Does "Ice mode" occur on base model 350Z's?
 

Maybe this is a stupid question but I was curious if anyone had experienced the ABS lock and hard pedal condition in a base model 350z. The reason I ask is because these models did not come with VDC or traction control but they did come with ABS. I am wondering if the condition is caused by all or some of the systems interacting and if the absence of two of the three (possibly more) would not cause the car to go in to "Ice Mode"; although, from reading through several threads on this topic, there seem to be many factors that cause this condition. I have not seen mention of it being specific any models in particular but I have a square setup on my car and that seems to be more prone to "Ice Mode".

Being that I am the owner of a 2003 Base model 350Z I would like some input before making any changes to the car or before relegating it to street duties. I have tracked the car a couple of times already but I have no where near the experience, skill nor talent to push the car to its limits where I tend to see the issue be more prevelant. There are solutions to the issue that remove the ABS system but I would still like to keep this car suited for commuter purposes.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated :thumbup:

Hard pedal, yes. A couple of times over 8+ years of tracking....a lot.

ABS only kicks in when I brake hard enough that I would expect it.

I am on my third (Including the original) ABS control module though.

In my experience, the base model Z usually runs out of brakes (particularly the rear) long before "ice mode" would be a factor. The smaller brake rotors and pads don't have nearly the heat capacity for extended heat cycles. As your driving skills improve and speeds increase, you'll usually encounter a soft pedal (and smoking brakes) before too long.

I doubt it is the brakes, many of us have got ice mode with aftermarket BBK's, but my car is an 03 touring. When I get back to my car I may have to try an ECU flash, I think I can flash it with UpRev to a base ECU.

I really think my ABS will be gone soon.

How do you know the ABS module needs to be replaced? Pardon the phrasing but is it "catastrophic" failure of the module while the car is in use or is it a gradual failure? Not that mine is out but I am just curious how you knew to change your module out.

What would the ECU flash to the base model do? Is that for reasons other than ABS issues?

It would remove TCS/VDC from my ECU.

If you have changed tire sizes without maintaining the stock diameter ratio between front and rear, it will be one extra thing that can contribute to confusing ABS.

I have changed mine to a square setup of 265/35R18... I don't imagine I'll have any issues on track but come Feb 1st I'll find out for sure.

What track?

I, at least to my own knowledge, believe I have experience it once at Buttonwillow coming into a bumpy braking zone, and braking late. Pedal got stiff, got didn't really stop so I just shot the car off the track.

07 base model

Yikes. I am going to Streets of Willow. I have driven there before, both CW and CCW but I realize that my new setup changes everything. I'll try to get in car vids and post them here as soon as I can.

Streets, the only prob I have had with ice mode is the braking coming out of 1 and into 2 , the pavement sucks there. I did some high speed off-roading there all the way to an embankment a while back.

I don't get ice mode often. The most I notice the ice mode in my base model (Stoptech BBK front only) is when I have a fair amount of steering input before I brake. There is a section at my local track that requires a heavy trail brake right turn followed by an immediate sharp left where you have to brake again. Its the left turn that'll give me ice mode.

I am on my second ABS module.

The first time manifested itself when I tried to start the car in my garage. I had experienced no issues up to the point I parked it the night before. But this morning the car wouldn't start or even attempt to turn over.

I thought the mechanic was full of it when he told me my ABS module was the cause. But he disconnected the massive connector to the ABS control module and then easily started my car and let it purr at idle. (Every warning light on the dash was lit up, but it ran fine.) Just to be sure, I turned the car off, reconnected the module and...dead. (Apparently shorted out the car's control bus when connected)

That was the first time.

The second time, I noticed noises coming from the control module when I parked the car. (years after the first replacement) I tried disconnecting the battery overnight and thought it was ok. But only a few short days later it started poltergeisting again whilst parked and turned off.

I replaced that module with a salvaged unit.

I am seriously considering deleting the ABS and installing some sort of biasing valve if it acts up again.

Heres mine.

Raybestos ST45/43 setup non brembo calipers, hankook RS3

terrasmak- Thanks for the heads up. I am no where near as fast as you are but I'll have my GoPro recording the entire day so if anything arises i'll post it here

Z1NONLY- I'll keep that in mind should my car poltergeist or fail to start. I don't track the car too often but plan on getting out more this year.

crZydave & SE5spd- Thanks for the vids and comments.

Drove Streets of Willow in the CCW configuration yesterday with no issues. Ran a 1:36.857 (go easy on me, it's my second track day) best for the day.

I'll post the vid, once I edit it, on to the lap times database for your viewing pleasure. :thumbup:

You have to start somewhere, I sure as hell wasn't fast when I started. Never run the track backwards but I believe the times are close in each direction. Your time, probably put you mid pack average of everyone out there, a good place to be.

so true, when I started tracking a few years ago I would NEVER have thought I could run the times I do right now, it just didnt seem logical to go that fast, and right now I feel like im too slow! :icon14:

just keep at it!

Got a few more track days coming up so I'm keepin at it for sure!

I've been tracking my base model for about 4 years now and have not encountered "Ice Mode". I have run the stock single piston calipers and the Brembos. I am not sure if it indeed does have to do with the VDC and all that or not. My ABS works fine and kicks in when you would expect it to. I am on my 2nd ABS module too.