Good day to you,

Could someone perhaps clarify for me?

I own a 2004 Facelift Discovery2 V8 with CDL as standard. We have found that, in sand and dunes, the Electronic Traction control does not work too well, especially climbing dunes.(slows you down) I have heard that you are able to "disengage" the ETC totally by engaging the CDL prior to ignition. Is this true?

Alternatively, is there any way that the ETC can be switched on and off during travel by way of a modification or kit?

Any assistance with this will be highly appreciated.

 

So your truck doesn't like to play in the sand? Have you driven 5000 pounds thru sand before? What size tires are you running? Did you air down your tires before hitting the sand? Were you locked up when playing in the sand?
First of all, airing down to 18 pounds of air, even on the 18 " wheels is really necessary. You should lock you CDL so that you have even po wer to boththe front and rear wheels. Granted, yes the ETC will still try and control you traction but when locked it can only controol power from the left to the right tire on each axle, not front to rear.
Yes you can turn off you ETC and ABS, but I wouldn't suggest you do this until you get alot of hours off the road or you may get into more problems. Do you live in an area where there are 4wheel clubs, if so go play with them and see what your truck can do first then work on making little changes as you learn.
Mike

 

Good day to you, Mike

Running 18". 255/55 . Tyres were deflated. CDL engaged. No problem driving in the sand as such.What we did find in chasing up really high dunes, is that the ETC will grab left and right more often than not (could be the composition of the dune) and slows the vehicle down - as momentum is needed in some cases to carry me over the top of the dune, the ETC now takes that away, and leaves me running out of steam -

Could you perhaps tell me if the ETC will "disengage" if I would lock up the Disco II prior to ignition? Also, if you are willing to share your expertise on how one could " turn off" the ETC from time to time? I would like to experiment with this - I promise I will not do anything silly.

At this point, I would like to thank you for your time and assistance.

 

PM me your tele number and a time to call you and I'll be glad to walk you thru it.
Mike

 

Good day to you, Mike.

I should have mentioned - I stay in Cape Town, South Africa.

I could never expect you to call me. I would like to ask your permission if it will be OK to send you my e-mail address. Maybe you could be so kind as to explain the process that way? If not - I understand.

Thank you again, and regards.

 

Yes, you are a long ways away.
First of all, 18" wheels are terrible in sand, if you ever decide to upgrade consider going to 16" wheels, better ride, stronger, last longer and cost less.
As for the ABS and T/C, it can be disengaged by ingageing the CDL before you start the engine. You will notice warning lights that will come on when doing this and they will reset when you disengage the CDL before turning off the engine.
Mike

 

Good day to you, Mike

Thank you for your assistance. I will try these options.

You are right in saying I need to go to 16" - that is the ONLY option when going off-road. I just have too much thread on my 18's at the moment to change now and will drive them for another 15 000 miles or so. But change, I will. Thank you again for taking the time to assist me. I greatly appreciate it.