Is it possible for the dealer to program the ACS to startup in OFF, and let me turn it on ONLY when I want?

 

>>Is it possible for the dealer to program the ACS to startup in OFF, and let me turn it on ONLY when I want?
>>
>>
I'm sure there is, but due to liability, they won't, just flip the flippin switch

X2

 

what does the ASC do? I think I only have DSC in my COOPER S

 

>>what does the ASC do? I think I only have DSC in my COOPER S

ASC (it used to be listed as ASC+T) is All-Season Traction Control.

Oddly enough - I thought exactly the same thing (that my Cooper has DSC only) until just recently. After reading more closely on MINIUSA.com I now understand that DSC includes ASC+T.

Hope this helps. I'm sure someone will let us both know if I'm wrong.


_________________

 

great thanks that sounds about right.

 

What it does, that sometimes annoys me, is cut the engine revs when the drive wheels spin.

Now, on snow and ice, that's great, and what I want.

But, there are times when it happens that I don't want it. Pulling into an intersection, knowing that an oncoming car is far enough away to make it safely, (as long as you do it smartly), then to have the engine revs drop. Now the oncoming car is getting closer, and closer and I'm waiting for the engine revs to pick back up.

In that case, a small tire spin then quick accel up to speed happens faster than the ASC cutting revs, in my opinion anyway.

That's why I'm constantly turning ASC off, I just wanted it to be OFF by default, and turn it ON only when I want it.

 

IMHO, you just have to get used to what it does and doesn't do well. Here are a few stories about my experiences with the DSC (not sure what differences would be noticed with ASC only). In general, it seems that on level, hard-surface roads it allows you to continue moving in the direction you expect to move. It provides control more than anything.

On wet leaves, pulling out from stop:

It had been raining and the roads were wet, plus there were leaves on the ground (not a lot at this particular intersection, but some). I was in a bit of a hurry, so I decided to "go for it" from the T-intersection stop sign and pulled out quickly (turning left) in front of an oncoming car and getting ahead of a car coming up in the same direction I was headed. I felt the front wheels starting to slip and thought "Oh Sh*t! I'm cooked - Dumb move, moron!" - but before I finished the thought (or lifted my foot off the gas pedal) the DSC started compensating and Molly kept pulling hard in the precise direction I wanted to go!!! I was THRILLED!

On gravel on steep grade:

I was pulling into a driveway on a fairly steep grade that had a good bit of loose gravel on it. I started spinning so I let off the gas so I wouldn't throw any stones back on the car. I had created a small rut that was holding me in place, so I let the car coast back slightly and then eased onto the gas again - more spinning. I eased backwards again, only further. eased the gas again, more spinning. Then I remembered the DSC. Of course, each time there was spinning the ASC kicked in and stopped me dead. I turned off DSC, eased back, eased on the gas and went!

On snow on marginal grade:

My gravel driveway is on a hill - I have grown accustomed to turning the DSC off to make it into my garage - the braking/engine cutting is too much for maintaining forward motion up a hill. I need to permit some amount spin in order to continue progressing up the hill without losing momentum. Otherwise, I'll get stuck in the middle of the hill every time.

Since 90% + of my driving is on hard-surface roads - I tend to leave it on. I feel that I have gotten to a comfort level with knowing when it is helpful and when it isn't. My guess is that is what most folks will need to do.

_________________
<img src="http://www.imagestation.com/picture/....gif">

 

I believe the ASC is on its on fuse - just find that and pull it :smile: