Pilot VTM-4 AWD vs MDX SH-AWD

[humanoid]

It's in the owner's manual. You can lock the rear diff for use in L2, L1 and reverse. All 3 used in under 18 MPH. Otherwise, in normal driving, Pilot is front wheel drive until it detects slippage and then it gives power to whichever corner need it.

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by jensent

I wish that were true but can find nothing in writing to prove this. If it is more than front wheel drive ,with traction control, at speeds greater than 18mph I wish someone would provide evidence. There is a lot to like about the Pilot and Ridgeline.
Thanks
Tom

Did you try the website: VTM-4

Here's an older write up that describes the system. Things like the torque split have changed over time, but the basics are the same: VTM4

The service manual also has a comprehensive description.

In the many years we haved driven our 2005 in some heavy central new england winters, we have never had to manually engage VTM-4.

[speedlever]

Originally Posted by jensent

I wish that were true but can find nothing in writing to prove this. If it is more than front wheel drive ,with traction control, at speeds greater than 18mph I wish someone would provide evidence. There is a lot to like about the Pilot and Ridgeline.
Thanks
Tom

Sorry. I realize this is a late response but I just stumbled across this post and thought I could supply a link to answer your question or for anyone else who reads this.

Yes, the system can supply power to the rear wheels at speeds over 18 mph when the VTM-4 system determines the need. The VTM-4 system can send up to 70% of the available torque to the rear wheels if need be.

See Slip Control Logic (mode 2) under VTM-4 modes of operation:
Ridgeline Owners Club | Variable Torque Management VTM-4 Explanation

Edit: here's a link to the 70% number. Bottom of the page.
2013 Honda Ridgeline - Performance - Official Site

[rocky]

Speedlever: that ws explained a few posts before yours

[speedlever]

Understood. But I supplied an authoritative link (assuming everyone accepts Gary Flint as an authority) per the poster's request for something other than an internet post.

[karthiik]

P


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[richell03]

I little bit know about it.the VTM-4 AWD setup to be fairly capable of keeping the Pilot moving forward through dirt, loose gravel and mud.

[speedlever]

Umm, that's not entirely true. The front acts like an open diff and there's no locker for it. The VTM-4 lock only acts on the rear wheels and can slip above a certain torque value. However, for maximum traction, use VTM-4 lock and leave VSA enabled. Yes, the lock feature is disabled above 18 mph, but will re-engage when the speed drops back into the active range (< 18 mph).

If you need wheelspin in order to maintain momentum through deep sand, snow, or mud, disable VSA.

A low range xfer case does nothing more than provide a low/high range gear selection. VTM-4 does not have such a low range selection. The VTM-4 system utilizes a transfer assembly which enables power to go to the rear wheels when the rear clutches engage and is infinitely variable from zero to a preset limit as commanded by the ECU.

This is fully explained in Gary Flint's article:
Ridgeline Owners Club | Variable Torque Management VTM-4 Explanation