That term as shown up a couple times in topics (mainly in topics about VDC). From what I could understand, most of the time it’s basically the VDC system throwing a malfunction code and shutting down. Hardly a normal programming feature. Has anybody has details on that behavior?

Driving my Z in cold conditions (with the ICE warning ON) with summer tires on, it feels like the TCS is more permissive. Wheels spin is obviously easier to achieve, but it also last longer. That is with part throttle opening (second gear, 40-60% throttle). With our TCS system based on a slip ratio front vs rear, different grip levels should not affect it. Could it be that the Z does have an ICE mode? Or am I imagining things?

 

I don't know about an "Ice Mode", as in a different set of parameters that the VDC operates under when the "Icy" warning has been tripped, but it IS normal behavior programmed into it for it to shut down under very slippery conditions where massive wheelspin is detected. I recall reading about it in my '03 service manual. The reason for this is b/c sometimes you need to spin the tires like crazy to get anywhere in snow or ice, at which point VDC will be a hinderance, so if the system detects such behavior, it will shut down entirely (slip and VDC lights come on and stay on) and the system will not restart until the car is restarted. This is the same behavior exhibited as turning off the VDC via the button, then doing some donuts to make the lights come on and completely shut it down, as discussed in some of the VDC disable threads.

 

I feel the summer stock tires grip, truly is compromised in icy conditions (temp. below 38 degrees). I haven't read anything about the VDC system throwing a code and changing the a/f ratios.

If the car is not equipped with VDC the car will continue to slide in a burn out (fish tail) or within a turn when throttle induced over-steer is implemented. Traction control will do little to reduces the output if the grip is compromised equally in both rear tires since TC works on different measurements.

edit errr. mustgofastR u the man

 

'Ice' shows up only when the temps are 37 or lower. I think your VDC/TCS is acting up because the tires are cold and not gripping as well. The digital readout is a warning to let you know that you should probably change your driving habits compared to warmer, drier conditions.

Besides, the Potenzas are crap when it's that cold. It's like driving the Flintstone mobile when they're cold. I can't wait to replace them with something better like KDW's.

 

stupid double posts....

I will add that since I got a winter beater, I don't really worry about cold weather driving anymore. The Z is just not really fun to drive when it's that cold out. I'm sure some of you who are driving it now in the Midwest and Northeast know what I mean.

 

"Ice mode" is when the ABS system cuts off the power assist to the brakes because the application of the brakes caused one or more tires to instantly quit rotating.

It has nothing to do with VDC, "Icy" indicator, or anything other than the ABS.

 

Anyone notice how incredibly easy it is to spin the wheels when the road is slightly wet? It rained the other night, and I came to a stop sign... I *thought* I accelerated "normally" yet the wheels spun easily... I was like whoa... heh. Love my Z!