I got into the combi (1.9tdi) today and headed for the M5 as usual but the car was undrivable, literally spinning the wheels on gearchanges.

Then I had an idea and pulled over, popped the bonnet and switched the powerbox to the lower output setting ... and magically the car became easier to drive and I got 'some' traction back.

I think the combination of cold/wet air upping the power output, and the crappy wet roads caused the problem but it's nice to know that I can sort it with a flick of a switch rather than getting the tools out to remove it.

What size tyres are you running? I got quite a bit of wheel spin and understeer running the budget 14" tyres that were on my car when I bought it when I put in my tuning box. Switched them for some Dunlops and the car was magically transformed and I could get all the power down easily on wet or dry roads

Chris

The car's standard with 14" Conti's at the moment, I intend to fit a set of vRS alloys once my other half's attention is diverted

I have a dragon box on the Octy that comes with a loop wire which you can cut and install an on/off switch on the dash.

I don't think its availble on the PD versions though.

Cheers

Lee

Urm - how about just easing off the accelerator just that little bit, you'd get the same effect as detuning it back to standard?

Just allow the car to get some grip, then feed it in and you'll be able to use that powerbox higher up the range.

Nah, tried that and as an ex-biker of 20+yrs experience I like to think I've got a little feel for these matters !