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.
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How does a Honda Pilot’s VTM-4 lock work?
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.
Is VTM-4 safe to use while driving?
The VTM-4 LOCK button must not be used on paved, dry surfaces. When performing a turn while driving on dry, paved roads with VTM-4 Lock ON, the rear differential may be harmed. Additionally, strange vibrations and sounds may occur.
Is the Honda Pilot always 4WD?
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.
About Honda i-VTM4
The all-wheel drive technology known as I-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management) dynamically detects the amount of torque required in each wheel axle and delivers the appropriate amount of power to each of them. Depending on the amount of traction required, it can even transmit power to either the left or right wheels. For a popular three-row SUV, Honda calls this technology “the most sophisticated and technologically advanced all-wheel-drive system available.”
About Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System
The Real Time AWD and Intelligent Control System operates by recognizing when the back wheels start to lose traction. When this occurs, power is switched to the back to aid in maintaining control. This system is ideal for anyone who doesn’t intend to travel off-road during the winter and is especially well-tuned to give control in snowy conditions, even though it isn’t as dynamic or sophisticated as the I-VTM4. In the winter, Real Time AWD gives you confidence in your car.
Can the Honda Pilot’s AWD be disabled?
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:
- Press and hold the VTM-4 button, which is normally found on the dashboard adjacent to the radio, while the car is moving.
- 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.
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.
Is there a locking differential on the Honda Pilot?
The J35A4 engine, an all-aluminum 3.5L V6 SOHC with VTEC, powered the 2003–2004 Honda Pilots and produced 240 horsepower (179 kW) and 242 lb-ft (328 Nm) of torque.
The J35A6 engine, which incorporated drive-by-wire throttle and produced 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 250 lbft (339 Nm) of torque, was added to the 2005 Pilot. Other upgrades to the Pilot from 2003 to 2005 included a new gasoline tank design that increased the Pilot’s driving range by nearly 40 miles (64 km), improved 4th and 5th gear ratios in the transmission, and VTM-4, Honda’s four-wheel drive system.
Beginning with the 2006 model year, the Pilot underwent more upgrades. Its engines were either the J35Z1 (FWD) or the J35A9 (4WD). Honda employed the revised SAE net power standard; both engines were rated at 244 horsepower (182 kW) and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm) of torque. For the first time, the Pilot didn’t come standard with 4WD.
Honda incorporated Active Control Engine Mount Technology (ACM) and Active Noise Cancellation to the new FWD models’ Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which can disable up to three cylinders under mild load to boost fuel efficiency (ANC). Additionally, the automatic transmission’s first gear ratio was shortened, and the J35’s upgraded iVTEC system was included in this version. With updated powertrains and no VTM-4, the FWD version’s fuel economy increased by +1/+2 mpg above the 4WD to 18 city/24 highway.
A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on all Pilots from this generation. For a flat rear cargo floor, the Pilot has front struts with coil-spring, multilink rear suspension. The front track measures 66.3 in (1,684 mm) while the back track measures 66.5 in (1,689 mm). With the optional dealer-installed towing kit, the Pilot has a boat towing capacity of 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) and a trailer towing capacity of 3,500 lb (1,588 kg).
Under typical driving conditions, pilots equipped with Honda’s Variable Torque Management 4WD system (VTM-4) transmitted the majority of their power to the front wheels. Up to 50% of power can be delivered to the rear wheels when accelerating or if front-wheel slippage is noticed. The VTM-4 lock button, which locks the rear differential and distributes 25% of the power to each rear wheel, is another element of the system. It is located on the dashboard. Only the first, second, and reverse gears can be used with the VTM-4 lock feature, which also automatically disengages over 18 mph (29 km/h) and reengages when the speed drops below 18 mph (29 km/h).
What does the Honda Pilot’s check engine light signify?
A constant glow normally denotes something less serious, but a check engine light that flashes suggests your car’s engine is seriously damaged and needs quick repair. We strongly advise against driving if the check engine light is blinking on your Honda Pilot. Instead, book Honda service right away.
How does the 4WD system on a Honda Pilot operate?
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.
On a Honda Pilot, what does VSA stand for?
VSA, sometimes referred to as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), aids in stabilizing the car during a bend if it turns more or less than expected. It helps maintain grip on slick conditions by controlling engine output and applying the brakes only when necessary.
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.
How can I activate the snow mode on my 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.
2008 Honda Pilot is it 4WD or AWD?
One of the earliest crossover vehicles with three rows of seating was the Honda Pilot, which debuted in 2002 as a 2003 model. The Pilot was significantly lighter, more carlike, and offered higher fuel efficiency than its body-on-frame rivals thanks to its construction on a unibody chassis shared with the Odyssey minivan and loosely based on the Accord.
We gave the Pilot a 5Best Trucks distinction for large sport-utility vehicles from 2003 to 2007 in honor of its all-around excellence. The Pilot finally dropped off the list for 2008 in favor of the more modern and athletic Mazda CX-9. Even so, the Pilot provides a pleasurable driving experience, class-leading performance, and sufficient interior room for eight passengers plus goods. A familiar 3.5-liter V-6 engine from Honda with 244 horsepower and cylinder deactivation powers all Pilots. However, EPA fuel economy estimates for a two-wheel-drive Pilot are a somewhat inefficient 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, and 15/20 for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The Pilot, now in its sixth model year, feels a little out of date in a world of more modern three-row crossover vehicles. It’s fortunate that the present Pilot will be replaced for the 2009 model year.
There are four trim levels (VP, EX, SE, and EX-L) for the 2008 Pilot, and each one offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Buick Enclave, the Dodge Journey, the Ford Explorer, the Ford Taurus X, the GMC Acadia, the Hyundai, the Jeep Commander, the Mazda CX-9, the Nissan Pathfinder, the Saturn Outlook, and the Toyota Highlander are rivals for the three-row SUV market share with the Honda Pilot.
The Pilot is a great SUV with carlike handling that can tow up to eight people and their belongings with ease. In spite of the competition imitating the Pilot’s strategy and eventually catching up during the last six years, the Pilot continues to provide three-row comfort for under $30,000.
How does the Honda snow mode function?
The Intelligent Management System of the Odyssey has a Snow Mode. By selecting Snow Mode, the Odyssey is optimized for better snow performance.
Your wheels will have increased stability and less spinning movement when Snow Mode is engaged. As it becomes simpler to shift into second gear, you have a greater grip.
Consider switching out the normal all-season tires for regular show tires if you want extra traction.
These measures work together to steady your car in icy situations and improve driving safety.
A video about the snow mode button is provided here:
On a Honda Pilot, what does ABS stand for?
While braking, accelerating, or turning on a slick surface, the anti-lock braking (ABS) system is employed to maintain wheel motion and traction. The traction control system (TCS) and this system share the same parts, and the ABS control module integrates the functionality of both systems.