AWD?

[Texasmark]

I have a 2009 Honda Element with automatic 4wd. Never know when it activates itself.

 

[Blackhole49]

The AWD on my MKX is full time. It can't be turned on and off. No noise at all. My FWD Silverado only makes a noticeable noise if you are turning on dry pavement with it engaged.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

We have had multiple AWD and 4WD vehicles. No noises from any of them.
You say you rarely employ it. What is your vehicle then, 2 WD? Any AWD vehicle we have had was always at a minimum AWD, but could be locked in 4WD.

there is a mode switch for front wheel drive only and AWD. THIS is the second time I've used AWD. Under warranty

 

[jhwis]

George. There is, I believe, something wrong with your understanding of All Wheel Drive (AWD). In all the AWD systems I'm familiar with, and a am not a Cadillac or GM owner, the AWD is automatic and decides for itself when it needs to be in true all wheel drive. You don't get to decide that. I believe, you probably locked the axles with your select switch which should only be done in extremely slippery, severe conditions. If you encounter any dry road spots while locked up you can experience unstable driving control and certainly noises from the tires complaining about having essentially no differential.

I agree with Tricky...AWD is automatic. You don't decide.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

As said you can turn off the AWD in a XT5 and run in just two wheel drive for better fuel efficiency. Its called touring mode.

1) George you admit to using the AWD last year with no additional noise so it stands to reason something is wrong now.
2) Do you really think people would be satisfied paying what a XT5 cost if it sounded like what a 4 wheel drive jacked up pickup sounds.

John ,
Did I overpay for 1 year old XT5 with 10,000 miles and Full factory warranty,$45.000 cash out the door price with sales tax included?
I think I got a bargain. I'm taking it to the dealer when I get over my stroke? I'll post back what they found and what it costs

 

[Richard Nixon]

there is a mode switch for front wheel drive only and AWD. THIS is the second time I've used AWD. Under warranty

Sorry George, I misread and thought you had an XTS but I now see it's an XT5. Evidently a different animal. Interesting and I learned something. The AWDs I was familiar with were all automatically engaged.

 

[Texasmark]

The AWD on my MKX is full time. It can't be turned on and off. No noise at all. My FWD Silverado only makes a noticeable noise if you are turning on dry pavement with it engaged.

A younger co-worker had a full size Ford PU with 4wd. He put monster mudders on it and one day going to lunch he showed us it hopping around on pavement when he made sharp turns.....well since the front axle is geared to turn a few percent faster than the rears, so that it can pull rather than be pushed around by the rears, MMs just magnify that difference....my opinion.

 

[flembo]

I have had 4wd vehicles since the early 70s both manual hub and auto. Now they are AWD I really don't know the difference but non of my vehicles ever made any noise.

 

[buickanddeere]

I have had 4wd vehicles since the early 70s both manual hub and auto. Now they are AWD I really don't know the difference but non of my vehicles ever made any noise.

People are not making the distinction between AWD , Full time AWD , 4WD with an 2WD/auto/4WD position, 4WD with locking hubs and 4WD that is either selected on or off .
If there is an Auto position , some vehicles tend to crab and growl when auto is selected while making sharp turns on pavement. Vs no growling when 2WD is selected .

 

[Pete in Holland MI]

Like any machine, if you don't use it, it can get resistant to use. With any AWD or 4WD vehicle, you should cycle it in and out of gear a few times a month to make sure the parts engage and disengage as they are supposed to. When not used regularly, they can set up and not work well.