Camry Hybrid BAD in snow?

[pinchepunx]

Well we've a rough couple days in Chicago and my TCH got stuck in an alley. However, this is the second time I notice this. The wheel spin stops when the anti-slip tech kicks in. In past front wheel drive cars I've had you could rock the car back and forth to get out of the snow (forward/reverse back and forth). But not the Camry Hybrid. What is the reason for that?

As another member put in a post: "The traction control seemed more confused than the tires not having enough traction. It's a bit weird in super slippery conditions, because where a normal engine/transmission would just spin (and move a bit), the electric motor, CVT and traction control make that a bit strange. It would spin, then the traction control would stop it..."

Thanks!

[AML]

Toyota traction control/VDIM has historically been very conservative in its thresholds. My TCH fortunately hasn't gotten stuck yet. Probably the biggest reason for not being to rock it back and forth is the simple difference in how the transmission and gear shift interact with other, there is considerable lag due to the fact that its all electronic (no physical mechanical connection at all).

Because the TCH doesn't have a VDIM or Trac Off button, I've printed out a copy of the directions to turning off VDIM and stuck it in the glove box for future reference in case I ever get stuck.

[pinchepunx]

Makes sense. Thanks!

Is this what you're talking about? (Got it off another thread)

(1) Turn the power switch on IG. (This means press the start switch twice to get the dash to light up while NOT pushing the brake pedal).

(2) Now push the brake pedal with your left foot, and fully depress the accelerator pedal with your right foot, twice with the shift P position.

Note: Pushing the brake pedal in these procedure is just to allow the ability to move the shift lever from P to N and back to P

(3) Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with the shift N position.

(4) Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with the shift P position.

The message "FWD Maintenance Mode" should be displayed on the multi-information display.

(5) Start the engine by pressing the power switch while depressing the brake pedal.

The multi-information display should alternate between "FWD Maintenance Mode" and "Check VSC" and a couple of other lights will be on.

[AML]

Yup, thats the one. Note you pasted the directions twice. You only need to do steps 1-5 just once. And VSC will remain off until you restart the car, in which case VDIM automatically turns back on.

[pinchepunx]

Thanks just fixed it.

[Mithrandir]

I live in Buffalo NY, and have to rock my 2001 Camry back and forth somewhat often to get out of the snow; probably once a week or so.

Now granted, I have some crappy tires on it at the moment and I need new ones, but is this really a big concern on the TCH?

This could be a deal breaker for me getting one. I can't find much info about the TCH in snow on the internet except for a few posts here and there complaining about the traction control. There's a lot more information out there about the Prius, and there are basically two schools of thought I can see about that:

1) A lot of people say just get good snow tires and you'll be ok
2) about the same number of people say they just don't feel safe with the way it handles in the snow.


I'm assuming the TCH is similar-handling to the Prius?


I really want a hybrid but if it's going to be more dangerous to drive, then maybe I can skip the "save the planet" mentality for just a little bit and wait for hybrids to get better?

Would the Camry LE/SE/XLE have the same problems? Do they come with automatic traction control too?

[AML]

For me its not too big of a concern. I was able to take the TCH through about 3-4in of hard snow the other day and VDIM did pretty well to keep the power going to the correct side. Other models with TC such as the XLE will behave pretty similarly.

The only difference is that the rocking of the TCH compared to the gasoline counterparts isn't going to be as easy. Mostly because there isn't going to be an instant reaction with the throttle when you step on it as soon as you go from R/N/D. The Camry handles fine on the snow, and the TCH should fare a little better with the extra weight it carries (especially on the rear axle) compared to a normal TCH. Right now it for sure handles better than my Jag which needs new rear control arms.

[pinchepunx]

Originally Posted by AML

The only difference is that the rocking of the TCH compared to the gasoline counterparts isn't going to be as easy. Mostly because there isn't going to be an instant reaction with the throttle when you step on it as soon as you go from R/N/D.

That's the experience that I had but I will say that the rest of the time it's done well in the snow. It's also my first time in the snow with a Hybrid. I may need new tires (Toyota said I did but the car only has 32,000 miles so I think the tires should have another 8,000 on them but i'll be going to a tire shop to make sure). The time I did get stuck in the snow was the day of the blizzard last week here in Chicago and it was in an unshoveled alley.

Otherwise, I have been pretty happy with my TCH and would recommend this car to others. I myself will be sporting some good snow tires next winter.

[auwahwong]

yeah my stock 08 camry is pretty bad in snow. when im stuck, i noticed if you press the gas while the brakes are gently aplied, your engine will rev.

dont do think too often, it overheats quickly

[razol]

Thank you for the information about how to shut off the system. I too have found the traction control to be far too conservative, often frustrating me rather than saving my skin.