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Comments
-juice
-mike
AWD is working because it's sending power to the rear axle.
-juice
FWIW, AWD failures are very rare. We see differentials, clutches, wheel bearings, gaskets, but very rarely do we see issues with the AWD system itself.
-juice
-mike
Thanks for you help!
thanks
-mike
Thanks
RLR
-mike
I have a 2005 tribute with electronic 4wd. The 4wd light came on and my seat heaters stopped working after my last windshield wiper control repair, leading me to believe its just a fuse. Right now the 4wd indicator light blinks 3x/minute, which means that it needs service, but does anyone know if the electronic 4wd will still function if its simply an electrical/fuse problem?
-juice
Thks
Basically, only the front axle gets power from the engine. There is no driveshaft going to the rear.
The rear axle is powered by electric power only. The electric assist goes to both axles, funny enough.
So the gas engine is FWD and the electric boost is what makes it AWD.
AWD Technology
As for AWD, I expect that the Exploder probably has a part-time, electronically controlled system. The Ranger has a switch-controlled electronic 4WD system that has all sorts of problems with the electronics. If the Explorer shares components in its system, it could be that the AWD is engaged all the time due to some system failure. Is there a light on the dash that will typically let you know when the system is engaged? As the system is part-time, it is likely hard on it to be running on dry pavement, etc., due to the lack of slippage available. If you turn hard at slow speeds, you should be able to feel the truck "binding" a bit and likely hear wheels slipping as the system relieves pressure. Try it on a gravel surface so the wheels will let loose easier.
Any problems with it engaging at the time you request it?
1. Is it possible to change the Subaru Outback auto-trans AWD bias ? I understand it is RWD-biased and perhaps that is why the car has a reputation for spinning out (per CU and some other tests I have read) ? Would be nice to be able to readjust it to prevent that.
2. How does the RAV4's AWD compare to the Outbacks? It seems the RAV4 is reactive, save for a user setting that offers full AWD for speeds below 20 mph.
I'm also curious if VW has abandoned the torsen based Quattro and is now relying on Haldex, and how the Haldex system compares to that used in the Subaru.
:shades:
1. Not really, though you can insert a FWD fuse to send all power to the front axle. Note that this is for temporary use only, such as when you get a flat tire.
2. I was bummed that Toyota took away the full-time system that existed in prior RAV4 models. The new one is part-time, on-demand. At an event Toyota hosted themselves, the AWD system failed to climb a hill they had picked for their press demo:
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=11004&vf=23
VW: Haldex makes what is probably the quickest reacting AWD system on the market, but it's still reactive. Volvo and Ford also use the same supplier for their systems.
-mike
Interesting article about the RAV4. Does not inspire confidence. Did Toyota change anything for '07 or are they using the same system?
* it's full-time
* it's pro-active
* it can send 100% of torque to either axle
* the front axle is managed by the VDC
* the rear axle is managed by the VDC
The only thing missing is a low range, or the ability to increase the bias side-to-side proactively like Acura's VTM-4.
VTM-4 can't do the 100% part, so it's not perfect either.
IMHO these two are about as close as you get to ideal AWD.
If you think about it, the RAV4 can only meet 2 of those 5 criteria. Same with the Highlander.
4WD have different criteria, of course. paisan could probably tell you more about that.
I do not know if the limited slip diffs in Subarus are torsen or (I assume) clutched bevel/ring design.
The others that have a rear limited-slip use a viscous coupling. Simple but effective.
Via viscous coupling?
The bad press and a few other features caused us to drop the RAV4 and Highlander for country MN winter driving considerations and boat towing.
I think the new roomy Saturn Outlook(Acadia/Enclave) has a fairly "tough" AWD system w/4500lbs of towing capacity but there's no way to lock it in < 25 mph. Even the Hyundai Veracruz had that, however like most imports only 3500 lbs towing max. So you have a Grand Cherokee with solid (but heavy) 4WD/AWD and a true low range, 6500 lbs towing with the "small" 4.7L torquey V8 and semi-crummy MPG. A go through anything AWD, just pay for it in cost of ownership.
One of the above may fit everyones requirements, it depends ....
On VDC models you get an ABLS on the front and rear where it will lock a faster moving wheel to create a limited slip. I have this on my Armada and it works well in all but full-out track conditions where you can overheat the brake fluid (saw this on an E500 AMG a few years back)
-mike
That is, unless the Subie has VDC, which would lock that spinning wheel and you'd be good to go.
We test drove one, but ended up buying a Sienna minivan. Just to give you an idea of the size class it's in.
The Forester is a good 3 sizes smaller. Sportier and more fun to drive, but a lot smaller, naturally. I'd say a RAV4 is 2 sizes smaller, and the new Highlander is still one size class down from the Outlook.
It all depends on what you want.
That is, unless the Subie has VDC, which would lock that spinning wheel and you'd be good to go.
The system is still better than all the other AWD systems out there though No other AWD system out there has an LSD front axle w/o traction control.
The advantage of the Subaru system is that because it has power going to both axles at all times you are less likely to get into a situation where you are stuck/spun/etc. than if you are driving one of the systems with a reactionary AWD system.
-mike
I'm waiting for the Super Terrific Awesome Handling All Wheel Drive that can send all torque to one wheel.