Expert answer

Hi Charles,

Sounds to us as if one of the system's many sensors is not working properly, causing the system to shut off. We recommend bringing the car into a Mercedes dealer to have it looked at. It should still be under warranty so hopefully it won't cost you anything.

Let us know what it turns out to be.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

If there’s no switch, you can’t. There is a technique that involves taking out fuses, but we seriously don’t recommend that…

Expert answer

Hi Loraine,

As far as we’re aware you can’t turn off the traction control in a Captur. Like, at all. Sorry.

Expert answer

Hi Gursimren,

Generally speaking you can’t. It’s a system Chrysler inherited from Mercedes and while you can inhibit the traction control up to a point, it’s never fully off. There is a bit of a cheat mode, though, which involves starting the car, let it creep forward in D, select neutral, and then turn the ignition key to the ‘start’ position again, as if you’re trying to start the engine. That should switch the engine into ‘Performance Mode’ and you should hear an electronic beep that tells you you've done it. The system should then reset once you turn the engine off again.

Please be aware that we don’t recommend you do this, as the car has been set up to function with the traction control switched on. 

Expert answer

Hi Alwaleed,

There should be a button on the dash, behind and to the right of the steering wheel, that switches off the traction control, but we’d advise you not to do so except in controlled circumstances.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

It means that the computer has detected an issue with one of the sensors that contributes to the traction control working effectively (ASR stands for Anti Slip Regulation). The best way to diagnose the issue is to have a mechanic plug the car into a diagnostic device.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Una,

A good, solid car the 1 Series, but there are a few issues to look for. Watch for front tracking problems or even problems with the steering rack itself - excessive front tyre wear is the giveaway. All 1 Series gearboxes feel a bit stiff but one that's especially obstructive could be on the way out. Electric windows can seize (thankfully usually in the shut position) and airbag faults are common, but there'll be a dash warning light for those. Make sure that the traction control is working too, as it can fail and shut down entirely. There were a few recalls, for rear axle problems, seatbelt and pre tensioner issues and for the brake booster so make sure the work has already been done by checking with a dealer.

And for an import, we'd urge you pay for a Cartell.ie history check.

Hope that all helps

Expert answer

Hi Ossie,

I'm afraid that's a tricky one to analyse from afar. We'd recommend you get it plugged into a diagnostic machine/tool to get the error codes.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Good timing! We have the GT86 on test this week. Here it is on the very twisty and very bumpy Dublin Mountain roads:

Review will be done in time, but I can confirm that it's even more impressive here than it was at the launch in Spain. Its small size and low weight are ideally suited to tight and twisty roads and though firm, the suspension deals with rough surfaces and bumps (even mid-corner) brilliantly. The none-too low profile tyres no doubt help with that.

On the open road it's hugely engaging and very fast. It feels weightless and while it goes where you point it there's a lot of movement underneath if you want it. Turn off traction control and it regularly slides too - though don't expect big drifts on the public road!

While it is lacking a little in low-down torque, it's only an issue for overtaking, as the car feels quick at all times, and is very quick if you use all the revs.

Away from driving for the fun of it, the GT86 is still brilliant. Some might not get it, and it's not quiet, but it even works well in town, where its small size, quick steering and relatively supple suspension mean it doesn't feel at all out of place.

Overall: a fabulous car. Really works on Irish roads. Really special.

Expert answer

Hi Abdullah,

It's not the usual kind of question we get and obviously you should only do such things on a private piece of land! Assuming you've properly disengaged the traction control (you have to hold down the button for 10 seconds), put the transmission into manual control so you change gears with the paddles behind the steering wheel. Drifting is all about the initiation and without a mechanical handbrake or clutch you'll need a combination of power and momentum (depending on the model you have).

Until you're comfortable with it, it's best to start off slow. Approach the bend, brake so that the weight transfers to the front tyres, release the brakes and start to turn. As soon as you do, get on the throttle and be ready to feather it and add some opposite lock. You will need to be in a low enough gear for the engine's torque to overcome the rear tyres, but not so low that you run out of revs early.

This is only one way of doing it. There's no substitute for practice, so get yourself along to a Mondello Park test day and experiment in a safe environment - and never practise on the public road.

Final word: don't expect to be able to drift for very long if you have a diesel XF. Most diesel cars have a very narrow power band that makes them tricky at the best of times.

Have fun...