2009 CRV 4wd rear wheels do not turn in snow

[ggriffin1]

I was stuck in snow and my rear wheels did not engage. Should I turn off the VSA when I am on slippery roads

[Carbuff2]

No, don't turn it off.


Remember that the V has open differentials...that is, if a left wheel spins the right wheel will not power the vehicle. So yes, you CAN get stuck.


If the vehicle is moving you will get out 99% of the time.

[fixer]

Hi ggriffin1; Can you give us a little more to go on? Were the front wheels turning? Were you on a hill? Did the CRV move for a while and then get stuck or was it stuck as soon as you tried to move it? Check this out for more info. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOmZIu_y1js

Heh Carbuff, I'm thinking if the vehicle is moving, you will get out 100% of the time. Ha Ha! Had to throw that in there. Merry Christmas guys.

[Carbuff2]

Heh Carbuff, I'm thinking if the vehicle is moving, you will get out 100% of the time. Ha Ha! Had to throw that in there.

If the snow or mud is deep enough to slow you down, eventually you will "plow to a stop" and get stuck, maybe. That's one of the reasons VSA is defeatable, so that it will not cut engine power and hasten that process.

That's why SERIOUS off-road vehicles need the ability to lock the front and rear differentials, and transfer case... A properly-built Jeep can continue with only ONE WHEEL driving. I've seen it.




But yeah, if you don't grind completely to a halt, you will likely continue with the V. Plus, the V's system is lighter than a full-time system, with less parasitic power losses, for better fuel economy. So, it's not a bad compromise for a "soft-roader".

[freeheeltim]

If you're stuck, you should absolutely turn off VSA. It says so in the owners manual of my '07. The traction control was likely interfering and cutting power when you were stuck, therefore not allowing you to get out. I drive in snow 7 days/week for 6 months of the year (Winter Park, CO, is at 9000ft), so I know a few things about Winter driving. Generally you shouldn't turn VSA off when driving in slippery conditions, although I personally love driving in the snow with VSA off as it allows lots of tail-out shenanigans and drifting around the parking lots up here. It's pretty fun to steer the rear of your CR-V with only the throttle: turn, gas, drift=lots and lots of fun. Oh yeah, and if you drive in snow a lot, invest in snow tires. Anyone who says all-seasons are just has good has obviously never had real snow tires. There is no substitute. I had Bridgestone Dueler Alenzas before my snow tires. OK in snow. Absolutely terrifying on ice.