Traction Control Light comes on (DSC) after tire change

On the front of the car with sport package I had (Goodyear eagle f1 gs d3) 235/50/18 & 255/50/18 for the rear. I picked up some used parallels that came with (2) good tires 265/35/18 (nexen n3000). I decided to install them in the back and move the back ones to the front. The front tires I had were shot, so now I have the 255/45/18 on the front and 265/35/18 in the back. I really do not like the look of those low profile in the back. thay are ment to be tempory until I get a maching seat with the front or posibbly a complete set.

The problem I am having is that the dsc light comes on at apx 25 mph and bogs the car down, the only way to go faster is to disengage the dsc. which lets the car run just fine, actually after driving the car for about 10-15 minutes I can turn the dsc back on with no further issues. I am sure the reason for this is because of the different tire height on the front and back tires (front are's apx 26.5 and 25.0 on the rears, this is me using a tape measure up against the car) tire manufactory height specs are 1/2 inch taller then my measurements,.

My question is am I damaging the transmission or any other part of the car ???

I also intend to install snow tires this year, it is almost impossible to fide a exact matching seat. I know that oem tires were apx 27.0 in tall. Is important that I stay at that height, or if they are of equal height but slightly taller or shorter all the way around it wont make much deference ?

Should be pretty obvious what the problem is.

First tip....using a reputable tire website like www.tirerack.com or www.discounttire.com will help in determining what size tires (especially winter tires) you should consider.

Second tip...if you want to use a different size tire than what's been recommended by the reputable tire sites AND what's in your owners manual...then using a good tire size calculator will go a long way in keeping your tire diameter/circumference within proper specs. Here's a great tire size calculator: www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

As you've discovered...not keeping the tire diameter within proper specs will make the traction control system go off. DSC/ASC+T measures the rolling diameter/circumference of your car's wheels...when there is a measurable difference between the axles...it interprets that difference as wheel slippage...thus reduces engine throttle in an attempt to regain (what it perceives as) lost traction.

Should be pretty obvious what the problem is.

That's helpful.

To directly answer your question- no. It shouldn't cause any damage. The only slight chance would be the trans going into limp mode and locking into 3rd gear. This can cause excessive heat in the converter and burn the fluid. One thing to try is disengaging the dsc as soon as you start the car, before evn moving, this may eliminate the problem until you get the correct tire sizes on.

-Ben

Thank you for all your help

can anyone tell me what brand and size, summer or winter tires you guys are using ?

i have an 01 sport and running Kuhmo 275-40-18(rear) and 235-50-18 (front).. about the closest you will get without making your speedo off.