The automated Honda Pilot can determine when to engage the rear wheels, so it isn’t always in all-wheel drive. To deliver torque to various wheels, Honda’s Real-Time AWD with Intelligent Control System continuously assesses the state of the road.
When necessary, it rapidly and effectively activates the AWD system, functioning faster and more effectively than mechanical AWD.
In This Article...
How do you stop a Honda Pilot’s four-wheel drive?
On a Honda Pilot SE, the VTM-4 system is fully automatic, constantly on, and shouldn’t need any driver input. There are techniques to momentarily disengage the VTM, though, if you detect it starts to occur suddenly.
Any of the following techniques will turn off the VTM-4 on your Honda Pilot:
- After a little delay, switch the ignition to the lock position and start the engine again.
- While stationary, move the drive selector lever to P and then back to D.
- Press and hold the VTM-4 button, which is normally found on the dashboard adjacent to the radio, while the car is moving.
The VTM-4 is the four-wheel-drive system in your automobile. Depending on the amount of available traction, it transmits engine torque to the appropriate driving axle. Bring your automobile to a repair if the system starts to operate at odd times when it shouldn’t because this could be a sign of a more serious issue.
Jerry can help you save money on your auto insurance while you wait at the mechanic, which will help defray the expense of the repairs.
What makes the Honda Pilot’s AWD and 4WD systems different?
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and 4-Wheel-Drive (4WD) are sometimes used interchangeably, which is likely because they appear to perform the same function. Even while it’s simple to see where the confusion between the two comes from, it’s crucial to grasp how these two vary when looking for an AWD or 4WD vehicle.
In a word, 4WD is a system that distributes power equally to all four wheels, causing each to spin at the same speed. This is more frequently found in cars designed for off-road use and is useful for navigating difficult, low-traction terrain. However, this method isn’t very user-friendly for routine driving. Since turning usually demands that a vehicle’s wheels move at various rates, it makes even simple activities like turning around incredibly difficult because it provides equal power to all four wheels.
The AWD system, which is a little more sophisticated and much more modern, is found on a lot more cars because to how well it works on the road. Vehicles with AWD distribute power to all four wheels in a manner similar to 4WD. The distinction is that AWD can adapt to various road conditions and scenarios because it modulates the amount of power it provides to each wheel.
FWD or AWD is the Honda Pilot.
The Pilot is a large crossover SUV that can accommodate up to eight people. All-wheel drive (AWD) is an option on most variants, with front-wheel drive (FWD) being the default. The two top model levels come equipped with AWD as standard.
Invest in the Pilot LX or EX if you want cloth seats. Leather is standard on the Pilot’s EX-L grade. The new Special Edition, which costs nearly $40,000, includes the well-known blacked-out appearance and larger 20-inch wheels.
Starting with the Touring level, rear-seat entertainment is a standard feature. The Pilot Elite is the SUV’s most opulent model, while the top-tier Black Edition includes unique red interior elements and ambient lighting along with blacked-out trim and wheels.
How do you start a Honda Pilot with all-wheel drive?
Allow the VTM-4’s auto mode to take control of the situation if you frequently travel through gently to moderately difficult terrain in your Honda Pilot.
However, it would be a good idea to engage the VTM-4 Lock if you come across a slick uphill slope, deep snow, mud, or other more challenging terrains. You must adhere to the guidelines listed below to accomplish this:
- Your Honda Pilot must be completely stopped or traveling at no more than 18 mph (30 km/h).
- First, second, or reverse gear must be selected with the shift lever.
- Between the radio and the driver’s instrument panel, press the “VTM-4 Lock” button.
- Your Pilot will use all four wheels more aggressively to tackle the terrain once the “VMT-4 Lock” button’s indication light is on.
Honda cautions VTM-4 Lock users not to spin the front tires for more than a few seconds when one or more tires have little or no grip. To help get more velocity and traction, the driver should if necessary also attempt going forward and backward and slowly wriggling the front tires.
Honda further states that VTM-4 Lock is inappropriate for dry, cemented roads. The rear differential may be harmed if the VTM-4 Lock is used for an extended period of time on such terrain, especially when the car is turning.
How does the Honda Pilot’s four-wheel drive function?
When and where traction is most needed, the Honda Pilot AWD system continuously adjusts torque distribution by electronically detecting how much each wheel axle requires. Additionally, the technology enables the clutch to engage on its own, distributing torque to the rear wheels individually.
What does the lock button on the Honda Pilot VTM-4 do?
Under circumstances where there is less traction, the Variable Torque Management 4WD System (VTM-4) automatically distributes varying amounts of engine torque to the rear wheels. When your MDX is stuck or is at risk of being stuck, you can use the VTM-4 Lock button to add greater torque to the rear wheels if you need more traction.
4WD or AWD—which is preferable?
AWD reduces some of the drama associated with driving on snow and ice. When dealing with severe snow and ice, 4WD is the way to go. Without a doubt, 4WD is superior if you also want to venture off the beaten path into the wilderness. Additionally, 4WD vehicles often have a far higher towing capacity than AWD vehicles.
Is 4WD superior to AWD in snow?
When necessary, all-wheel-drive systems automatically apply torque to all four wheels or deliver power to all four wheels simultaneously. All-wheel drive is therefore recommended for navigating icy and snowy routes.
Is AWD equivalent to 4WD?
AWD is normally constantly on, whereas 4WD has a toggle switch that allows you to switch between having it on and off. AWD is more common on cars and SUVs, although 4WD is a feature you’ll typically find on trucks.
Exists a snow mode on the Honda Pilot?
With the simple click of a button, Intelligent Traction Management makes it possible for Pilot drivers to easily maintain traction, stability, and driving confidence in a range of circumstances.
The Aspect:
The Drive-by-Wire throttle, VSA system, transmission shift logic, and on AWD models, the all-wheel-drive system are all adjusted by the system to offer the best power application for the available surface friction.
- Until a new mode is chosen or the ignition is turned off, the currently selected mode will be in effect.
- After a 3-second delay, the selected mode will be activated once it is highlighted.
- Pilot vehicles with two-wheel drive allow drivers to choose between Normal and Snow settings; Pilot models with all-wheel drive also offer Mud and Sand modes.
- The DII will show the available modes at initial push.
- Drivers must push the Intelligent Traction Management button, which is located behind the shifter and is labeled SNOW on 2WD models and a vehicle-profile icon on AWD models, to switch between modes.
- The system was developed at the Honda R&D lab in Ohio and tested in a variety of environments, including Moscow muck, Dubai sand, and Minnesota snow.
- The available options will cycle through on subsequent pushes.
How do you activate the snow mode on a Honda Pilot?
- your vehicle into park.
- If you have an all-wheel drive car, push the vehicle icon button. If you have a two-wheel drive vehicle, press the “snow button on your gear selector.
- In your driver information center, the drive modes will appear.
- To choose between the modes, press the button once more.
- When the desired mode is highlighted, give it a moment to engage.
- Until you select another mode or restart your vehicle, that one will remain in effect.
How does a Honda Pilot VTM-4 engage?
By pushing the VTM-4 LOCK button while in first (1), second (2), or reverse (R) gear below 18 mph (30 km/h), you can engage the VTM-4 if you get trapped. To deliver the most torque to the rear axle, this mode bypasses the automatic mechanism.
The 2013 Honda Pilot always has 4WD, right?
The Honda Pilot has made the decision to deviate from the existing crossover category styling. The Pilot has evolved into a boxier, more SUV-like vehicle over time, in contrast to other three-row family wagons like the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Traverse.
Although we have some quibbles with the Pilot’s fit and finish, features, and equipment, it is still a tried-and-true crossover with a noteworthy interior package and a great drivetrain.
The 2013 Pilot is still one of the better options, particularly if your family avoids minivans but requires a big interior and three rows of seating. A particularly roomy cabin and outstanding versatility are produced by the body’s overt boxiness, which is ideal for the hectic weekend hauling needs. However, the Pilot is able to combine the best aspects of both worlds because to its car-like unibody architecture, which is structurally strengthened by some of an SUV’s advantages.
The famous 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission in the Pilot maintain the brand’s reputation for smoothness, responsiveness, and pleasant sounding engines. It is one of the most fuel-efficient three-row vehicles with its current EPA highway ratings of up to 25 mpg.
Once you get over the shock of the high driving position, you’ll notice that the handling is quite sharp and the maneuverability is good. Although the optional four-wheel-drive (really all-wheel drive) system has a Lock mode and excels in deep snow or mud, the ride quality is on the hard side. Towing capacity for four-wheel-drive vehicles is 4,500 pounds.
The Pilot has consistently scored highly in terms of safety, and in addition to the standard array of security measures, it has side-curtain bags that cover all three rows. All models come equipped with a rearview camera system for 2013, which improves visibility, which can be a problem in the blocky, tall Pilot.
LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring are the four available trim levels for the 2013 Honda Pilot. All four are available in 2WD or 4WD, but in order to access many of the most enticing choices and convenience features, you must upgrade to one of the top two trims.
The less expensive LX and EX versions are better values and don’t have price overlaps with some luxury cars like the top-of-the-line Limited models do. They consist of a seven-speaker sound system, cruise control, keyless entry, and rear air conditioning. A key barrier to broader sales success is the fact that features like leather upholstery, a Bluetooth hands-free interface, USB/iPod connectivity, a power tailgate, and a navigation system are still only available on the EX-L and Touring models.
Safer, More Secure on Slippery Surfaces
All four tires transmitting the engine’s power to the road increases safety and security when driving on slick terrain, such as snowy highways, because even if the front tires slide, the rear tires can move the car forward.
By creating a light, compact system, Honda has attained the stability of powering all four tires as well as great fuel efficiency.
Smart, Real Time AWD
Real Time AWD makes driving safe, secure, and fuel-efficient by using its computer to intelligently assess if and how much power is needed to drive the back tires.
Cruising
It is not necessary to apply power to the rear tires while driving at a constant speed. The computer abruptly reduces power to the back tires when it detects a continuous cruising speed.