| jrmirq |
In my '05 MO, AWD, I drove around all day on 2/14, our Valentine Days snow/ice storm in northern metro NYC.
I initially locked the AWD and re-locked it 6 more times throughout the day.
The conditions were snow and ice covered ALL day.
I understand the way the AWD is suppose to work, but I do not think it should shut itself down 6 times in one day, pure winter conditions, none the less.
My question: Is the AWD a safe system?
I had to pull over, 6 times , one time on the NYS Thruway, to reset the system. Everyone know of a tractor or truck rear ending some other vehicle that's 'pulled over'.
I am mortified that 'the computer' may know more than I 'the driver' of some 40yrs+. I can feel, see, smell the road surface and I WANT AWD full time if I WANT IT. Or maybe the system is malfunctioning????? |
|
|
| njjoe |
jrmirq-
Read the manual.
The MO's AWD system is always ON, ready to engage the rear wheels if conditions warrant.
There was no need to pull over on the Thruway to engage the system. What you were really doing was engaging the AWD Lock which will automatically turn off once you reach 6 mph. Although the AWD Lock light goes out, the AWD system is still fully operational and will engage the rear wheels if it detects slippage at the drive wheels.
The AWD Lock should only be used when trying to drive your car out of snow, sand, mud, etc. from a standing start.
I think you owe your MO an apology.
-njjoe |
|
|
| Gonzo |
| Right, if you are not stuck you really don't need to lock the AWD system. |
|
|
| jrmirq |
Since my post, I discovered some more information from some Nissan dealers I called: (btw, I did read the manual b4 I posted)
It appears, back in '03 the original AWD Lock was just that - engaged, it was 'locked' until you could 'unlock' and resume to FWD default. Since drivers at times, did not 'unlock',they drove for extended periods and Nissan had to service and replace many differentials. To avoid spending too much, Nissan, added sensors to have the system to shut down to avoid damage.
My point, again, AWD Locked is superior to FWD, the default, and the type of driving I do when I'm in upstate NY, VT an other hilly regions, I need it for safety.
In answer to the reply, yes, the light does go out, but Nissan told me it does resume to FWD, NOT AWD in the background.
Bottom line, The Nissan AWD is not the definitive auto drive technology for the snow skier community or for the drivers' assumed sense of safety. I wish I knew this b4 I bought this MO. |
|
|
| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by jrmirq
Bottom line, The Nissan AWD is not the definitive auto drive technology for the snow skier community or for the drivers' assumed sense of safety. I wish I knew this b4 I bought this MO.
Sorry you feel that way.
I have a cabin near a major ski resort. My Mo has never faltered getting me in or out of the place.
I am able to access all points of "the mountain" with no issues at all. I've used the AWD lock button exactly 3 times in 4 years. All 3 times were from a dead stop. Worked fine. Drove right out of the slop.
Did you have actual problems? Or did you just assume there were issues because the light was not illuminated? |
|
|
| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by jrmirq
In answer to the reply, yes, the light does go out, but Nissan told me it does resume to FWD, NOT AWD in the background.
Bottom line, The Nissan AWD is not the definitive auto drive technology for the snow skier community or for the drivers' assumed sense of safety. I wish I knew this b4 I bought this MO.
jrmirq-
The MO's AWD system is not a full-time system like that found on some other vehicles, where all four wheels are under power all the time. It is a simple but effective part-time system.
Regardless of the position of the AWD LOCK button, the MO's AWD system will immediately go in to four-wheel-drive mode if it detects front-wheel slippage. If you are traveling a 10-mile stretch of slippery road it is very possible that the MO will be in four-wheel-drive mode for the entire distance. If the front wheels are not slipping then the system reverts to FWD.
There are forum members in the Northern reaches of Canada who drive on snow-packed roads for three months of the year. They do just fine with the MO's AWD system.
Are you still running the Goodyear Eagles? If so, you might want to consider a winter tire specifically designed for snow/ice. The OEM shoes are not the best choice for driving on the white stuff.
-njjoe |
|
|
| GripperDon |
| You know it after buying, Now you can act accordingly, Drive it and enjoy, sell it and get something else with your improved impormation base. Either way this will work out. Knowing it b4 you bought likely would not have changed the purchase decision as the Mo system does just fine most of the time. AND you not always but sometime get what you pay for, more money more costly system will it do more for you in your case , First question is do you need more? If actually not you are good to go and saved money and have the pride of having a wonderfull stylish and high value MO. :) |
|
|
| SIM |
jrmirq,
I don't understand your point. What is wrong with an AWD system that engage only when it is needed (when the front wheels begin to loose traction)? What would you wish it to be?
The Murano AWD system is certainly not in the same class as the Audi or Subaru Torsen, but it gets the job done. I live in Quebec, Canada, where we see more snow and ice than the vast majority of the other members here and my MO never lost its traction even in the worst weather. Of course, I also have 4 Dunlop Grandtrek SJ-5 tires and I only drive them for 3 winters before replacing them.
The Murano AWD system is a compromise between fuel economy and full-time AWD. Most AWD SUV borrow a similar design. The only flaw that I see in such a system is when both wheels (front and rear) on the same side are stuck. It never happened to me but since the MO system cannot transfer power from side to side, it would be stuck for good. I am very happy with this economical AWD system. |
|
|
| manitoba murano |
There is no benefit to having power delivered to the rear wheels at all times, unless the fronts are spinning. In the MO, if the fronts spin, the rears get power, automatically. Having the rears locked full time would result in more wear to the parts (xfer case, rear diff, driveshaft, etc), as well as more wear on the CVT and engine. Throw in reduced fuel economy, and you see why so many systems are part time automatic AWD. If there is no need to power the rear wheels, then why do it?
AWD lock is only useful from a dead stop, accelerating up a steep and slippery slope, or for some fun drifting through slippery corners. Once under way, the automated system in the MO is just as effective for on road driving as an always on AWD powering all four wheels.
I recently had to visit a community via a winter road. This is a road that goes over frozen tundra, and across lakes. It is all hard packed snow and ice, with a dusting of snow over the ice and hard pack all the way. Not once did I ever have to engage the AWD lock. The MO had no trouble at all getting to where I had to go. I can't imagine it would provide any benefit having AWD locked on on a highway, when in motion. In fact, with all four wheels locked to the engine/tranny, the extra engine braking when you let off the gas may actually hinder performance in such conditions.
The MO's system is not intended to be an offroad 4wd system. It works perfectly well as an all-weather, light duty, on road AWD system. Faulting it for not doing something it is not designed to do is silly.
Edit: When driving in deep snow where you are likely to bog down, the key is turning off the VDC, not turning on the AWD lock. |
|
|
| jrmirq |
Thanks people for the input. I guess my opinions are based in preconceived experiences, current and previous.
I owe an apology to MO when I leave her in the garage this weekend and take her roomate, Always AWD, Audi A6 to the slopes.
I've calmed down now. |
|
|
| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by jrmirq
Thanks people for the input. I guess my opinions are based in preconceived experiences, current and previous.
I owe an apology to MO when I leave her in the garage this weekend and take her roomate, Always AWD, Audi A6 to the slopes.
I've calmed down now.
Bring the MO. Run her through & to the slopes. I don't think you'll be disappointed. |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
quote:
Originally posted by jrmirq
It appears, back in '03 the original AWD Lock was just that - engaged, it was 'locked' until you could 'unlock' and resume to FWD default.
Actually there were 2 differences between the '03 AWD and the current one. The '03 system would revert to auto AWD at 18mph instead of 6mph, and it would re-lock when you dropped below 18mph (which the current system doesn't do). |
|
|
| njjoe |
jrmirq-
If manitoba murano's MO can safely tackle the frozen tundra then I would think your MO can easily handle the roads around Metro-NYC and upstate New York.
-njjoe |
|
|
| manitoba murano |
| I gotta admit, I'd much rather drive on actual frozen stuff than the sloppy soupy salty mess they see further south. |
|
|
| njjoe |
manitoba murano-
Out of curiosity, how many weeks (months ??) of the year do you have snow on the ground around your house?
This has been a mild winter for us. So far this winter the ground has been snow-covered for less than one day.
Thanx in advance,
njjoe |
|
|
| Eric L. |
| I think in the end, its easier to blame the MO's AWD system rather than to point a finger at the driver. The best AWD/4WD system in the world will still get you stuck if you drive in unsafe conditions. I've found the MO's automatic AWD to be very good, and only when I've been stupid (i.e. try to tackle the deep stuff) did I manage to get the vehicle stuck. I doubt even a jeep or a hummer would have gotten through that. When the snow is very deep, the best AWD doesn't make a difference. Ground clearance, however, does. |
|
|
| Gonzo |
quote:
When the snow is very deep, the best AWD doesn't make a difference. Ground clearance, however, does.
We had that until they added the fuel schield. :p |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
We had that until added the fuel schield. :p
:D :D :D I should have charged my neighbors by plowing their driveways with it. |
|
|
| manitoba murano |
njjoe
We had snow October 14th--stuck around for a few weeks. It's been snow covered here since then, except for a few warmer days just before hallowe'en. It'll be this way until at least late March, and more likely late April. Usually at least 5-6 months of snow, and a month at each end with the possibility of snow.
All in all it's been a mild winter up here too (all things are relative), with some of the winter roads only being opened up a couple weeks ago. They need a lot of ice on the lakes to support the big trucks, and it was a very late opening on the east side of the province.
The nice thing is that when it's -30 or colder, it's too cold to snow. I'd rather have the -40 than the +35/95 we often see in July/August. That, my friend, is unbearable. |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
I think in the end, its easier to blame the MO's AWD system rather than to point a finger at the driver. The best AWD/4WD system in the world will still get you stuck if you drive in unsafe conditions. I've found the MO's automatic AWD to be very good, and only when I've been stupid (i.e. try to tackle the deep stuff) did I manage to get the vehicle stuck. I doubt even a jeep or a hummer would have gotten through that. When the snow is very deep, the best AWD doesn't make a difference. Ground clearance, however, does.
No, but 4WD does. I drove my Cherokee Classic through hood deep snow for a 1/4 mile once, didn't get stuck. So I turned around and drove back through it :) |
|
|
| Gonzo |
| Its not the depth of the snow, nor weither its AWD/FWD/RWD... its what is under the snow that plays a big part too. |
|
|
| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Tyler_Canada
No, but 4WD does. I drove my Cherokee Classic through hood deep snow for a 1/4 mile once, didn't get stuck. So I turned around and drove back through it :)
TC-
That may work with dry powder, but try it with wet snow and you'll quickly find yourself going nowhere. I know from experience with a Jeep GC.
-njjoe |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
TC-
That may work with dry powder, but try it with wet snow and you'll quickly find yourself going nowhere. I know from experience with a Jeep GC.
-njjoe
Of course :) It was dry powder. |
|
|
| biggun |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
jrmirq-
Read the manual.
The MO's AWD system is always ON, ready to engage the rear wheels if conditions warrant.
There was no need to pull over on the Thruway to engage the system. What you were really doing was engaging the AWD Lock which will automatically turn off once you reach 6 mph. Although the AWD Lock light goes out, the AWD system is still fully operational and will engage the rear wheels if it detects slippage at the drive wheels.
The AWD Lock should only be used when trying to drive your car out of snow, sand, mud, etc. from a standing start.
I think you owe your MO an apology.
-njjoe
Is it me or has Nissan, under one of my recalls, flashed the AWD to operate beyond the 6 mph. I was driving the other day in snow and decided to engage the AWD lock from the stop light. As I'm driving down the street I notice that the AWD is staying engaged past 6 mph.
Could Nissan have changed the AWD set points during one of my services? |
|
|
| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by biggun
Is it me or has Nissan, under one of my recalls, flashed the AWD to operate beyond the 6 mph. I was driving the other day in snow and decided to engage the AWD lock from the stop light. As I'm driving down the street I notice that the AWD is staying engaged past 6 mph.
Could Nissan have changed the AWD set points during one of my services?
BG-
It is very doubtful that Nissan would expand the operating envelope of the AWD Lock. How fast were you able to go before the AWD Lock disengaged?
-njjoe |
|
|
| craigster |
quote:
Originally posted by biggun
As I'm driving down the street I notice that the AWD is staying engaged past 6 mph.
Same with me last night. It went well beyond 6 mph - at least to 15+ mph (about 23 kph). On an '05 SE. |
|
|
| Kris |
| How do you guys know that the AWD is engaged? |
|
|
| Eric L. |
I've got news for you - there is no indicator to show AWD on or off - if you put it in lock, depending on what year model you have, it reverts back to automatic AWD (not lock) if you go past either 6mph (05+) or 18mph (03-04). The AWD lock does not turn off either (at least it doesn't on my 03). If the "AWD" light comes on (either steady or blinking) it means the AWD system has suffered a malfunction, and its now in FWD mode to protect the system.
Its all in the owners manual. |
|
|
| craigster |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
I've got news for you - there is no indicator to show AWD on or off - if you put it in lock, depending on what year model you have, it reverts back to automatic AWD (not lock) if you go past either 6mph (05+) or 18mph (03-04). The AWD lock does not turn off either (at least it doesn't on my 03). If the "AWD" light comes on (either steady or blinking) it means the AWD system has suffered a malfunction, and its now in FWD mode to protect the system.
Its all in the owners manual.
Not correct!
In the 2005 manual, Section 5-24, it says that when you push the AWD lock button, the AWD "LOCK" (not just the AWD lighyt) light will come on. It also says you can't ENGAGE the AWD until below 10 kph (6 mph) but it says NOTHING about when it will disengage. |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by craigster
Not correct!
In the 2005 manual, Section 5-24, it says that when you push the AWD lock button, the AWD "LOCK" (not just the AWD lighyt) light will come on. It also says you can't ENGAGE the AWD until below 10 kph (6 mph) but it says NOTHING about when it will disengage.
Yes I know AWD LOCK will light up (this topic has been discussed many times on the forum already). What I was talking about is that there is no way to tell whether its using all four wheels when its in the automatic mode, OR once you are past the AWD LOCK speed (6 or 18mph). Just because AWD LOCK is lit, does not mean its actually in AWD if you are over those speeds. |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
AWD lock vs year:
03-04: AWD lock functions below 18mph (30kph). Unlocks above that speed, and RE locks when you drop back below that speed. Button is a switch that stays locked until you press it the other way, and it's thus possible to leave the AWD locked when you turn the key off and forget about it.
05+: AWD lock functions below 6mph (10kph). Unlocks above that speed, and RE locks when you drop back below that speed, UNLESS you exceed a higher speed (not sure what it is, 18mph?). The button is a momentary switch and the AWD lock is disengaged if you turn the key off and back on.
The 05+ version is useless, might as well not even have a lock function :( |
|
|
| biggun |
Joe to answer your question and clear things up, my situation was as follows:
I was traveling home from work, which is mostly highway - approx. 20 miles. I then came to the local streets. It was snowing hard and there was alot of snow on the streets. I wanted to test the AWD lock from stop. I placed it in lock (noticing both the lock light and AWD dash light were on) and punched the gas. Originally, I have never noticed the dash light on before.
I got up to around 25 - 30 before the next light and noticed the AWD lock light and AWD dash lights were both still on. I then proceeded to unlock the AWD. Both lights turned off. I tried to turn them on again going past 6 mph (around 10 mph) and it wouldn't engage. I got to the next light again, placed it in AWD lock (both light came on and stayed on beyond 25 mph) until I got home and disengaged it.
I really didn't think that much of it. I thought that my dealer may have updated the engaging points as part of a TSB during one of my recalls or service visits.
I think now that maybe the car was driving in AWD most of the time traveling home and got the fluid hot enough to activate the AWD dash light or the wheel spin from stop caused it.
Either way...although I hate to admit it....Eric is right. :2:
PS
The AWD lock light stays on even when the trans goes back to FWD above 6 mph per OM. |
|
|
| Eric L. |
Woohoo! :D :D :D
While I myself would prefer a light to blink on when AWD automatically engages, my guess is that there isn't a light because it would distract you from paying attention to where you are heading - if you need AWD to get moving, its probably best to keep your eyes on the road. Lawyers! |
|
|
| craigster |
Well, if you were in the almost unbelievablely slippery and snowy weather I was in last night, I assure you you can feel if you are in AWD or not! When I locked it and needed to accelerate abote 10 kph, there was a significant difference with the AWD lock on.
BTW, you said the AWD light only came on with a problem. I was distinguishing that there is a different indicator that we were using to tell if we were in "lock". |
|
|
| craigster |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
I've got news for you - there is no indicator to show AWD on or off
I was referring to this quote |
|
|
| craigster |
quote:
Originally posted by Tyler_Canada
AWD lock vs year:
The 05+ version is useless, might as well not even have a lock function :(
Not last night it wasn't. Maybe you should drive an '05. :) |
|
|
| njjoe |
craigster-
You are right.
I just gave her a test run and sure enough the AWD LOCK lamp remained lit up to 25 mph. I am not sure if that means the clutch pack was actually locked or that the AWD LOCK system was simply active. It is most likely the system was active but the clutch pack was de-energized once I exceeded 6 mph.
-njjoe |
|
|
| craigster |
Thanks.
From my experiences last night, I could really feel the difference betwen lock and not locked at a number of different speeds - all above 10 kph but below 30 kph (the brakes are only capable of so much, y'know ;) ) |
|
|
| biggun |
quote:
Originally posted by craigster
Not correct!
In the 2005 manual, Section 5-24, it says that when you push the AWD lock button, the AWD "LOCK" (not just the AWD lighyt) light will come on. It also says you can't ENGAGE the AWD until below 10 kph (6 mph) but it says NOTHING about when it will disengage.
Craig,
Are you saying that your AWD dash light was on the whole time as well or just the AWD lock light?
-BG |
|
|
| craigster |
The AWD Lock light only. There was no "AWD" only light on.
My earlier point was that it seemed to me that when I locked the AWD (and the "lock" light came on on the instrument panel), AWD stayed on and felt engaged to a much higher speed than 10 kph - more like 25 or 30 kph. We had a really nasty strom last night with freezing rain on top of a heavy snow and I was finding the automatic AWD taking too long to kick in. I had no preconceptions of what to expect and I was getting some slippage so pushed the button and I would get little to no wheelspin at 15 kph+ (I have VDC too) but would get some spin in automatic. Go figure.
No matter what ANYONE says, when it is really slippery and I am at low speeds, I am pushing that button from now on!!
YMMV |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
quote:
Originally posted by craigster
Not last night it wasn't. Maybe you should drive an '05. :)
I've driven both for an extended amount of time. I have an 03, but when my transfer case failed, they followed the related TSB and updated my system to the one in the 05+'s. And we get a lot of snow where I am. |
|
|
| nissanlove |
we've had an above average amount of snow this winter(which usually accounts for 5-6 months of the year also) and not once have a had to use the awd lock button. i've driven through a few dumps of over 15 cm and have not felt the need to use the lock button. the only downfall i find is the goodyear tires and they're inability to grip the snow while turning.
the only time i've gotten stuck in the MO is when i tried driving it through about 30-40 cm of crystalized snow and the front end started acting like a snow shovel. geez was that ever a hassle to dig myself out of. |
|
|
| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by nissanlove
we've had an above average amount of snow this winter(which usually accounts for 5-6 months of the year also)
Brrr.............man.......even remote thought about it is making me..............better not think about it..... |
|
|
| Gonzo |
Well that makes sense... others have reported the AWD takes a bit to kick in... and when it does depending on the scenario it could have undesireable results, especially if you are in a turn.
Perhaps its behaves better with VDC. |
|
|
| nipsirc |
craigster
Was that you spinning late afternoon on Steeles Ave and Airport Rd area ?
he he he Just kidding !!!
Of all the vehicles that was moving in traffic, the Murano stands out as having no problem weaving in and out.
What a bad weather that was last night and it was also my birthday too....
Good thing I had this Murano. Didn't prevent me and family going out and celebrating.
Thanks Mo !!!
I have a question though......
Regardless of weather, even in the hot summer months, when I use the brakes, there is a slight push forward that I feel. It seems that there a gush of power given to the engine to push forward as soon as you engage the brakes. Anyone had this experience? The vey first time it happened, I got scared as i thought I would hit the car in front of me on a stop light. |
|
|
| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by nipsirc
craigster
Was that you spinning late afternoon on Steeles Ave and Airport Rd area ?
he he he Just kidding !!!
Of all the vehicles that was moving in traffic, the Murano stands out as having no problem weaving in and out.
What a bad weather that was last night and it was also my birthday too....
Good thing I had this Murano. Didn't prevent me and family going out and celebrating.
Thanks Mo !!!
I have a question though......
Regardless of weather, even in the hot summer months, when I use the brakes, there is a slight push forward that I feel. It seems that there a gush of power given to the engine to push forward as soon as you engage the brakes. Anyone had this experience? The vey first time it happened, I got scared as i thought I would hit the car in front of me on a stop light.
Very well documented.....the TQ engages/disengages at 18mph....if you do not know about it it may give you a weird feeling......
Nothing to be worry about thought... |
|
|
| manitoba murano |
Maybe a bit off topic but...
When I pull away in AWD Lock I have no problems or unusual noises. If I rely on the auto AWD, and it is very slippery, and I pull away from a stop and around a turn, I think I have noticed, a couple of times, a noise that is eerily similar to the grind in a manual tranny when you miss a gear. I'm not entirely sure that I didn't just imagine the noise, but I was wondering if anyone else had noticed something similar. Almost all the driving I do is on icy roads, and when there's a dusting of snow it almost always induces wheelspin.
Any ideas? Could it be the clutch in the system? Would the VDC make any sort of noise (does it pulse the brakes in a manner opposite to the way ABS works--pulsing the brakes on instead of off)? It's definitely got my attention now, so I will try to isolate/confirm that there is a noise. |
|
|
| Kris |
I believe it is the VDC. Happened to me only once but not in Murano. It was the FX, which is AWD. I was going around a corner too fast and lost rear end. Suddenly I heard this strange, grinding noise and car got strengthened up! VDC and maybe AWD worked!
So it may well be that as your wheels loose traction and you slide just a bit the VDC does the job. It would explain the noise. |
|
|
| Drewmyster |
| In the lower mainland of British Columbia, we have our fair share of ice and snow. Along with the mountain passes the roads can get quite treacherous. The Murano has handled these conditions exceptionally well without engaging the AWD button. My home is located on a mountain slope which use some long steep winding roads for access. Even with the original Goodyears, I have passed many a stranded vehicle on the ascent. No complaints from this owner. |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
quote:
Originally posted by manitoba murano
Maybe a bit off topic but...
When I pull away in AWD Lock I have no problems or unusual noises. If I rely on the auto AWD, and it is very slippery, and I pull away from a stop and around a turn, I think I have noticed, a couple of times, a noise that is eerily similar to the grind in a manual tranny when you miss a gear. I'm not entirely sure that I didn't just imagine the noise, but I was wondering if anyone else had noticed something similar. Almost all the driving I do is on icy roads, and when there's a dusting of snow it almost always induces wheelspin.
Any ideas? Could it be the clutch in the system? Would the VDC make any sort of noise (does it pulse the brakes in a manner opposite to the way ABS works--pulsing the brakes on instead of off)? It's definitely got my attention now, so I will try to isolate/confirm that there is a noise.
That's exactly right, it's the VDC, and it works by pulsing the brakes on the wheels inside the turn.
I much prefer the have the AWD locked when driving around in 4+ inches of snow, as it makes initial acceleration a bit smoother. I don't even bother now that I've been "upgraded" to the 05+ version, as I have to re-enable it every time I come to a stop, and it's not worth the hassle. |
|
|
| gnotti211 |
manitoba murano,
Same thing happened to me, i was worried at first but i soon realized it was normal for the MO and VDC...
If your still worried about it, i would talk to your nissan dealer..but i find the advice from the members on this forum to be more helpful than that of any car dealer |
|
|
| manitoba murano |
quote:
Originally posted by Tyler_Canada
I don't even bother now that I've been "upgraded" to the 05+ version, as I have to re-enable it every time I come to a stop, and it's not worth the hassle.
Mine stays 'active' around town, but that's at speeds under 50 all the time. In 4+ inches of snow, I assume you're under 50 too. Does yours actually shut off the AWD LOCK light? Is it at a certain speed/highway speeds?
The AWD lock is only really useful pulling away from a stop anyway, so it does serve it's purpose IF you have to turn it on after highway travel when you are pulling away from a stop. |
|
|
| biggun |
quote:
Originally posted by nissanlove
we've had an above average amount of snow this winter(which usually accounts for 5-6 months of the year also) and not once have a had to use the awd lock button. i've driven through a few dumps of over 15 cm and have not felt the need to use the lock button. the only downfall i find is the goodyear tires and they're inability to grip the snow while turning.
the only time i've gotten stuck in the MO is when i tried driving it through about 30-40 cm of crystalized snow and the front end started acting like a snow shovel. geez was that ever a hassle to dig myself out of.
nissanlove,
Okay, if there is 12-15 inches of snow on the ground then, regardless of the vehicle, tires, AWD lock, or what-have-your, you shouldn't be driving in it anyway.
:D |
|
|
| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by biggun
nissanlove,
Okay, if there is 12-15 inches of snow on the ground then, regardless of the vehicle, tires, AWD lock, or what-have-your, you shouldn't be driving in it anyway.
:D
What if you are the guy who drives the snow plow and need to get to work? :mad: What if you have tickets to a Patriot's playoff game? :D What if your pregnant wife has a craving for pistachio ice cream? :4: What if that same pregnant wife realizes those pains are not indigestion from the pistachio ice cream? :eek:
-njjoe |
|
|
| biggun |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
What if you are the guy who drives the snow plow and need to get to work? :mad: What if you have tickets to a Patriot's playoff game? :D What if your pregnant wife has a craving for pistachio ice cream? :4: What if that same pregnant wife realizes those pains are not indigestion from the pistachio ice cream? :eek:
-njjoe
nj,
1. If your the guy driving the snow plow than you shouldn't be going to work after there is over a foot of snow on the ground. If your on the second shift, than you should have the connections to have someone plow your way or pick you up.
2. I would drive that mother until the CVT seized up and then get out and try and hitch a ride from the snow plow guy (which may be my friend - refer to 1 above).
3. I would say in a kind, non confrontational voice; "Sorry honey, but your going to have to settle on the Chunky Monkey instead (for those not familiar, that would be the Ben & Jerry's brand not the other thing you were thinking).
Oh, I take that back, I would say that I would not want to leave her alone in this severe weather and than suggest the Chunky Monkey instead.
4. Refer to 2 above.
That's funny. Not far from what actually happen to me with our second. Had to go in about 2-3 inches of snow and had about 6-8 inches on the ground by the next morning.
-Biggun :D |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
quote:
Originally posted by manitoba murano
Mine stays 'active' around town, but that's at speeds under 50 all the time. In 4+ inches of snow, I assume you're under 50 too. Does yours actually shut off the AWD LOCK light? Is it at a certain speed/highway speeds?
The AWD lock is only really useful pulling away from a stop anyway, so it does serve it's purpose IF you have to turn it on after highway travel when you are pulling away from a stop.
No, this is around town... in town is the only place I would use the AWD lock. Yes the lock light turns off. Yes, I'm staying below 50 (probably around 35mph tops). Once I was driving up a snow covered hilly driveway and wanted lock, but didn't want to slow down enough to lock it. |
|
|
| manitoba murano |
quote:
Originally posted by Tyler_Canada
No, this is around town... in town is the only place I would use the AWD lock. Yes the lock light turns off. Yes, I'm staying below 50 (probably around 35mph tops). Once I was driving up a snow covered hilly driveway and wanted lock, but didn't want to slow down enough to lock it.
Weird, my light stays on in my '06 under 50km/h, so the 'update' they did seems to make it an '03 special', not like the 06's. That sucks that you have to re-engage it every time when travelling at low speeds. I guess they're trying to limit their warranty obligations.
It would be nice to be able to 'shift on the fly', but the auto AWD would help you up that slippery driveway regardless. I wonder what speed the AWD actually stops assisting at. There has been discussion about 6/12/18mph, but I know my rear wheels do get power at 30+km/h (wheel/speedo speed, not vehicle speed) when I'm having a bit of fun. I wonder if it's just the 'AWD Lock' that disengages at these speeds, and the AWD can still send torque to the rear beyond those speeds when the fronts spin. |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by manitoba murano
Weird, my light stays on in my '06 under 50km/h, so the 'update' they did seems to make it an '03 special', not like the 06's. That sucks that you have to re-engage it every time when travelling at low speeds. I guess they're trying to limit their warranty obligations.
It would be nice to be able to 'shift on the fly', but the auto AWD would help you up that slippery driveway regardless. I wonder what speed the AWD actually stops assisting at. There has been discussion about 6/12/18mph, but I know my rear wheels do get power at 30+km/h (wheel/speedo speed, not vehicle speed) when I'm having a bit of fun. I wonder if it's just the 'AWD Lock' that disengages at these speeds, and the AWD can still send torque to the rear beyond those speeds when the fronts spin.
Exactly correct I think. |
|
|
|
