Does AWD kick in during rain?

[yashinon]

My question - does the AWD system kick-in during heavier rain? With remnants of the hurricane approaching, we've had some rain. It feels as though the V's AWD system is working. I first noticed something different last Monday (10/22) during heavier rain. I have never driven a vehicle with AWD until now, so I don't know how to truly tell the difference.

Another reason I ask is that I had some issues with the AWD system that had me concerned.

I have a '12 V - LX.

[flames9]

Works when it feels slippage. Could be from rain, snow, mud, road full of spaghetti!!

[Greenzter]

Yes. But remember that it only kicks in while there's a difference in turning between front and rear. Only during slippage. Never becomes an AWD or 4WD vehicle.

[Greenzter]

I must qualify what I said. I'm not totally sure how 2012's work. Sorry.

[mcfarton]

I thought the 4th gens were just a sheet metal update. I was under the impression that the drive train was the same.

[Greenzter]

The 4WD system is changed. Electric vs hydraulic. I'm not sure about the details.

Need someone who knows for sure to jump in here.

Just googled and came up with this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rux6jCbBfU4

[yashinon]

They say that the AWD is vastly improved, the older 4WD's were psuedo systems.

[EuroCRV]

I have a 2012 and just finished a 2,000+ mile road trip through the mid-west. I noticed that the fuel economy decreased over stretches of the interstate where it was raining everything else being equal (speed, terrain). The only explanation I could come up with was that the AWD was kicking in due to the reduced traction. Was very happy with how stable it was during driving rain and cross-winds.

[mikepos]

Rain on the road increases rolling resistance. The AWD system is seldom egnaged and once spinning stops it disengages.