Real-Time 4WD questions (97 CRV)

Hi,

I had the recent "opportunity" to witness the behavior of my 97 CRV's
Real Time 4WD system. I was stuck in traffic for hours with show
coming down as state police closed the road I was on (I-5 southbound
through the Siskyous last week in Oregon). After cars started turning
around, I attempted to do the same.

I witnessed my front wheels begin to slip, and in fact spin inside the
chains that weren't on quite tight enough. Surprisingly, it didn't
appear that the rear wheels were turning or attempting to turn
whatsoever. I had expected the rear wheels to receive

Is this expected behavior? Was I doing something wrong? I appreciate
your helpful responses.

Thanks, -David

 

David,

You didnt' mention the mileage of your CRV, nor the last time you
changed the 'Dual Pump Fluid' in the rear diff. So that's probably a
good starting point. It would have been helpful to know what kind of
tranny you have too. Even if your cRV has fantastically low mileage,
change it just based on age.

If you want to test your AWD, the simplest way I've ever seen is to
drive about 20 mph on an icy/snowy parking lot (or intersection), then
crank the steering wheel a bit, as if you were trying to do a 'donut',
at the same time yank the park brake so that the rear wheels lock up
into a skid. If the AWD is engaging well, the front wheels should lock
up too and put you into a 4-wheel sideways skid. You may also hear a
deep, throaty moan. On an automatic, nothing bad will happen, but on a
manual transmission, (if you don't push in the clutch) the engine will
also stall.

Spinning out on ice will also show whether the rear wheels are
contributing to the fun. You should be able to spin one or the other of
the rear wheels whenever you peel out on ice.

Don't expect the AWD to give you a 'kick in the pants' when it engages.
We've got a brand new rear diff in our '98, and I really can't feel any
kind of a 'jolt'. We couldn't feel it in our '97 CRV either, but it was
working great. It's 'transparent', as they say in the spin doctor biz.

'Curly'

=================

================

 

Thanks for the response, 'Curly'. I live in Las Vegas now so I'd have
to drive a little ways (but not too far) to get to some ice to try out
your suggestion. My CR-V has 111k miles on it. I take it in for
regular service, but I'd have to look at the service records or call
my dealer to see when the last time the Dual Pump Fluid was changed
(if ever...)

Anyway, thanks! -David

 

My company has a brand new Element with the same 4WD system as a CR-V that I
drive around Fargo, ND. There is plenty of snow this time of year. The
other day I attempted a U-turn where one of the front tires went up on the
curb. I thought this would be no problem for a 4WD vehicle but I became
hopelessly stuck. I could move forward further easily but when trying to
back up I could not budge, only the front tires would spin. I therefore
conclude that the 4WD system will not engage in reverse which seems to be a
major shortcoming.

 

I never had problems backing up through 1 or 2 feet of snow with my 2002
CR-V so I doubt that the AWD doesn't engage in reverse.
Why wouldn't it?