| Rocket1 |
So I made a rookie mistake and drove the MDX in the snow with the VTM-4 lock for like 5 miles. I saw the thing behind the visor which says it might damage the system .
Any precautions i need to take to make sure the system is alright or any checks i can make?
thanks |
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| renov8r |
If you were going over 20 MPH the VTM unlock overide was in.
If the roads were truly slick enough for the wheels to slip you probably needed VTM lock.
If the unit overheats it will light a warning.
I wouldn't worry about it. It's not like you were driving at 20 MPH on some twisty smooth desert highwaym NOW that would kill the VTM... |
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| shootist |
You have to shift into 1, 2 or Reverse, and drive below 18 mph, for VTM4 to lock. You can push the button all you want, but if you're not in 1,2 or R, you weren't in VTM4.
Even if you are in VTM 4, it only locks up solid below 6 mph. From 6mph to 18 mph, the electromagnetic "lock" softens to nothing.
And, with a coating of snow between your tires and the ashpalt, even if you were locked in VTM4, the tires would probably slip enough to not overly strain the VTM clutch packs.
Manual VTM 4 is a magnificent tool for getting unstuck and rolling. The VSA automatically takes over when you're driving. |
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| Rocket1 |
| I was driving at about 30mph in 2nd with the VTm-4 Lock on. the roads were icey and lots of snow. no VTM warning lights came on so i'm guessing everything should be alright. |
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| nwaring |
I have not used it since Sept ‘01 while driving in the sand but a couple of weeks ago while at a house Christmas party with limited parking I backed into my friends yard that had about a foot or so of wet snow. When we left I put it in first and turned on VTM lock so I wouldn’t spin and tear up his yard. The MDX came right out of it ok but when I hit the asphalt driveway I had to turn left and there where several clunks and some bucking coming from somewhere underneath. I don’t know if it was from turning while in VTM (the asphalt drive was slick) or lack of use. The next day I engaged it again on my snow covered street and it was just fine. :confused:
Niles |
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| shootist |
quote:
Originally posted by nwaring
...when I hit the asphalt driveway I had to turn left and there where several clunks and some bucking coming from somewhere underneath.
Niles
That was the tires skipping and hopping across the asphalt. Think about putting your car in Park, and then dragging it with a tow truck. You weren't nice to your MDX, and you should avoid that three years from now when you do it again.
Amazing how a locked rear axle gets you out of anything, isn't it? I have a Kawasaki Mule, with 4x4 and lockable rear differential. Shifting into four wheel drive won't get me out of mud or snow, but locking the rear axle will get me out of anything. |
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| anjan |
I think shootist gave the right answer. I had asked my salesperson the same question and I was told it was ONLY supposed to take the MDX out of deep snow, mud etc. Under regular road driving the AWD more than suffices.
I drove my MDX this weekend in quite snowy conditions here in Western NY with many places with over 6 inches of unplowed snow and ice, and never had a problem or the need to have the VTM-4 lock engaged. |
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