We just got some snow here in Chicago, and yesterday was the frist day I drove my car in snow/slippery conditions. I have snow tires installed which were probably the best purchase I made. Anyway, I noticed whenever the ABS engaged from lost traction or the VDC going off, it would make this wierd sound similar to the ABS system self test noise at startup but it was consistent to however long the system applied the brakes. I dont really know how to describe it, but it was like a loud buzzing sound each time it went off, i could kind of feel it vibrating through the pedal so i know it has to be from the ABS. I went to an empty parking lot and tested it out furthermore and noticed everytime the car would begin to lose traction, the VDC would counteract and use the ABS/brakes to correct the car (which is normal) but everytime it did that it made that sound. I think it is normal, only because it makes the same exact sound the ABS system self test makes, only for longer duration. Again this is only when the car loses traction, setting off VDC/ABS. But i just want to clarify with you guys and see if anyone else ever noticed it.

 

It's normal. Mine does the same thing too.!

 

Normal. Sounds like someone is rolling a marble across the floor.

 

Some even think that it sounds like a spring being tensioned.

 

awesome, i figured it was normal. It is pretty wierd sounds though, kind of scared me at first. Any idea why it makes these noises when you lose traction? And i had the "spring being tensioned" sound on the tip of my tongue, couldnt describe it at the time but thats a great description for it. Thanks again guys.

 

That's the sound of the VDC at work. It's a good sound to hear if you need VDC.

 

Yep, it's normal. I believe it's the sound of the fuel being cut off to prevent you from accelerating at that moment. That's just my speculation though, since it sounds like my old Maxima did when it had bad injectors....

 

i was wondering the same thing..phew i thought my brakes went bad or something b/c everytime i lost traction and brake i hear a bzzzzzzzzz sound...

 

Not to throw another wrench in the works here, but for some reason I was hearing this in the snow yesterday as well, but I turned VDC OFF and it still made the sound...

Anyone ever heard it with their VDC turned off??

It kinda freaked me out!!!

 

ABS still works.

 

Turning off the VDC button does not completely turn off VDC. You have to pull the brake fuse.