Hertz Shelby GT-H traction control will slow the performance of the car down considerably. You can't four wheel drift a car without spinning the rear wheels, and that's what traction control prevents! When any wheel spin is detected the car automatically will remove power "or even add braking to stop the spin" --{per the owner's manual on board the car, and it's tied in with the anti-lock brake system}. The way you rented it, the car will automatically shut you down before you even get started. No screeching tires, no rubber smoke, no burn outs, no donuts, NO FOUR WHEEL DRIFTS = NO FUN.

Normally, this function can be shut off by pushing a button, which illuminates the TCS light inside the switch, indicating the system is OFF. It's on the dash, just to the left of the HAZARD flasher button, and is marked "TCS". The manual says anytime the car is turned off, the system is automatically defaulted back into the traction control ON mode when the car is restarted. To turn it off again, simply push the button, and when the light is ON the system is OFF. We--being the fun loving renters we are--want it OFF! I mean, we didn't rent the car to drive in the snow!!

However, as rented the TCS button (traction control OFF function) is disabled. They did this to prevent fun things like hard burn-out launches and wheel spinning 4 wheel drifts around corners. You know...completely part of why you rented it in the first place!! hmmmmm the typical smart car guy renter asks...how did they do this and can I do anything about it?

Simple. Do not pull any fuses, do not disconnect any connectors or remove any modules, do not even look under the hood for this. It takes less than a minute to restore the car to the way the FORD factory made the car, damages nothing, your system restoration is non-detectable, and it is easy to put the car back into the "Hertz No Fun" configuration just before you turn the car back in "as rented".

Here's how:
The buttons on the center dash are held on their switches much like a computer keyboard button, they just pop on and off. The button was popped off and a little silver circlip installed around the switch which the back of the button bottoms against before the switch can be depressed. The circlip is not even snapped onto anything, it's literally just sitting there encircling the switch on the dash before the button is snapped back on. The circlip prevents any push of the button from happening, therefore the system is always ON because you can't acivate the traction control OFF switch.

To enable the GT-H traction control OFF function, and thereby increase your fun ten-fold, VERY CAREFULLY use a smooth tool like a butter knife or a straight slot screw driver, something made of hard strong plastic would be even better, and pry the button off. It's a bit intimidating, and don't mark up the dash being a ham-handed clutz, but the button will simply and easily pop off the switch. Remember to be careful, you rented a nice car, keep it nice for others. Once off, remove the little silver circlip.

Do NOT re-install the button until right before you turn the car back in (just make sure you keep track of the circlip and knob by putting them in the glove box). With the button off you can still push the switch to turn traction control off as evidenced by illumination of the little yellow light. By keeping it off you only have to remove the button that first time. Everytime you turn the car back on, the system is re-armed but you can push the switch again to turn it off.

Before turning the car in, simply re-install the circlip around the switch where you found it, snap the button back on, and presto. They're happy, you're happy, it's a definite "win-win". Removing and reinstalling the button is quick, easy, and completely undetectable. Keep in mind it IS on the Hertz check list when you turn the car back in to verify the TCS disable is inoperable, so make sure you put it back the way you rented it prior to getting there to check it in.

There's nothing like the smell of burning rubber in the morning--especially someone else's rubber! You've heard the old addage "Drive it like you stole it!"? Well, we've got one better for you: "Drive it like you RENTED IT!" Nothing handles better than a fully insured rental car.

Have fun

PS, and if you found this helpful please leave your comments, thanks!