At 18:54 in this video a Honda engineer begins an insightful talk about the AWD traction management system and some general explanation of the idea behind the traction modes. He specifies that Sand Mode is designed for optimum engine & tranny behavior for under-inflated tires in sand as well as disabling the low tire pressure warnings.
Comments/Explanation on Sand and Mud Modes?
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That engineer talking in that segment is actually Kerry McClure, the Chief Engineer (aka Large Project Leader) for the G2 Ridgeline.
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I've used snow mode a few times but am almost never in a situation to use the other modes, and I missed my chance.
A couple of weeks ago, I was cutting up a tree in my parents yard that had come down in a storm. I drove down their back yard and set up, starting cutting and at some point the tree bound up on the chainsaw. I couldn't budge the tree, so I tied it up to the Ridgeline to pull it ( I only needed an inch or so to free the blade) but the ground was wet and I spun the tires. I ended up tearing up the grass a bit but I got the tree moved enough to free the chainsaw.
It wasn't until I got out of the truck when I realized I missed my opportunity to put it in Mud mode. I wonder if it would have saved the grass.
A couple of weeks ago, I was cutting up a tree in my parents yard that had come down in a storm. I drove down their back yard and set up, starting cutting and at some point the tree bound up on the chainsaw. I couldn't budge the tree, so I tied it up to the Ridgeline to pull it ( I only needed an inch or so to free the blade) but the ground was wet and I spun the tires. I ended up tearing up the grass a bit but I got the tree moved enough to free the chainsaw.
It wasn't until I got out of the truck when I realized I missed my opportunity to put it in Mud mode. I wonder if it would have saved the grass.
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The last month I’ve been hunting some cut corn fields and my property which has a logging road with wet low spots.
Sand mode locks the rear differential and disables the features that bog it down. In standard awd as soon as the tires spin everything wants to slow down. In sand mode all the wheels keep churning and I can go through no problem at all
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G2 ridgelines have an open differential in all modes (electronic limited slip, different than mechanical LS)
The rear diff is "locked" in Sand Mode, at least at low speeds.
that is not accurate. Please post where you are reading this or why you think this.
Here's a good test. Put the RL in sand mode on dry pavement and drive in circles. Are you able to without any binding? If so, the differential is not "locked". true locking differentials wont allow the wheels to turn at different speeds , they will spin together at the same time which causes binding when turning on dry pavement. The 2g RL has an open differential with electronic limited slip. This is very different than a locking differential.
That is why I put "locked" in quotes. You cannot truly lock the G2 differential because it is a system of clutch plates. There is no binding because the clutches will slip to prevent the binding. However, power is still being sent to both rear wheels. You will likely have some accelerated wear on the clutches in Sand mode.
The "locking" was explained by a Honda rep in one of the early (2016/2017) videos. I'll see if I can find it.
i-vtm4 on the 2G rl does not have a locking differential. Yes, please provide me the details. If the G2 RL had a locking differential, it would function a lot better off-road than it currently does. The clutch slipping you are explaining is called "limited slip".
My 84 GL wagon locked the diff when in 4wd, there was no way I could turn on dry pavement when it was locked.
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In front it does, but AWD Ridgelines don't have a rear differential by technical definition (even though Honda refers to it as such) because it lacks an epicyclic gear train. It has a "rear drive unit" with an input shaft that has no mechanical connection to either rear wheel unless one or both clutches are applied.
Slip in "limited slip" refers to slip between the tire and the driving surface - not clutch slip. There are "limited slip differentials" that don't have clutch packs such as the helical limited slip differential in the Civic Si.
However you want to clarify it, the 2G RL does not have a locking differential. Locking differentials do not allow the rear wheels to spin at different speeds. The RL is using clutch packs as you stated to allow the wheel which is not moving to engage when the other is "slipping" That is not a locking differential. Locking differentials engage so both rear wheels spin at the same time all the time.
5:24. If this was a locking diff, both rear wheels would spin at the same time. As you can see, one wheel is slipping and the other is not moving. This is a good example of the clutch packs working as you explained, but it is certainly not a locked diff.
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In Sand mode the rear "differential" (really is a automatic tranny differential clutch pack system) applies more power even during times of wheel slip and allows the engine power to occur anyway instead of cutting it back to limit the wheel slip. See, that's the Honda advantage. The same but not the same. Higher tech for whatever that worth is. (some won't like higher tech)
Steve
Steve
It is not a true locking differential just the same as the G1 does not have a true locking differential. G1 owners who are considering the G2 often lament that the G2 does not have the "locking" feature that the G1 has. All I am saying here is that Sand mode will do essentially the same thing as the "locking" feature in the G1.
They mention in this article how the rear is electronically "locked" when in Sand mode. Screenshot attached.
Here's How The 2017 Honda Ridgeline's Trick Off-Roading Modes Work
Nobody expected the 2017 Honda Ridgeline to be a hardcore off-roader. It simply lacks the low gearing and solid axles typically suited to crushing rocks. But Honda’s new pickup still holds its own over rough terrain, and here’s how. Call it “better off-roading through science.”
jalopnik.com
Attachments
Thank you, this is all I was pointing out as there is quite a difference functionality wise.
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Just like an abacus is not like a digital computer either but do function similarly! lol
Steve
Steve
a locking diff and the RL's i-vtm4 absolutely do not function similarly, especially when off-roading. Have you gone off-road in a vehicle with a locked differential? Its night and day. If my jeep had a locked diff I could most likely keep it in 2wd most of the time off road.
This appear to duplicate the test I put my 2006 Pilot and 2008 Ridgeline through many years ago. Both failed to climb the berm unless VSA was engaged so the front could help pull it up. IIRC. It's been a long time since I did that testing.
A little VTM-4 lock action
I had not considered the gear ratios. It would be nice if Honda offered a little more robust rear drive system.
www.ridgelineownersclub.com
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