General Info?

[Terri T]

I'm very new to Honda, having always been a Dodge person...AWD vans, FWD Durango etc... I am very confused about the 4WD operation in the Pilot. It seems to me like the Pilot is actually an AWD operation, no choosing when it actually has to be put in 4WD, the action happens on its own? No indicator as to when it is in 4WD? So far, so good in the snow/ice. No complaints, but I do like the feeling of control when I had to engage 4WD myself. I live in a very rural, hilly area, where the roads are not in the best condition during a snowstorm. Also have a driveway like a ski slope. The VTM-4 system is only for when you get stuck, as you cannot use it beyond 18 mph. So that's like 4WD, low. I cannot leave that engaged and drive on a sloppy road. How can you tell its actually in 4WD? Just looking to be sure I stay ON the road. Not a fan of those brakes though!
Any input, much appreciated!

[rocky]

Best round up of information to answer your questions can be found by reading this article Ridgeline Owners Club | Variable Torque Management VTM-4 Explanation

Basic VTM4 operation is FWD until it senses (based on wheel rotation speed) the need to transfer torque to the rear end. This transfer is fully automatic without involvement of the driver. Likewise when all is well, it reverts to FWD.
VTM4 Lock mandates that 50% of the power sent to the rear is given to each wheel. As long as you are in the correct gear and under 18mph.
The Owners Manual also has advice VTM4 lock.

[N_Jay]

Get in.
Drive.
Enjoy.

People get all to concerned with buttons and lights.

[warumnicht]

Find an empty, snow-covered parking lot where your movement will be unencumbered and try to spin your Pilot. Put some effort into it. When you've figured out how to drift your car sideways with all four tires spinning under power you'll start to trust it a little more.

If you get stopped by the PO-lice, tell them you're conducting classified research for a Honda forum. They will understand.