Beeping noise + Handbrake

[talhizzle]

Hey,
I have an 04 SLE V6 Convertible. I was making a pretty hard turn, but went into it too quickly today, so pulled the handbrake out of instinct. The car slid, and I heard some weird beeping. While the beeping was going on, my brake pedal became really stiff. What was going on?

Also, my handbrake seems quite loose. I need to pull it up all the way in order to keep the car still from creeping when its in Drive.
Is there a way I can tighten it?

Thanks

[Biggi_e]

beeping noise is from when your traction control kicks in. in your dash you will also see a indicator that comes up when the beeping goes off.

as for your ebrake, i just know you can tighten the cable but i havnt had an issue so i couldnt help youout on that really..

[1gSE]

Hey,

Is there a way I can tighten it?

Thanks

pick up a repair manual. Should explain it in there

[youngblood]

FYI- Your instinct to pull the handbrake when going into a corner too fast is a good way to spin out of control. On the other hand, your STABILITY control (not traction control) will do it's best to prevent that from happening.

[talhizzle]

OH I see
thanks
is there a way to turn off stability control? like when im doing retarded stuff in a parking lot (donuts, etc)?
and i checked my handbrake. it takes 8 notches up to hold the car when it is in Drive. is that normal?

thanks

and i love the solara lol

[Biggi_e]

theres a traction control buttom somewhere near the steering wheel area, i forgot..been a while since i last turned mine off

[talhizzle]

Yeah, I know about that
thanks though
but apparently stability control is different from traction control?

also what are the advantages of turning traction control off?

I just want the car to abstain from beeping and stiffening the brake pedal when i slide around

[NightRider]

I have never heard my car beep when I see my traction light go on. It just blinks at me when it does go off.

[Sparky5e]

Yeah, I know about that
thanks though
but apparently stability control is different from traction control?

also what are the advantages of turning traction control off?

I just want the car to abstain from beeping and stiffening the brake pedal when i slide around

Stability and traction are different. Traction cuts power to the drive wheels when they slip. Stability does some fancy stuff to keep the car in control when needed using ABS and traction to get things stable.

Turning off traction control has advantages. Punch the gas on less then perfect dry roads and and the wheels will spin. If on it cuts power to the wheels. I have turned it off in slush on purpose because it wouldn't let me go.

Stiffening pedal is probably from ABS if you have it.

If I am wrong it's because I babble without thinking.

[NightRider]

about how much power does it cut out with the traction on?

[youngblood]

about how much power does it cut out with the traction on?

I believe it gently applies the brakes on the wheel that is spinning which diverts power to the other driven wheel. On some cars, I think that is the extent of traction control's effect on driveability. On our drive-by-wire cars, I imagine there is some limiting of the throttle opening as well. I doubt anyone here will know how much power is cut but I believe it is less than what is perceived because of the simultaneous activation of the brakes.

As for the stibility control- it makes the beeping noise anytime it goes into action. If you've never heard the beep you either have never slid your car sideways or you don't have it in the first place.

[firstSolara]

talhizzle, I can answer the ebrake questions as I had the same problem with mine. The top of the center console where the ebrake is located lifts off. Start at the top of the where the armrest meets the console and carefully lift up. It's held in place with some clips.

Below, you will see where the cable is attached the back of the ebrake handle. There are two nuts. First loosen the top nut, this one locks the bottom nut in place. Then tighten the bottom nut a couple of turns. Try the ebrake. Keep tightening until your are satisfied that the ebrake will hold your car in place, then tighten the top nut. Don't over adjust or your ebrake will drag (not good).

It's pretty easy to do. Good luck!

Trey