Looking for some clarification. My dealer told me that putting the Outlander Sport (does the full size have the same AWD system?) into 4WD AUTO it will actually engage the transfer case and send about 20% of the power to the rear axle. This is done for faster response in a slide out, and also makes sliding slightly less likely. Then, when switched to 4WD LOCK, more power is sent to the rear axle.

Two questions:

1. Does AUTO actually engage the transfer case and rear end at all when on dry pavement and NOT sliding? I'm curious because I've been using AUTO for a few days and haven't noticed a difference in MPGs or handling.

2. What is the power split for LOCK? I remember my Audi was either 50-50 or 60-40 (front biased) but I can't find much specific info on the Mitsu AWD system.



Thanks!
-James

 

I can only give an answer about an Outlander v6 with Tarmac, Snow & Lock modes but the transfer is actually being driven all the time with the front wheels and the actual coupling is on the front of the rear diff. The amount of drive to the rear is not fixed and varies according to engine & vehicle speed, throttle position, mode selected & other things.

I guess the v6 S-AWC Tarmac mode is probably similar to your Auto mode. In Tarmac you can see on the display that the highest amount of lock occurs at low / medium engine speed with moderate / high amounts of throttle. When cruising there is no coupling to the rear. The coupling will not display maximum lock regardless of throttle / engine speed and you can feel torque steer in heavy throttle straight line acceleration. Snow mode is more aggressive and shows more locking quicker and negates the straight line torque steer that Tarmac mode has.

Lock mode only fully locks on the display with some throttle and Tarmac / Snow modes reduce locking when the steering is turned.