Real time 4WD: how does it work?

[ironsteel]

Dear Honda,

I'm trying to research on how Honda's real time 4WD work? I guess this is an assymetric 4WD system where it starts off in FWD mode first. But how often will power shift to the rear wheels, even if it's slipping? I ask because the CR-V comes with traction control on the front wheels. If traction control prevents the front wheels from slipping in the first place, how does power ever get re-directed to the rear wheels?

Is there an engineering site on Honda's web site that describes how this works?

Thanks

[T Mac]

There is a post somewhere on our EOC (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums) forum about this. You can search there. I'll try to look it up as well.

[fordcourier72]

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/engineering_featuredemos.asp?NUM=7&ModelName=CR%2DV

here you go

[Zed]

Thanks for the link. It's a very simple explanation to a complex system.

[Black Pearl]

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/844/releases/3653

[2RedV's]

Here, on the Honda CR-V, engineering overview site you can get some good descriptions of the various goodies that the CR-V has:

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/engineering_overview.asp?ModelName=CR%2DV

.

[jdave5917]

So... I read the real time 4WD explanation on the link provided in one of the mails in this thread. It mentions dual hydraulic pumps transferring power to the rear wheels when the front wheels lose traction. Does that mean that both rear wheels become drive wheels, or does it basically function like a normal 2WD without traction control where you really have only one drive wheel? I had a 1999 Subaru Outback that could get stuck with both drivers side wheels on ice even though both passenger side wheels were on dry ground. That really surprised me for a vehicle marketed as AWD. I believe the new Subarus won't do that.
At least the CRV has traction control in the front which would presumably prevent that from happening.

[Davecr-v]

I would love to have a 4WD lock on the CR-V I know it goes against the vehicles soul of being easy to use but someties you want 4wd locked in. I havent gotten a chance to use it in the snow but am looking forward to it performing well.