.

[vw50]

Passat 103kw wheel spin

Hi Burner:

Funny you should mention this. I too found out in the recent wet weather the same situation, especially if turning from a stop into a hill. I spoke to CCC service, and they said its normal. The wheels will lose grip for a brief period before the TC kicks in. Just have to adjust the right foot!!! It does not seem to be an excessive period of time. Once again, ensure tyre presuure is correct( 3 I run on Conties which are a great bit of rubber.

VW50.

[Preen59]

Yeah i have the same problem with my TDI caddy. Luckily i have an additional traction control system.

I've installed it in the drivers seat and it runs from the top of my head to the tip of my right foot.

[qsilverza]

Well in lots of other cars W is winter mode and in the manual it says it starts off from third. May well be different with the DSG boxes.

[richdave]

have a TDi wagon (103kw version) seems that if I want to takeoff reasonably quickly I get excessive wheelspin and axle tramp in the wet before the traction control cuts in, ie for what seems like 1 / 2 seconds. Is this anything to do with the electronic differential lock. Anyone other TDi owners had the same experience??

the 125kw also does this... No. 2 fatal flaw in an otherwise surperb car!

3 strikes and ya out!

[R36 Dreamer]

Well in lots of other cars W is winter mode and in the manual it says it starts off from third. May well be different with the DSG boxes.

I agree with you - My Saab had winter mode (W Button) and it started the car in 2nd or 3rd gear to avoid wheel spin.

Assume the VW would do the same thing - though my r36 doesn't have the W button.