Mini Cooper Traction Control Settings and What They Mean

ELDC, DSC, DTC, what the heck do all these traction control settings mean? When I first got my Mini, I had no clue about the different traction control settings and the manual wasn’t the best resource so I wanted to explain the different settings so it helps other Mini owners out!

The 3 traction control settings:

  • DSC – Dynamic Stability Control – This is always on by default.  With Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) your MINI will automatically intervene at the slightest hint of instability and help the vehicle stay on a straight path by adjusting the engine power management system and apply brake force where needed. As a result of the mode, once the ECU detects wheel slip the computers control the engine and brakes.
  • DTC – Dynamic Traction Control – You can activate DTC by pushing the traction control switch down. A dash warning tells you traction control is activated. DTC provides the best possible driving force on every surface, even slick or sandy ones. As a result of activating this mode, It restores power to the engine sooner than DSC and lets the car slide a bit before correcting its course. This is the option you want for snow, sand and loose gravel. The wheels spin faster and the computer doesn’t control the speed that much. I wish this was the default traction control mode, its fun in this mode.
  • ELDC – Electronic Differential Lock Control – Simply put, no traction control at all, the driver is in complete control of the car.  EDLC kicks in when needed, to prevent slip and stop wheel-spin during aggressive cornering and acceleration but for the most part, the driver is in control. You activate this mode by pressing the traction control switch down for 3 seconds. The dash will pop up an alert telling you this mode is active.

My Recommendations:

I run ELDC in the Spring and Summer on dry roads. There is no way in heck I would do that in rain or snow. The car would slide out on any loose surface.

I initiate DTC when it is snowy here in lovely Minnesota. If you are in the unfortunate situation of being stuck, the wheels will spin faster to get you unstuck….. hopefully.

5 thoughts on “Mini Cooper Traction Control Settings and What They Mean

  1. I’m a lady and don’t know anything about these things, but after reading this article I am smarter by a notch today. Thank you.

  2. I am a new Clubman S owner and I love it. I just moved to montana and I understand that Minis are good in snow. I have the Blizzaks and feeling pretty confident about winter.

    This really helped me tremendously.

  3. I was awake all night thinking about trying to get my Mini Cooper S out of the driveway (flat driveway!). We had snow yesterday and ice – not a blizzard. This is the first time since i’ve had the Mini. The car started to spin driving in and then wouldn’t let me back out. There was hardly any snow or ice in the driveway. Also, it spun out at an intersection and wouldn’t move until I finally was able to go forward a bit and then it would drive. What in the world is happing? I read your instructions (manual was useless) and they made sense but no light came on when I pushed the lever down. Does the signal show up on the dash or does the switch light up? Help!!!

    1. The DTC light should come on and there should be a visual warning appear.

      If you have non of these try pressing the button for a little longer. I have found that a quick tap wont be enough to activate DTC. I usualy have to hold it more about 3 quarters of a second.

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