You are correct the abs noise is normal because it's using the abs to apply brakes to the wheel that's is sipping in hope that the power will be transfured to the non slipping wheel. When slipping on ice the traction control go's nuts because it can't find a wheel with traction to transfer too. So yes when it's really bad out your better off to turn off the traction control. The traction control works well one wheel may be stuck in snow/mud and the other drive wheel is not so the power can be transfered to that wheel and pull you out.

 

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