I've read the manual and understand it makes 50/50 between front n rear wheels. Is there a maximum speed when using this? When should I use it? Was told by the dealership to only use it when stuck in snow.

 

AWD system operates fully until 25mph IIRC. Snow button just retards throttle response.

 

Ok so the x is rwd until the computer notices a slip then awd kicks in. The snow button keeps it awd up to 25 MPH then automatically shuts off? Even with the snow button still on? I used to own a Saturn vue awd and it was so late to kick into awd I would still lose control with the g I never notice the change. I never used the snow button yet and was wondering why I would need it if its already awd.

 

From the Manual

The Manual actually does not speak much about the operation of the AWD system

Some people are saying that Snow Mode also makes the car sent 50% of its power to the rear and 50 to the front. I think even with the snow mode off it is still AWD until a certain speed and I think it sends more to the rear with snow off rather than the 50/50 split.

After 15,20,25mph it switches to RWD mode until it detects a slip.

Here is the Wiki about the AWD system

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATTESA

 

I know that occasionally I turn it on when detailing my G... I immediately can tell a difference on pavement, at first I thought something was wrong with my car, then I noticed it was lit up!

 

I did some research waaaaaaay back in the day. This may not be 100% accurate, but i feel it's close.

"Normal" operation does engage the front wheels a bit. I beleive the split is 25%/75% favoring the rear up to "around" 20MPH. At that point, power is pretty much coming frm the rear wheels unless there is a loss of traction in which the computer can send as much as 50% power to the fronts.

In "SNOW" mode, the car acts very much like part-time 4WD. The transfer case is locked at a dead stop and you have 50/50 split of power. Because of this, it's recommended you do NOT drive around on dry pavement or surfaces with good grip because you risk damage due to the lack of slip between the front and rear wheels. When you take a turn, all 4 wheels turn at different speeds. The fronts, travel more than the rears, so without some slip between the front and rear wheels to accomodate this, you can stress the driveline, or wear tires. The Xfer case clutch is locked up to 11MPH, at which point then the computer takes over and reduces power to the front wheels unless you get slippage. Also, SNOW mode makes the throttle less sensitive.

the SLIP like and VDC does not engage AWD. It's totally separate. SLIP refers to wheel splin and if AWD is engaged or not depends on many factors. Most often however, if you spin rear wheels, you will get the fronts to engage more and "pull" the car forward.


Anyway....my take on the AWD system. Very good in the snow I might add

 

Great Info Mustang! Looking forward to testing my G with the snow in the Dakota's in a month!