I just picked up an 08 2.2 LS with the Auto trans, it has traction crtl, but there is no trac defeat switch on the dash panel, is there another way to defeat it? or..should I buy a new dash facia with the how for the switch and a switch?
Thanks

 

The only way to cancel traction control is by putting the trans in low or pulling up on the parking brake

 

Pulling the handbrake slightly WILL disengage all traction control to the point of sliding. It doesn't even have to feel engaged, if you do it right, like stuff a coat or something under the handbrake and then disengage it. Don't know how that will effect your brakes in the long run, but if you like slip n slides in Alaska, you'll love the ride HHR gives you without traction.

The reason I know this is only because I didn't have any traction on less than 1 inch of fresh powder. My hubby for whatever reason, drove it to his work, applied the handbreak, later failed to completely disengage the handbreak all the way down.

 

I'm trying to think of a good reason you'd want to disable it.


I got nothing.

 

It automatically applies the brakes for you, costing gas mileage. I don't need it, learned to drive fine without it. Also, if you wanna do burnouts, you must disable traction control.
Almost silly to have it on a FWD vehicle anyway.

 

I learned to drive with no air bags, seatbelts, traction control, anti lock brakes, tire air pressure monitoing system and have so far survived 45 years without any accidents. In the past, while growing up in upstate NY, I drove in all sorts of weather. These things have been added to cars because today's drivers do not have the skills to drive a car without them. These addons just run the initial costs of the car up, and the cost of repairs when these things fail. Today's cars with the drive by wire systems are nearly unrepairable unless you have the computer facilities that can determine what the problem is.

I'm really glad my '06 came through with no traction control, anti lock brakes, Onstar, or tire pressure monitoring features.

 

It only applies brakes when your tires are spinning. Seems like that would save you gas? If you just want to lay down some rubber, OK I get that. I don't see the point in running down perfectly good tires, but I get it. Chriping and smokin the front tire is cool I guess.

Come on, just because you can remember before power steering (I can too) doesn't mean these things are not beneficial. I've never hit another car, but ABS has saved me from disaster a few times on wet roads. I'm glad to have it. Driving skills makes up for a lot, but you can't count on the guy next to you not doing something stupid. If the car can prevent that, I'm all for it.

 

[QUOTE=wxman;428739]It only applies brakes when your tires are spinning. Seems like that would save you gas? If you just want to lay down some rubber, OK I get that. I don't see the point in running down perfectly good tires, but I get it. Chriping and smokin the front tire is cool I guess.
QUOTE]

Ever get one stuck? Sometimes traction control hampers getting unstuck. Other then that, it's only fun with rear-drive

 

I thought all 2008 hhrs with traction control had the button to disable it - no button = no traction control.

 

I had a 2006 Impala SS with traction control. If you stomped on it to get going, you would end up wrestling with the wheel, almost like a torque steer problem. It was from the brakes being repeatedly applied from right to left. I find it ironic that anything named "traction control" would cause you lose control. The folks at GM also admitted that many had problems with traction control on RWD models as well.