[HED]

Okay, that’s interesting. I just bought mine in July and this is my first winter with it. So I’ve been doing some experimental driving (playing, really) in the snow and ice here. The only lag/clunking I get is when the traction control and StabiliTrak kick in. And it seems to be, like you said, about 2 seconds. But if I disable TC and ST, power distribution is near instantaneous. That’s what makes me think it’s like every other AWD system and just changes % distribution as needed. Why did you have to change your driveshaft?

 

[Traxy]

Now there's an other question, does deactivating traction control also deactivate stabilitrak?

Why did you have to change your driveshaft?

At certain speeds the steady bearing was making screeching noises only a teacher could stand. There was no vibration and wasn't even loose or had any play but the noise just had to go, I could not stand it. So bought a new one late fall and had it installed. Drove 8 months without it, never had a trouble light come "ON".

 

[Traxy]

I've been looking for that 80-20% you were writing about and I can't find any mention of this anywhere in GM manuals. Do you remember where you read this?

 

[HED]

Now there's an other question, does deactivating traction control also deactivate stabilitrak?

No, but deactivating ST does deactivate TC.
Press/release to deactivate TC. TC Off lights solid + message.
Press/hold (15ish seconds) to deactivate both. TC and ST lights solid + message.

 

[Traxy]

I don't think it works like that on my 2016 but I will try it. Thanks.

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle, that's how it works all right, I keep learning stuff about this machine all the time, I've only had it for like 5 years, all I had to do is read the manual from end to end I suppose. Kinda pisses me off though, not knowing this. Thanks for this, I owe you one...Maybe we can have a fine bourbon together someday when all this pandemic is over and behind us.

Page 22 right there in black on white

After trying this and going for a ride I noticed unfortunately that at about 30mph ( 50Kph ) Stabilitrak turns back "ON", bummer. But good to know just the same. T/C stays "OFF" though.

 

[Traxy]

Press/hold (15ish seconds) to deactivate both.

4.55 seconds according to the video timeline lol

 

[HED]

Sometimes you just have to turn all that stuff off to get unstuck the old fashioned way. Mine takes 15-20 seconds. I have a much different cluster too; not as colorful either. Nothing beats a bourbon and a good cigar!

 

[mbc230]

I've been looking for that 80-20% you were writing about and I can't find any mention of this anywhere in GM manuals. Do you remember where you read this?

Well I have to chime in guys as I am wondering the same thing that Traxy mentioned. I thought the AWD system is exactly what it means AWD. I have never heard the system kick in an out as this was my first winter with mine as well. I am curious is it really 80/20 or is it the on demand AWD system. It sounds to me it is on demand from reading all of Traxy's information. I have a Cadillac CTS 4 AWD and it is 80/20 as it is rear wheel drive. I guess GM is selling us false hope if it is truly on demand. I like true AWD like my Caddy.

 

[HED]

I can't find any specifics anywhere. Traxy has service manuals that leave as many questions as answers, for me anyway. I too thought it would be quite a risky (legally speaking) bait-and-switch for GM to sell something marketed as an AWD when in reality it may be less than. I do know there are at least four variants in this video that Subaru uses. I assumed (quite possibly incorrectly) that GM/Trax used something similar to one shown. On a 4x4, the front and rear axles evenly split the torque between front and rear axles. The axles' differential decides which tire(s) get the torque. Since AWDs use a center differential, torque can be distributed between front and rear as the manufacturer sees fit and/or automatically in the same way that the axle diff operates. I think Subaru likes the 80/20% as standard. But as slippage dictates, those numbers can swap or change to anything in between, again, at the manufacturer's discretion. All I know for sure is that this topic is giving me a headache.

 

[HED]

This Chevy commercial describes their system the same way as the second method shown in this video. I mean, these two videos are kind of old; things may have since changed, but I'm inclined to defer to what Traxy has been saying all along.

 

[Traxy]

Yes, that commercial clearly states what I've been saying all along It is front wheel drive until it request assist then goes back to front wheel drive.

 

[HED]

Sorry I ever doubted you, brother! I feel scammed. I mean, it still works, but still...

When you turned off the ST, did that lag you mentioned and/or the slam of the rear being activated go away?

 

[Traxy]

Didn't notice anything, but never got wheel spin to test that part. Suppose to snow tomorrow maybe I'll play with it a little.

 

[HED]

Earlier I said it felt instantaneous and smooth when they were disabled. Now I’m wondering if that’s because I had ST disabled; if the AWD even works without it. Pulled out of my parking spot and through 5-6” of unplowed lot with no problems. Gonna have to try it again while someone watches my wheels.

 

[mbc230]

So I had a loaner when my Trax was in for service and it was a FWD LT model. I noticed the gas mileage is three miles off from the AWD version. I only get 24 MPG in mine, but the loaner I had got 27 MPG. So I feel there is difference with the MPG for sure, but I am with HED and feel like it is misrepresentation of what AWD actually is. It should be called "OAWD" On-Demand All Wheel Drive" as I like true AWD. What do you think of the AWD system Traxy?

 

[HED]

It should be called "OAWD" On-Demand All Wheel Drive" as I like true AWD.

Or perhaps TOAWD; Temporary On-Demand All Wheel Drive, 😂

 

[Traxy]

It should be called "OAWD" On-Demand All Wheel Drive" as I like true AWD. What do you think of the AWD system Traxy?

Most people get around just fine with just front wheel drive. Having rear wheel assistance when you need it just lets you go on further than you would have had you just had FWD, you may even make it home. This is the 5th winter and haven't gotten stuck yet not even close and I live on a pretty steep hill. So it does the job well.

 

[Flyinfool]

What you say is all true, Lots of people get around just fine with FWD, but it is more dificult, I have never got stuch with the Trax either, but it still is not great in the snow. If the snow is bad I still take my 4x4 because 4x4 beats the heck out of any AWD.

 

[Traxy]

People put way too wide winter tires on their Trax, sure it looks good but.... The best size is 195/75R16 Bridgestone Blizzak and you'll cut through snow like a hot knife through butter. I bet you 95% of people have 215/65-16

 

[mbc230]

People put way too wide winter tires on their Trax, sure it looks good but.... The best size is 195/75R16 Bridgestone Blizzak and you'll cut through snow like a hot knife through butter. I bet you 95% of people have 215/65-16

I am not a fan of Bridgestone tires as I have them on my 3/4 ton diesel 4 x 4 and well they are not what I thought. I prefer Goodyear or Pirelli Tires. It is all a matter of opinion though so to each there own.