Okay guys got a question about the X. Yesterday we had some minor snowfall in NYC like an inch or so. In any case I was wondering whether the awd drive should have kicked in or not. I mean it didn't come on once. Also I put on the snow button but does that mean that the car kicks into awd mode? Cuz the light still didnt come on. The car also drove slower in snow mode and once or twice the slip light did come on. I m just wondering cuz I havent read the owners manual lol and I don't feel like it either. Just curious as to how the system works.

-Vin

 

First you might want to read a basic article on how AWD works.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/four-wheel-drive.htm

The G35x has a variation of the ATTESA ET-S intelligent AWD system. Basically in a normal situation with no rear wheel slippage, all 100% of the torque will be transferred to the rear wheels and thus RWD. If the computer senses slippage at the rear wheels it will deflect some of that torque to the front for upto a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear. I believe if you push the Snow Mode button, it will lock the transfer case at a 50:50 split until you turn it back off.

 

Vin,

The AWD light only comes on when there's a problem with the system. The AWD on the X operates seamlessly. Also don't throw the snow switch on dry pavement. When you throw the snow switch it does slow down in splitting to 50:50. Unless you turn off the VDC it will still engage to show slippage. Try driving in the snow without it for fun.

Paul

 

The ' Snow ' button is only supposed to be turned one when you have the car in neutral and you are not suppose to exceed 15Km/h. You are only suppose to use the snow feature when you're really stuck. Hopefully you didn't do anything wrong.

This information was passed down to me from the dealership when I picked up our 2005 X.

 

I haven't heard this before, and I don't remember reading that in the owner's manual. I know you aren't suppose to use it on drive pavement, but you should be able to use it at any speed in snow.

Has anyone else heard this?

-Rich

 

I don't remember the exact speed but it was something fairly low. It's almost like a 4Wheel-Drive Low setting from what I was told.

 

My understanding of snow mode is that once engaged traction is locked and split 50:50. The system is designed to be used from a stand still or parking lot speeds. Snow mode will automatically disengage and return to the normal variable split mode as speed is increased (I can't remember the threshhold). This would permit you to drive out of a snowcovered driveway or parking lot and onto a cleared roadway without having to reset the AWD system. Bottom line is you can't damage the system by driving above a certain speed with the car in "snow mode".

As to VinNYCG's initial question, the AWD system is seemless. The car takes care of transfering power forward and back as needed. An electromagnetic clutch handles this transfer so unless you're looking for wheel spin and not finding it, you're not likely to notice this transfer.

Cale

 

The system works great! I tested it out in a snowy parking lot. From a dead stop I nailed the gas and no fishtail. The front wheels kick in and you pull straight. Try it, it will give you peace of mind.

 

Thanks for your help guys, I guess no need to bother playing with the snow button or anything like that. Just let the car do the work for you I guess.

-Vin