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Roundy · 10-24-2002, 10:28 AM

2. Can someone give me some technical details reguarding the 4WD System. I have no need for a 4LO gearbox or for steep hill climbing but I'm wondering how it would perform pulling our jetskis up a very slick boat ramp or maintain decent traction in very icy and snowy conditions. Currently my Tacoma 4X4 does the boat ramp duty but we always end up taking both cars to the lake to accomidate the family. I have read that the Pilot offers a rear locking differental. Is this standard or an option?

Looking forward to learning much about the Pilot.

Reed,
I'm a newer member here but I think I can help on this one. The Pilot uses a computer controled 4WD system. The car "generally" drives the front tires (helps fuel economy) but under certain conditions the rears are added via a set on electronic clutches. From the Honda web site: "The VTM-4™ electronic control unit (ECU) constantly monitors speed and road conditions. When cruising or braking, the Pilot operates in front-wheel-drive only for maximum fuel efficiency. When accelerating, however, the VTM-4 ECU detects wheelspin before it happens. The ECU then calculates the best power split between the front and rear axles and engages 4-wheel drive."

There is NOT a 4WD-Low setting on any Pilots. All Pilots come with the VTM-4 system. You can push a button on the dash to lock the rear axles "on" when you know that you are in a slippery situation (snow, boat ramps, etc). The lock will only stay on when in the lowest two gears and at slow speeds (less than 20 MPH I think). There is a nifty little movie on the honda web page to help visualize how it all works.

The Pilot seems to be a perfect fit for your situation. We used to take two vehicles everywhere too. By the way, my kids used to want an Odyssey but once they sat in the Pilot the begged us to buy one. The second row seats are very comfortable and have a ton of leg room. And, IMHO, the Pilot is just a "cooler" car than any minivan.

10-24-2002, 10:28 AM	#47 (permalink)
Roundy Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 23	2. Can someone give me some technical details reguarding the 4WD System. I have no need for a 4LO gearbox or for steep hill climbing but I'm wondering how it would perform pulling our jetskis up a very slick boat ramp or maintain decent traction in very icy and snowy conditions. Currently my Tacoma 4X4 does the boat ramp duty but we always end up taking both cars to the lake to accomidate the family. I have read that the Pilot offers a rear locking differental. Is this standard or an option? Looking forward to learning much about the Pilot. Reed, I'm a newer member here but I think I can help on this one. The Pilot uses a computer controled 4WD system. The car "generally" drives the front tires (helps fuel economy) but under certain conditions the rears are added via a set on electronic clutches. From the Honda web site: "The VTM-4™ electronic control unit (ECU) constantly monitors speed and road conditions. When cruising or braking, the Pilot operates in front-wheel-drive only for maximum fuel efficiency. When accelerating, however, the VTM-4 ECU detects wheelspin before it happens. The ECU then calculates the best power split between the front and rear axles and engages 4-wheel drive." There is NOT a 4WD-Low setting on any Pilots. All Pilots come with the VTM-4 system. You can push a button on the dash to lock the rear axles "on" when you know that you are in a slippery situation (snow, boat ramps, etc). The lock will only stay on when in the lowest two gears and at slow speeds (less than 20 MPH I think). There is a nifty little movie on the honda web page to help visualize how it all works. The Pilot seems to be a perfect fit for your situation. We used to take two vehicles everywhere too. By the way, my kids used to want an Odyssey but once they sat in the Pilot the begged us to buy one. The second row seats are very comfortable and have a ton of leg room. And, IMHO, the Pilot is just a "cooler" car than any minivan.