2012 4WD question

[coffeejay]

How does 4WD work? I always thought that you had equal power distribution to all for wheels. The reason why I'm asking is because I was in a gravel lot today, at a stand still and hit the gas. I realized that only my front wheels were peeling out and the rears weren't, not even a little bit. I tried it a few more times, same result. I then locked VTM and got same result.

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by coffeejay

How does 4WD work? I always thought that you had equal power distribution to all for wheels. The reason why I'm asking is because I was in a gravel lot today, at a stand still and hit the gas. I realized that only my front wheels were peeling out and the rears weren't, not even a little bit. I tried it a few more times, same result. I then locked VTM and got same result.

you have power to the rear wheels upon acceleration, slippage, and if you press the VTM. To lock VTM, you need to be in d1, d2 or R and be going below 18 mph. Traction control can also come into play by reducing engine power or braking. If VTM is properly engaged and nothing is happening, then try turning off Traction control.

The front wheels are a standard open differential and the rear wheels are independently engaged via individual magnetic clutches.

[mudbog]

If you drop it in D1 or D2, press the VTM lock button, and then punch the gas enough to cause the wheels to lose traction, you should see marks in the gravel from both rear wheels spinning. If you don't, your VTM4 4WD is not working. I actually did this test on mine when I bought it to verify the VTM4 worked. The only difference was I was in some shallow mud so it was easy to cause the wheels to slip. My new Pilot got a little dirty but I was satisfied the 4WD was working.

Like jl_ss noted, power will also transfer to the rear when VTM4 is not locked and the vehicle speed is below 18MPH, but I believe the rear acts like a standard diff in that case and only one rear wheel will spin.