'07 KJ Traction Control ROCKS!

slikjr · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:29 am

So, I read articles about the new "Patriot" and how the new traction control on it gives it "almost locker like ability". I was sceptical to say the least but they were from a real 4x4 publisher, not "Car and Driver" who rates a Sante Fe right up there. ahahah

This same system is found on the 2007 Libertys as well! The point... I have a standard cement three steps up to the side door of my house. I used to drive up it with my '02 KJ to show off. Problem being, once the rear tire lifted as a result of the extreme angle, the front would just spin on the pavement, and STOP on the second step just as the rear tire lifted off.

I just did this same thing with my 2007 KJ. Put 'er in 4Lo just like I would with the 02. Only this time, when I got to the point where I would stop before, I felt the ABS kick in which is how the "traction control" works. To my amazement, a lil' throttle and up I went!!! Right to the top. I got out, my back tire was over a foot of the ground!! The traction control had applied the brake so power was sent to the other back end.

Moral of the story, this system ROCKS!! Post your stories of the same thing! I am definately looking forward to trying it out more!

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:33 am

I think you are one of the first that loves the ESP/traction control on the newer KJ's.Glad to hear it's working good for you.

slikjr · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:36 am

The "ESP" (Electronic Stability Program) has a lil' button right on top of the coloum (where the "hazard lights" would be on many other vehicles). You can turn it on and off at will, also when you go 4Lo, it automatically goes off.

The tracton control system however is different from the ESP. It can't be turned off, but from what I see thus far, I would never it to be. SOOO GOOD!

AndySRT · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:37 am

you mean like this? last time i was out we had to stack rocks for the other stockers without it. I dunno I'm still kinda debating weather or not i like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4ZH3rEJKA0

slikjr · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:39 am

ANDY SRT, exactly like that!! I take it that's an o6 or 07 with the traction control?!

AndySRT · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:40 am

yup its my 06 CRD.

TDI4BY · **Joined:** Sun Apr 02, 2006 11:56 pm **Posts:** 644

I love my 06 CRD traction control too. It really helps when wheeling.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:28 am

With the CRD, you would be spinning tires all the time in the wet without it, especially with the stock tires. The torque kicks in at such low RPMs you would be smokin" tires without it :wink:

FastTRX · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:38 am

AndySRT wrote:

you mean like this? last time i was out we had to stack rocks for the other stockers without it. I dunno I'm still kinda debating weather or not i like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4ZH3rEJKA0

I helped Andy get right up that...and he tried numerous other lines that day in his CRD w/ ESP. Surprisingly is made a HUGE difference because I tried the same lines in my 02' and I had trouble. It took more time, patience, and more rock stacking for me to climb in my sport.

When Andy gets the lift and moabs on, his rig should be pretty capable at crawling through certain situations the older KJs will find a bit tougher. I saw it for myself, ESP in action.

jerbacher · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:36 pm

Lets get this straight (sorry to hijack). ESP and traction control are 2 different things right? Whats being dicussed here is the traction control. So, my question is: Whats the difference? If you want this in a new post, just say so and I'll repost.

hooperswish · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:14 pm

I am glad to see someone likes it. I have no complaints, but I have not done any real 4 wheelin yet (this summer). But messing around in the snow I could not make the vehicle go sideways with esp. It tracked well, made adjustments, and basically was very cool....I can't wait to see it in action with traction control and a tire off the ground. So I am guessing a locker is not needed?(obviously not as good as a locker, but sufficient?).

Jeger · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:31 pm

Traction control is part of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system.....its just easier to type ESP. We could use TC but that also means Torque Converter :roll:

Anyhow the 4 wheel traction control probably would be sufficient for most folks...you will certainly go places that a rig with open diffs wont go. It may be all I ever need, but if I do upgrade I will go with the Detroit tru-trac front and rear.

I really like the overall ESP system, but it is a party pooper when you try to do donuts in the snow.

scoobybri · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:31 pm

Traction control is a part of ESP. ESP is the system that assists in keeping the Liberty in a controlled state in slippery conditions and/or emergency maneuvers. This includes controlling the throttle, braking, etc. Traction control is one part of that system. By itself, traction control helps in slippery conditions (on road and off) when one wheel on a drive axle loses traction. It brakes the spinning wheel so that torque is transferred to the other wheel on the axle.

Most people who complain about ESP are not complaining about the traction control portion of the system. They are complaining about the throttle control that limits engine power when the ESP kicks in. And it is mainly those with manual trannys who have this problem.

I love the traction control in my 2007. There's not a place that I haven't been able to get through yet. And the ESP doesn't seem to go off in my Libby unless it's actually needed. YMMV.

jerbacher · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:12 pm

Thanks for the explanation!

06altacrd · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:32 pm

I've found i can still play and spin around in mine, as long as I hit the ESP off button on the column. Haven't reallt "tested" the trac control yet, but was in a small stretch of very heavy, slimy mud, and it pulled thru no prob. Could feel the ABS doing it's thing to slow the tires spinning the most.

Universeman · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:55 pm

Traction controll as good as a locker?

um yep!

I love the TCS/ESP in my jeep and I use it daily much to the demise of my MPG

jcphoto20 · **Joined:** Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:36 am **Posts:** 507

i have a question about the obvious but never talked about downside of this kind of traction control.

how much faster are the brakes worn on a liberty equipped with this?

mine definately predates it, but i still have half life left on front pads with over 50,000 miles and rears gotta be at least 2/3rds left

scoobybri · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:41 pm

I would think that the wear would be marginal. It only activates on occasion and even then, most of it is at slow speed.

Universeman · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:46 pm

in any case disc brake pads are super easy to change.

slikjr · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2007 7:19 pm

Yes, the "Traction Control" is part of the "ESP" (Electronic Stability Program). The ESP will cut throttle so you won't spin your tires or help in correcting a skid and help in preventing them, etc. The "Traction Control" portion is an automatic ABS brake applier. It will apply brake automatically to the tire with the LEAST traction. With an open diff, power goes to the side with the LEAST traction, hence, tires just spin!!

The ESP will turn off automatically when you engage 4Lo, or you can push the botton and turn it off manually. The "Traction Control" portion of the system still remains ACTIVE though. So, when my tire was a foot in the air, brakes were automatically applied to it, hence making more friction on that side thus transferring power to the wheel on the ground which equals GO!

There you have it!! It works great, and I personally love it. No, it is not a locker, however, it works VERY well and comes from factory. Good on ya' Jeep!

'07 KJ Traction Control ROCKS!

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