Launch control, what a JOKE..

[sym]

What you describe sounds like the TC intervening not spark plug issues.

Maybe all of the AWD guys should open a claim with Kia. Of enough people complain they may issue a bulletin to fix whatever is causing the issues.

I'm not that upset about it. It's still nauseatingly fast if you do it right.

I was under the impression that the launch control sequence disables traction control though. I have noticed that if any of the wheels slip badly when traction control is on the whole car loses power for what seems like forever.

 

[Ucinn]

At the strip, will you have time to push the button for 3 seconds and initiate the launch control after you stage?

Can you pre-stage, push the T/C button, then creep up to stage without disabling the launch? Been a many years since I've raced at the strip, but this has me wondering...? I need to play around with this.

No, you put it in sport, turn off Traction control and AIG before you even get on the track...once you stage, wait for the first yellow and mash the pedal, it goes into LC and on the last yellow, let go of the brake.


LC isn't showing off. at the line is where a lot of drag races are won or lost.

 

[MerlintheMad]

@Kamauxx: Issues, what issues? "Just DRIVE the damn car. Don't try and stand it on its bloody ear!"

 

[Kamauxx]

I'm not that upset about it. It's still nauseatingly fast if you do it right.

I was under the impression that the launch control sequence disables traction control though. I have noticed that if any of the wheels slip badly when traction control is on the whole car loses power for what seems like forever.

I don't think it disabled it completely. It says it's off but I'm pretty sure there's still a bit of nannying happening inside the computer.

 

[Kamauxx]

At the strip, will you have time to push the button for 3 seconds and initiate the launch control after you stage?

Can you pre-stage, push the T/C button, then creep up to stage without disabling the launch? Been a many years since I've raced at the strip, but this has me wondering...? I need to play around with this.

Yes, you can drive around with it disabled if you like. Once you turn it off it remains that way until you turn it back on or restart the car.

First push is for traction control. The second is for stability control, fyi.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Btw, I see all you all using the term "traction control". The manual says, ESC (electronic stability control). Same thing, right?

I have not (in over three months since getting the car) touched the "ESC" button. I see no need to lobotomize it; unless (or until) I try out the launch feature. That may never happen unless I deliberately arrange for a venue to deliberately try it out just to see what it does. The ESC is part of all the drive modes. In Sport it functions to arrange power and brakes to all the wheels individually according to the information being sent to "command control" So unless you actually engage the launch, it is pointless to turn ESC off. You won't get any benefit with it off when you "DRIVE the damn car." The AWD is designed to use the ESC. You will get maximum performance with ESC engaged (except for during launch, when the car resorts to a different set of parameters to create rapid acceleration in lieu of driver input; NOT driving the damn car, but hoping the "system" will "stand it on its bloody ear" for you). If you apply rapid but controlled, even reserved or moderate throw of the gas pedal in the first instant of acceleration, this should get you to c. 20 mph in a jiffy, at which point the turbos are doing their thing, and then you just finish pushing to the floor. Use the manual gate and paddle shifters to keep it in first gear to c. 6K rpm, thus getting maximum benefit out of first gear. From that point its driving by ear, shift at the same note each gear to the end of the quarter. See? I know how to do this. I'd get smoked, of course. But I'd catch on quickly (if I wanted to beat up my new ride, which I don't; but talking about it is fun). Just ditch the launch. It sounds like it's only for people who want to take off fast but don't trust themselves to learn how to do it right.

 

[Kamauxx]

@Kamauxx: Issues, what issues? "Just DRIVE the damn car. Don't try and stand it on its bloody ear!"

Dude, don't expect everyone to do what you do, like what you like, or feel how you feel.

If my posts don't pertain to you just ignore them, no harm no foul. I'm talking to the people who DO want to use LC.

 

[Kamauxx]

Btw, I see all you all using the term "traction control". The manual says, ESC (electronic stability control). Same thing, right?

One push of the button and a notification pops up that says "Traction control disabled". Hold it down and a notification pops up that says "traction and stability control disabled".

 

[MerlintheMad]

Dude, don't expect everyone to do what you do, like what you like, or feel how you feel.

If my posts don't pertain to you just ignore them, no harm no foul. I'm talking to the people who DO want to use LC.

I like your posts, a lot.

 

[MerlintheMad]

One push of the button and a notification pops up that says "Traction control disabled". Hold it down and a notification pops up that says "traction and stability control disabled".

Interesting. The manual says nothing at all about Traction Control, at least I haven't seen anything. Thanks for the info. (edit: what the heck is the difference between them?)

 

[Kamauxx]

Interesting. The manual says nothing at all about Traction Control, at least I haven't seen anything. Thanks for the info. (edit: what the heck is the difference between them?)

Good question. I have no clue.

*edit: Just found a pretty good explanation.

Both the traction control and stability control systems utilize speed sensors from the ABS brake systems. If the sensors detect that the wheels are not gripping correctly, traction control will use the brake system to slow the speed of the vehicle or reduce power to the wheels to slow the vehicle and restore grip.

Stability control will use the ABS speed sensors along with its own steering wheel angle sensor and yaw rate sensor to check the rate of understeer and oversteer being used. It will then apply the brakes or throttle to the wheels so that the driver can regain control.

Difference Between Traction Control & Stability Control

 

[DaJackson]

Traction Control = keeeps the wheels from spinning in a straight line.

Stability Control = keeps the car from spinning.

 

[mldavis2]

The torque curve is down around 2500 rpm, not a full throttle throttle slam. Hold RPM at 2500 with traction control and you'll avoid the computer from trying to "save" the car with excessive throttle. When you dump the power you don't want to be at the top end of the torque curve, you want to be at the sweet spot at the bottom. You can't lay full throttle power down from a stop anyway, you need to drive into it.

 

[Ucinn]

I can't get it to hold the rpm's at 2500.. it won't go above 2000 even when brake torquing it in comfort mode. there is a limiter in there somewhere that is keeping this from happening at all times. If someone knows how to get it up to 2500 or 3k, I'm all ears.

 

[DiabloStinger]

This post cracks me up. I need to try the launch control but need a damn airstrip to do so... with no cops around.

 

[DiabloStinger]

I can't get it to hold the rpm's at 2500.. it won't go above 2000 even when brake torquing it in comfort mode. there is a limiter in there somewhere that is keeping this from happening at all times. If someone knows how to get it up to 2500 or 3k, I'm all ears.

SPORT MODE should be used.

 

[Ucinn]

Sport mode still won't go above 2000, custom won't either.

 

[Ucinn]

I'm going to try it with the stability control on, then i'll even try it with traction control on, but I'm not liking my chances of getting it over 2000

 

[Kamauxx]

I've tried a bunch of different combinations and never got it above 2100. I don't think it's possible.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Hmm! Now I don't comprehend what you guys are talking about. What are you doing that the car is limiting to 2-2,500 rpm? (edit: I will hazard a guess: you are holding the brake pedal down during launch "wind up" and watching the tach to get the rpms up as high as they'll go before releasing the brake?)