First Winter with AWD

[glnow]

Hi. First let me say that this is a great, informative forum. It's taught me a ton already. We purchased a AWD LE MO at the end of 2011. Being new to AWD, I was hoping to get some tips.

From my reading of the manual and other threads, the general idea seems to be (drive cautiously of course) and let the auto-AWD and VDC systems do their thing when needed and 99.9% of the time leave to AWD lock button alone. What I'm curious about are specific winter examples when one would use the AWD-lock function. Being stuck in the snow, having to go up an steep/icy driveway, etc?

Any other winter tips for AWD-MO would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Greg


Information on me, in case it helps:

We're not huge winter people, maybe go to Lake Tahoe one to three times a season. I'm just interested in getting to the ski place and back, not pushing any limits, off-roading, etc. What I'm used to is a RWD truck with sandbags in the bed, and chains when required on the highway (Highway 80, for other CA residents). In the few instances I've been required to put on chains by CHP, 4WD/AWD vehicles zipped on by (one too fast, based on the fact we later passed it spun-out on the side of the road). Not having to install chains was the main reason we opted for an AWD MO over front-wheel drive.

[Pilgrim]

I'd say only use the AWD lock when you're doing something like crawling up an icy driveway under 10 MPH and on a slippery surface with all 4 wheels...and only then if you can't get up there without using the lock.

I simply don't plan to use mine unless it's an emergency, and then, I'll use the throttle very gently...which is usually the best way to get out of a slippery situation anyhow.

[Mr3Putt]

I pushed my AWD lock button once in almost 10 years. And that was an accident.

Seriously, I drove through oodles of snow (I'm a skier myself) and I never once got stuck.

Keep in mind though, "I'm an excellent driver...excellent driver...."

[trumpet173]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I'd say only use the AWD lock when you're doing something like crawling up an icy driveway under 10 MPH and on a slippery surface with all 4 wheels...and only then if you can't get up there without using the lock.

I simply don't plan to use mine unless it's an emergency, and then, I'll use the throttle very gently...which is usually the best way to get out of a slippery situation anyhow.

So is the thought here, that the more you use the awd lock, the quicker you possibly wear out the cvt transmission? Seems like we should be able to use the awd lock whenever we want (at the right speed, of course). I've used mine for muddy dirt roads and things like that. Would have probably been fine without the lock, but I love the chance to press a new button.


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[HVT]

Originally Posted by trumpet173

So is the thought here, that the more you use the awd lock, the quicker you possibly wear out the cvt transmission? Seems like we should be able to use the awd lock whenever we want (at the right speed, of course). I've used mine for muddy dirt roads and things like that. Would have probably been fine without the lock, but I love the chance to press a new button.


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

Depending on what year Murano you have, you may never even needtto use the lock button. I say this because, and I'm not 100% sure which years this started, on my 2011, from a stop, the AWD system always starts out in 50/50 AWD mode and transfers to FWD once up to speed. So if stopped in snow, I don't see what that button would even do. Older models I can understand.
Having said that, the AWD LOCK button only works under a veryslow speed so hitting it on the HWY will do nothing and leaving it on with do nothing because it turns itself off over that set speed. So that bares the question, what the hell do we use if for?.....lol

[nitely]

Originally Posted by trumpet173

So is the thought here, that the more you use the awd lock, the quicker you possibly wear out the cvt transmission? Seems like we should be able to use the awd lock whenever we want (at the right speed, of course). I've used mine for muddy dirt roads and things like that. Would have probably been fine without the lock, but I love the chance to press a new button.


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

Its the Transfer Case you have to worry about.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by trumpet173

So is the thought here, that the more you use the awd lock, the quicker you possibly wear out the cvt transmission? Seems like we should be able to use the awd lock whenever we want (at the right speed, of course). I've used mine for muddy dirt roads and things like that. Would have probably been fine without the lock, but I love the chance to press a new button.


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

No, it has nothing to do with the CVT, which has a 120K mile warranty.

The transfer case is not very robust on these, and if you put it under heavy strain there's a chance you will damage it - and the warrranty won't cover it.

DO NOT - use it on any surface that provides much traction, including dirt and mud.

[trumpet173]

So my Morano is a 2011 LE. Am I right in understanding that there is a new transfer case design for the 2011 models? Supposed to be more robust... And the CVT warranty changed for 2011 models to just 60,000 (I think) instead of 120,00 like on previous years. What is different with this "updated" transfer case as opposed to the older ones, and does that make the awd lock safer? Thanks for the discussion!


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[glnow]

Thanks for the information provide thus far. This may belong in the tire/wheel section, but thought I’d keep it as part of this thread.
Chains? With AWD, do people still use or even bother to carry them? If so, which low-profile traction devices will work on the LE’s tires, Spider-Spikes?

[Pilgrim]

Haven't carried chains in many years...with AWD, if conditions are so bad that you need chains you should NOT be driving on public roads.

AWD does one thing: get you going.

You can't steer any better than other cars.

You can't stop better than other cars.

Remember that - you have only one advantage, and it disappears as soon as you're under way. (Yeah, it helps you climb hills, but let's not get too picky...)