How to do Donuts in a Model S

Alexander · Nov 3, 2014

So my rear tires have about 2,000 or so miles left before its time to get them replaced (19" rims). I figured it would be nice to take them out with a few circular spins around an empty parking lot.

I know that in order to do donuts you need to pull the fuse for the ABS and disable the traction control on the main screen. But is there another way? Id like to keep power steering and brake assist (both which are lost if you pull the ABS fuse).

Here's the post I found with the how to, but there has to be another way: http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/archive/index.php/t-23934.html

Tasdevil · Nov 3, 2014

At the münich store opening Elon was asked to put a track/race button on the screen that turns stability control off. Elon said something about it being illegal to turn off in the US.
Hopefully they add it later

Aljohn · Nov 3, 2014

Not sure about the legality of disabling the ABS system. Keep in mind however, you may set off a series of diagnostic failures. Once the S "senses" things happening that shouldn't, the software may react to things you didn't anticipate, or create damage as a result. The S is not a mechanical ICE, with conventional transmission, drive shaft, etc. It may be some very expensive Donuts.

Lloyd · Nov 3, 2014

Tasdevil said:
At the münich store opening Elon was asked to put a track/race button on the screen that turns stability control off. Elon said something about it being illegal to turn off in the US.
Hopefully they add it later

I don't believe it is illegal if it is used for track purposes. DOT has no regulation there.

jcaspar · Nov 3, 2014

I tried a burnout in a parking lot with traction control off. Tires went up in smoke pretty fast! I have heard removing the fuse works and can't imagine it would cause any problems. I am not sure how durable the Model S drivetrain is but, as there is little driveline stress once the tires start smoking, I don't think you will harm it.

Maybe you should ask this guy!

EVSteve · Nov 3, 2014

If it's illegal in the US then why can I turn all ESC off on a 2013 Volt? It requires a few extra buttons and less than obvious steps but it can be done. I doubt I hacked my Volt through a lucky guess of inputs.

BerTX · Nov 4, 2014

I guess I'm getting old. My worries about doing donuts would be related to not hitting anything when going through the drive-through and not dropping bits of pastry on the seats while eating them...:tongue:

Todd Burch · Nov 4, 2014

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-videos/latest/tesla-model-s-engulfs-itself-in-tire-smoke

AndreyATC · Nov 4, 2014

You can defeat TC completely on any BMW
I don't see how this is illegal
I often did this during heavy snow drives, to keep car's momentum
Stability control takes the power away and limits the amount of wheel slip
Tesla should have ability to completely disable stability control on demand
It's a RWD car that needs to climb hills sometimes
At least where i live

Gizmotoy · Nov 4, 2014

As others have said, this is clearly not illegal. Many manufacturers allow you to completely defeat the stability/traction control systems. Some make the process complicated so it can't be engaged accidentally, but the process is right in the manual. In the US a vehicle must have these systems, and they must default to On, which perhaps is what he means? You can't turn it off and leave it off permanently?

For now, as you noted, you need to pull the fuse, which also disabled ABS, but will get you what you want.

zzzzdoc · Nov 4, 2014

I used to turn it off on my Lambo all the time when I tracked the car. Made driving more fun. Certainly not illegal.

Kandiru · Nov 4, 2014

I hated it so much when they replaced the handbrake in Audis with a little button, rear-biased AWD was so much fun on an icy/snowy parking lot until then, loved the part when all colors bled into pure white spinning, the Golf R though was the king of autobatics:cursing:

Search

How to do Donuts in a Model S

Alexander

P# 8,878

Tasdevil

Member

Aljohn

Member

Lloyd

Well-Known Member

jcaspar

Member

EVSteve

110% Solar Powered

BerTX

Active Member

Todd Burch

14-Year Member

AndreyATC

Member

Gizmotoy

Active Member

zzzzdoc

Member

Kandiru

Active Member

Similar threads