Traction Unpredictability

[Zbird78]

Has anyone else found the 2001 IS300 with 16" all-seasons, and limited-slip to have really unpredictable handling in bad weather?

I live up near Boston most of the year, and I've had my IS for about 2 /2 years now. On dry pavement, I've found the traction and handling of the car to be excellent, but as I wrote in another post, God help me in the rain or snow! The tires will lose traction on turns, suddenly causing a fishtail and the ABS kicks in when I'm going 3 miles an hour, pulling into a parking space if there's even a dusting of snow (like last night, before today's blizzard hit). This my first car with ABS, and it seems like it's actually lengthening my breaking distance instead of shortening it!

Any advice would be great. you can also email me at zbird78@aol.com

[bartkat]

Is it ABS or TRAC kicking in? On any slick surface you have to use a much lighter touch on the gas and the brakes. ABS will kick in if it detects any wheel not turning. TRAC will kick in if it detects a rear wheel spinning.

2001 models had some TSB's that called for reflashing the ECU.

TC002-03 MAY 03 Engine Controls - ECM Reset Memory Function

EG003R-01 NOV 02 Engine Controls - Poor Throttle Response/Downshift Time

EG005-02 OCT 02 Engine Controls - Harsh 2nd to 3rd Gear A/T Upshift

SS001-01 MAR 01 ECU - Flash Reprogramming Process

One or more of those may affect your car.

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/31/01310815.html