Just got the truck about two weeks ago, never really needed it until all the snow we got here in jersey. I did notice last night, with the traction control on if the tires were not gripping in the snow, a weird noise would come from the dash area as the tcs light was flashing. Also notice when i disengaged the traction control, the same thing happened. Its almost a clunking sound like ABS. But not as loud, i know the tcs uses the braked on one side of the tire to give more power to the other, but this noise seemed cheesy. And i found it wierd that with both on and off, that the noise was still happening, ONLY when i could not get traction. Now when 4x4 was engaged, all was good. So just wondering if this is a common noise, or do i need the dealer again.

Steve

 

it sounds like the same noise that our chrysler lhs makes when the tc is on
id say its probably normal
but it never hurts to have it checked out

 

It's probably normal. As you said, the traction control uses the ABS to help the truck either gain better traction by applying the brake to the wheel which is spinning or it will also be used to straighten the vehicle out if it is sliding sideways. It will make all kinds of noises. Even with the traction control "off" it's still not completely off. It only becomes less intrusive. The only way to turn it completely off is in 4WD, and after turning the ESP "off" by pushing the button once, you have to hold the ESP Off button in for several seconds after the first press to turn it all the way off. Then Mr. Squiggles and the ABS indicators should light up. Even then when you go over a certain speed the ESP will enable again. It's all in the owner's manual and will describe it much better than I have here I can assure you...lol.

 

Yeah, it has to do with the traction control and the sensors on the front wheels. If the front wheels are not moving (and the rear are) the ETC and ABS tries to apply the brakes and reduce the power to the rear wheels until the front wheel sensors show movement. If you keep spinning the tires without the truck moving you'll find you can't go over about 15-20 mph. This is so that you don't damage the driveline components when you spin the tires. This happens when you try to dyno the truck as well . So when you put it in 4wd the front tires spin as well so it thinks that is okay. There isn't anything wrong with your truck. I wouldn't suggest that you do this too many times, however. The only way to disable it is what WVU said or a temporary mode that the dealership can put it in.

Have Fun!