Can I Add Snow Mode Function?

A

aisi25

Member
Hi every one,

I've 2009 without Snow mode function, and as far as I now it distribute the torque 50/50 to the front and rear wheels plus reducing the accelerator response which I need for driving in sand terrain because the car auto 4wd behave so bad in sand.

So, is it possible to add this button/function with or w/o remapping? or any idea if such preset torque settings can be done with tuning?

Thank you in advance.
 
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My 2009 FX50S has the snow mode switch but like you, we vry seldom get any snow in Atlanta Ga. so I never need it. Also, the snow mode switch doesnt put the car in AWD, only the computer will sense the rear wheels slipping and apply power to the front wheels. I also understand that the FX50 will always start out in AWD due to the high engine torque in first gear and then switch back to rear wheel drive only after reaching 12 or 18 MPH (not sure which speed this occures.
NOTE: Your typing with your font color set to light blue or something and it is almost impossible to read this with the light grey backround on the posts!

---------- Post added at 07:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:25 AM ----------

Also, you are posting in the FX50S 09+ forum but your ride is indicated as a FX50 (no "S")
 
GOFAST24 said:
My 2009 FX50S has the snow mode switch but like you, we vry seldom get any snow in Atlanta Ga. so I never need it. Also, the snow mode switch doesnt put the car in AWD, only the computer will sense the rear wheels slipping and apply power to the front wheels. I also understand that the FX50 will always start out in AWD due to the high engine torque in first gear and then switch back to rear wheel drive only after reaching 12 or 18 MPH (not sure which speed this occures.
NOTE: Your typing with your font color set to light blue or something and it is almost impossible to read this with the light grey backround on the posts!

---------- Post added at 07:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:25 AM ----------

Also, you are posting in the FX50S 09+ forum but your ride is indicated as a FX50 (no "S")
Click to expand...

The snow mode doesn't put or activate the AWD (Which is 4WD light in my dash, not AWD as I noticed for US version), I realize that, but I know that it will command the 4WD system to stay on 50/50 and distribute the power to all wheels. The point is to get constant torque in all wheels even if its 40/60 or 30/70, and believe me, you don't want an automatic AWD system controlling the wheels torque in the desert.

The typing font and ride are corrected now, thank you.
 
Just watch your throttle and it will function the same as having it in snow mode - Too much will spin them too much in the sand, etc. Practice driving in the sand.

These vehicles are really made for the street, not to be driven off road - the SNOW mode is for snowy roads really.
 
jbaker1121 said:
Just watch your throttle and it will function the same as having it in snow mode - Too much will spin them too much in the sand, etc. Practice driving in the sand.

These vehicles are really made for the street, not to be driven off road - the SNOW mode is for snowy roads really.
Click to expand...

Dude, I've been driving in different sand terrain for around 18 years using several 4x4 cars but not AWD SUV, and I never experience snow driving, but I know that there is no match between driving on sand and snow. One of the keys to drive on sand is to lower the tires air to 10-15 psi or less, and that also can be done with some 4x2 cars in some sand terrains (which is not suitable for snow I believe), BUT, when the car is automatically adjusting the torque you'll experience lack in throttle power and torque.

And you are right, they made for street, but if the car has 4x4 system why don't use it in easy sand (not hard) terrain to visit a camp or shortcut road?

I'm still looking for help or answer if is it possible to add the snow mode or remapping.
 
The "Snow Mode" switch in my FX50S does not put the drive train into full continuous AWD ! Even if you add the switch it wont accomplish what your striving for. As the computer is getting signals from the individual wheel speed sensors in order to engage AWD you would have to somehow trick the computer to think your front wheels are "slipping" to get full time AWD. I know if you disconnect the front wheel sensor(s) the computer will register a "fault" code but still wont engage AWD. I have read somewhere that folks have removed the fuse that controls the engagement of the front axle (transfer case) so they could spin the rear wheels from a standing start or attempt to "drift". Good luck with your "sand mobile".

---------- Post added at 07:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:46 AM ----------

I forgot to mention that when the computer senses all wheels slipping it will throttle back so you are right about the loss of torque. I belive the VDC (vehicle dynamics control) does this. If I accellerate full throttle on a hard left or right hand turn from a stopped condition I instantly sense the computer drastically reducing the power to prevent me from sliding out.
 
My understanding from the manual is that: the TCS does the torque distribution between front and rear axles through the AWD, the VDC manages the wheel spin / oversteering / understeering with some throttle control and fuel cut off as it sees fit, but the snow mode will put a continuous throttle control and fuel cut off regardless.
Since my VDC/TCS/AWD were fixed (they were all out), I was driving the car occasionally on sand at the beach and it amazingly handles itself with no problem whatsoever without a snow mode, the only advantage i saw for the snow mode on sand was controlling the car reaction so it moves firmly in a controlled fashion rather in bouncy moves.


Sent from my iPad
 
Ataher said:
My understanding from the manual is that: the TCS does the torque distribution between front and rear axles through the AWD, the VDC manages the wheel spin / oversteering / understeering with some throttle control and fuel cut off as it sees fit, but the snow mode will put a continuous throttle control and fuel cut off regardless.
Since my VDC/TCS/AWD were fixed (they were all out), I was driving the car occasionally on sand at the beach and it amazingly handles itself with no problem whatsoever without a snow mode, the only advantage i saw for the snow mode on sand was controlling the car reaction so it moves firmly in a controlled fashion rather in bouncy moves.


Sent from my iPad
Click to expand...

The VDC cuts the fuel often when it operates because it makes it easier to bring the car back under control and keep it there, however specifically when it has to apply brakes to one or more wheels when it detect wheel spin while your foot is on the gas still, meanwhile it tells the TCS to divert excess torque to the remaining free wheel (s) in a calculated manner, this action also reduces brake overheat on the over-spinning wheel while it is being braked. This is only my understanding going through several topic .... etc and subject to error of course.


Sent from my iPad
 
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