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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What does the Honda Pilot’s VTM-4 light mean?
Four-Wheel Drive (VTM-4). Automatic system on and off times. If it activates, it indicates that your car has less traction at that specific time.
The VTM-4 light typically causes little concern. It only indicates that your torque management system is at work to make up for poor driving circumstances.
If the VTM-4 light continues to illuminate under regular driving conditions, you may have mistakenly depressed the VTM-4 LOCK, which will keep the light illuminated regardless of the situation.
It is not advised to dive with the VTM-4 LOCK on unless it is necessary. Simply pull over, put the car in park, and switch the ignition off. The light ought to go off shortly after you begin your car and put it in drive.
The excellent safety feature VTM-4 might assist keep your automobile from becoming damaged. However, it can’t cover all potential harm, so you’ll need reliable auto insurance for the rest.
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When should I employ the Honda Pilot VTM-4?
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.
How can the VTM-4 light on a Honda Pilot be turned off?
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.
- While stationary, move the drive selector lever to P and then back to D.
- After a little delay, switch the ignition to the lock position and start the engine again.
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.
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The Honda Pilot never shifts out of 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.
Driving a car with the check engine light on is it safe?
Can a car be used when the engine light is on? You can continue driving for a short distance, but make sure to schedule an engine inspection as soon as you can.
Don’t freak out if the check engine light comes on while you’re driving! Keep an eye out to observe if the car is driving in any unusual ways. Is it safe to operate a vehicle with the engine light on? The performance of the vehicle and the underlying cause of the check engine light’s lighting will determine whether it is safe to continue driving. Simply remember to get your automobile checked as soon as you can when the light comes on. Don’t put off necessary engine maintenance!
You can keep operating the vehicle if nothing seems unusual. Anything from a bad oxygen sensor to a poor MAF sensor could be the root of the problem. It can also indicate that your catalytic converter has stopped functioning.
Here are three steps to help you determine whether it’s safe to continue driving or if you need to stop immediately:
- What else could be wrong? – Your dashboard may also show low oil pressure or overheating issues in addition to the check engine light. Pull over and turn off the engine as quickly as you can if these lights appear. A yellow light indicates an investigation, but other cars have a red check engine light to warn you to stop immediately away.
- Take it easy – If the check engine light is also accompanied by performance issues, reduce your speed and be gentle with the engine. Avoid abrupt shifting and spikes in speed. To avoid a potentially expensive engine repair, attempt to unload as soon as you can if you’re hauling a trailer or carrying heavy equipment.
- If the light comes on after refilling, tighten the cap! Verify that the gas cap is secure. A leak in the evaporative emissions system is being detected by the sensor. Resetting the light may need many engine restarts.
Your car’s onboard diagnostics system is connected to the check engine light, which is intended to illuminate (often in yellow) whenever something goes wrong with any of the parts or sensors. A “trouble code” is used to store issues in the electronic control system and track them back to their origin. Your mechanic can identify the issue and do any necessary changes or repairs using a diagnostic computer.
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.
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 included a new gasoline tank design that increased the Pilot’s driving range by more than 40 miles and a transmission with improved 4th and 5th gear ratios that provided a smoother transition between gears (64 km). [6] VTM-4, Honda’s four-wheel drive system, is standard on every Pilot built between 2003 and 2005.
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).
Why is the flashing of my check engine light?
A considerably more serious problem is indicated by a flashing check engine light. Most frequently, it indicates a misfiring engine and unburned fuel entering the exhaust system. The catalytic converter’s temperature rises as a result, which may seriously harm it.