996 Newbie - Traction Question

Hi guys, recently purchased a 996 C2 from Hartech (Silver "R" plate on their website) I was just wondering if it is "vital" that a C2 has traction control as the one I have purchased hasn't, will I have to take it easier than normal?? I'm used to FWD or 4WD VW's/Audi's (as you can tell by my username!) rather than RWD, I'm not one to "thrash" around all the time but occaionally want to open the taps a little and feel confidence in the car underneath me. Cheers Stu

Hi Stugolf, welcome to the forum! Many of us on here have graduated from VWs and Audis and some of us still keep them. First off, traction control is standard equipment on all 996s and you can't switch this off. I think you maybe referring to PSM which is an advanced form of traction control which automatically inputs steering wheel control as well as brakes when things start to get a bit hairy. On C2s from MY2000, this was an option whilst on all C4 cars it was standard. I think you might have to take a little easier than normal in wet and slippery conditions. Though having said that, many people on here who don't have PSM seem quite happy to be without and those with PSM say they wouldn't ever turn it off! ~ Maxie

Hi Maxie nope, he is definately referring to Traction Control, it is not standard on all 996's, only those made from 1999 onwards Mine is a 1998 model and has zero driver aids at all, apart from ABS. PSM is optional, as you say on the later models. But the first year of production 996's like mine do not have traction control at all. And yes, in the wet, or even slightly damp, they will spin if you floor them (or even half floor them) from as little as 20mph, can be quite hairy, but its taught me a lot about the car VERy quickly! So treat it with respect and is fine, mine is very docile now I know how to use it a bit more (after 6 months, still learning!) Superb cars, I love it! The fact it can be a handful in the wet makes me enjoy the challenge more! and in the dry its superb! Enjoy, yours is a 1998 too! Kind Regards Edward

Apologies for hijacking this thread but I thought my 2001 996 didn't have traction control. I'm sure it hasn't got PSM. Is there a way of seeing if it has got traction control?

Hi Tedzwedz - I stand corrected. As someone once said on this forum, this place is an education! ~ Maxie

No worries Maxie, your virtually correct anyway, the vast majority of 996's have Traction Control, its just the very 1st year 1998 that doesnt, rather like the orange lights etc. Its rather fun being able to go sideways at low speeds anyway, I once slid sideways around half of a deserted big Wandsworth Roundabout accross three lanes in a controlled slide!! Re the later 996 UFO, you will have traction control, just not PSM

Thanks Guys, I will be taking it easier in the damp just wondered how they handled as I heard there very good in the dry and good in the wet

Mine hasn't got any driver aids either but my mate has a 1998 c2 with PSM, must have been an option on his. TB

It must be Traction Control, not PSM. My 98 C2 had TC. PSM could only be fitted to cars with eGas (M620) which was introduced on the 996 C4.

Richard, Out of interest, how did you know it had TC? Ian

It had a switch on the dash and a light on the cluster. You should also be able to identify it by option code M222 on the sticker.

Thanks for the reply. I'll check tomorrow but from memory I don't have a dash switch for TC so I doubt it is standard on the C2 2001.

Yes, but TC was only fitted as an option to cars with mechanical throttle. Your 2001 will have eGas, and PSM was the only option (M476), and you would notice the switch on the top right hand side of the 'horseshoe'.

Ahhhh that explains it. Thanks

Mine has it. It I can't see it as a listed option. I have switching it on and off recently and I am wondering how it works. and What does it do? :?: