Switch

[Gremlin]

can any one tell me what the long switch is on the centre consul marked ACS as I've no idea what it dose I've pushed it and nothing seems to happen or light up or go bang lol. I've no hand book with this car so please can some one tell me. Oh it's in a Z3

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

Turns the traction control off - should have an orange light come on, on the dash when you push it - to warn you you've switched off the safety device.

If you hold it down, it will flash (the dash light - on instrument binnacle) telling you that you've completely turned it off - much more fun that way!

 

[Gremlin]

Ok thanks so I need to hold it then till it lights up not just give it a quick push like a normal switch. Will try it tomorrow see if it's working.

 

[Parmst]

Don't do it! It's addictive!

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

Ok thanks so I need to hold it then till it lights up not just give it a quick push like a normal switch. Will try it tomorrow see if it's working.

A quick push should turn most of the settings of the TC off

 

[Gremlin]

Thanks again I've tried holding it and tried a quick push watching dash and nothing lights up and nothing changes with the handling even when I push it into a bend or corner still sticks to road ok. I can only assume it's not working and since I've no idea where it works from I'm going to leave it alone for a while as I've a lot of other jobs to sort first.

 

[5harp3y]

Check the button is actually connected

 

[Stevo7682]

Im going to ask a stupid question but does the traction control light come on when you turn on the ignition

 

[Gremlin]

No I've no light there that comes on it's just a black square.

 

[jonco]

Im going to ask a stupid question but does the traction control light come on when you turn on the ignition.....

Stevo's question wasn't really stupid you need to check there is bulb there and whether it is working and also check ABS/ASC fuses (10, 21, 26 and 38).

 

[Stevo7682]

Does the abs light come on if you look at the picture above bottom right 3rd in from right beside amber oil can .
When you turn the ignition on they should both come on do the system check then go out if abs light not coming on also most likely has some sort of fault that someone has tried to hide but if its only the traction control light thats not coming on might just be the bulb with a bit of luck

 

[t-tony]

@Gremlin if you can, take a picture of the dash straight after you turn on the ignition, then another when the car has done it's self test and post them. Then we can see what is and isn't happening.

Tony.

 

[Gremlin]

Sorry I have not got back till now as I work stupid hours lol. I didn't think it was a stupid question at all and I'm truly greatful for all the help. Yes the ABS light comes on and then goes out with all the others, as soon as I get a chance I will check the fuses and the bulb, which won't be till Wednesday now but will keep you posted.
Thanks to all of you that have given advice on this subject.
Roger

 

[Grandparipper]

On my 2.8 in the rain with my former Dunlop Diarezza tires (Do not buy these) I could spin the tires pretty easily with the switch off, especially in a turn . Do not play with this in traffic until you test the limits in a place where you are not likely to hit stuff. With the seats relatively far back in the car, when the rear end slides out, it feels far more out of shape than it really is. Takes some getting used to and it can be addictive! Most of the time, leave it on to keep you out of trouble.