Can anyone tell me in layman's terms what will change on the ride characteristics on my S-type when I turn off stability control? I'd like to get a slightly smoother ride, but don't know the consequences. Can anyone explain this to me in layman's terms?

 

DSC is to do with what happens when braking, typically when braking very hard. So nothing wil happen to the ride but you will be on your own resources during braking and most people aren't especially good at that (but could probably learn if they went on a skid pan).

What's wrong with the ride?

What size wheels do you have? The bigger they are the harder the ride (less tire wall).

What tire pressures?

Have you had the suspension checked?

 

Stability Control (DSC = Dynamic Stability Control) combines Traction Control and ABS Brakes to maintain vehicle stability in low traction cornering / acceleration / or braking situations. IE stops the tail from swinging out during hard driving or in wet and snow. This has no impact on ride. Now suspension settings on the other hand will impact DSC. IE install stiffer springs or dampers (shocks) and you will change how the suspension reacts to imperfections in the pavement potentially triggering DSC intervention earlier.

Like JagV8 stated.... What is making you want a smoother ride...What is going on. List the tire and wheel specs. It may be something as simple as different tires. Does the car have CATS active suspension? (If you don't know...check if there is a wire going to the top of the struts under the hood).

 

Thanks to both of you for the insight. My 2008 S-type 4.2 runs on 18" wheels. Tires are Sunny SN3800 245/40ZR18 97W XL M&S. They were new when I bought the car last year. I had suspension checked and it was reported good. My mechanic lowered tire pressures to 30 all around which smoothed the ride out a bit. However, the car often does small sideslips when the tires run over road irregularities. I thought I'd lost it once during acceleration on an on-ramp in a rainstorm. Scared the s*** out of me.

 

The tire brand is "Sunny"? I honestly never heard of that brand. That may be part of the equation...tires have an impact on ride, handling, and braking. Suspect brand tires are a variable you may want to eliminate. Personally, 30psi would be the absolute minimum I would run, prefer the 34 to 36psi range for A good combo of performance and fuel economy.

 

www.sunnytire.com

 

Get rid of the junk Chinese tires. Problem solved.
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Oh jeez - yes those tires have got to go ASAP dude!! Don't mess around with safety, spend a reasonable amount of money and get a decent tire, it is worth it for your safety and vehicle performance.

 

Thanks to all of you for the advice! I'll heed the 30 psi min. I've checked out a couple of other folks comments on Sunny. They pretty much agree with you. I'd like to get back up to book pressures so it handles properly. It looks like new tires are going to be in the budget! Cheers to you all and happy Labor Day riding. My sweetie and I will be in Sacramento visiting first grandbaby.

 

Michelin Pilots HXMXM4's make a nice set of booties for YOUR baby! Figure about $250.00 ea. mounted and balanced, give or take.

I would also recommend an alignment after the new booties go on! These S Types are notorious for inside front tire wear. See FAQ section here for correct alignment.

 

Good tip Rick.

There are also several tire threads on this board where various brands are discussed and experiences shared. Do a search and you'll find plenty of info to help you with your buying process.

Personally I'm a big fan of General Tire for good bang for the buck, some models of Continental (DWS), and Hankook (V4 EVO). Although if leaning toward ride quality and longevity, you may want to lean toward a "Touring" tire rather than a performance tire, such as the MXM4's.

TireRack.com has a wealth of info and reviews as well.

Happy Labor Day and congrat's on the first grandbaby! Please let us know how your tire situation evolves.

 

Thanks for the tire recommendations, everyone. I'm having the Sunny's balanced and pressures increased to factory specs before the trip to CA. We'll be back mid-Sep and I'll check back in with all of you then. Have a great Labor Day holiday. Regards - Doug

 

hi, i have a 2003 S Type. My DSC failure light is on. Dealer says I have a code showing 764751.00 booster solinoid failure. Im finding from sources DSC module is no where near the booster, and that i could have simply a wheel sensor bad due to leaking fluid. I have had to add fluid couple times past year or so. Im not sure I need
a brake booster which dealer recommends at $1100 thanks mike

 

i agree on my SType fronts are wearing on inside to. I did have an aligliment and it was within specs. Im going to rotate consistently at 5,000 miles. Im about ready for tires. mike

 

I've never seen any code of that form. A code should all be a letter, which should be one of BCP or U, and then 4 "digits", sometimes followed by a hyphen and two more "digits".

The "digits" used to be 0-9 but now occasionally include ABCDE and F.

Such as B1234 or P0332

I'd ask why it's not that kind and for the equivalent that IS in that format. Or walk away.