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2004 Prius - Was VSC Offered? Problem on Ice?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by pekoe1111, Sep 23, 2008.

  1. pekoe1111

    pekoe1111 New Member

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    I live in VT and recently bought a 2004 Prius, with what looks like all options (side airbags, Bluetooth, Nav., etc.)

    I have heard that either traction control or vehicle stability control causes the power to be cut when you are on ice or slippery snow - making drivers extremely unhappy.

    Do 2004s have TC and VSC?

    Thanks,

    BB
     
    #1 pekoe1111, Sep 23, 2008
  2. Presto

    Presto Has his homepage set to PC

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    TC is what people complain about, but it is most often confused with VSC. Proper winter tires are the way to go. TC is a standard 'feature' in all 2nd Gen Prius.
     
    #2 Presto, Sep 23, 2008
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    The sensitivity of the TC was changed apparently in the '06 or '07 MY and it isn't as aggressive as it is on my '04.
     
    #3 efusco, Sep 23, 2008
  4. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    The 2004 in Canada came with TC as standard, and VSC as an option. This may not be helpful to someone in Vermont, but at least you know it's possible to have one without the other.
     
    #4 hyo silver, Sep 23, 2008
  5. pekoe1111

    pekoe1111 New Member

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    So the goal is to not spin the tires, which activates the TC?

    Efusco - Your sig. has all-time miles. How do I find that in my trip computer?

    BB
     
    #5 pekoe1111, Sep 23, 2008
  6. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Yes,

    You don't, you have to track manually.
     
    #6 efusco, Sep 23, 2008
  7. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Well actually, all-time miles is on the odometer. Just press the "Odo/trip" button until you see the odometer readout. All-time MPG is not kept by the cars' electronics. ;)

    You can minimize your TC problems with good winter tires. I put on Nokian WR tires so I wouldn't have to change wheels twice a year. They work very well.

    I understood the TC was "desensitized" in mid 2005. It apparently can't be "reprogrammed". If you want it changed they have to change the module.
     
    #7 David Beale, Sep 23, 2008
  8. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    Mine does. It beeps at me when it thinks I'm skidding.
     
    #8 kenmce, Sep 25, 2008
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Do check the KB for the list of Prius options if you want to find out what you have.
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Sep 25, 2008
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