Questionable AWD System

[06FX35]

I don't know if you turn the VDC off it would let you turn on the snow mode (if your vehicle is equipped), but I did turned on the snow mode and that engaged all four wheels with equal power ditribution.

Why I know this? I tried this on a 45 degree incline with 4 inches of snow on the ground and then the same modes on a knee deep snow.

VDC ON with Snow Mode Off : I felt the FX spinning at least two wheels and not moving anywhere on the 45 degree incline. I later tried this mode on deep snow. No luck getting the FX moving in deep slush. So my assumption is that the VDC causes uneven distribution of power to each wheel, putting more power to the wheel that "it thought" has the most grip on the snow. But the problem is that once the power is delivered, that wheel spun out in the deep snow and causes the VDC to again trying to redistribute the power to a different wheel and the same thing happened resulting in the FX not very effective in moving through the slush.


VDC ON with Snow Mode On : The FX felt heavier on this mode setting because I noticed I had to give it a lil more gas than normal to get it moving. The FX easily climbed the incline without any issue. I felt like I had dry pavement under all four tires. Tested this mode again on deep snow. I would assume the power was fully engaged envenly to all four wheels because the FX moved through the deep powder like it's not there.


So I have two conclsuions from this experience:
1) The VDC only works well when the FX is already moving on the road. WOuld make sense because it senses the surface of the road to quickly control power distribution and brake to keep the vehicle stable.
2) If you want full power to all wheels turn the VDC off and Snow Mode On.

 

[Pupp]

This is an interesting thread. Having just bought my FX it is still yet to see it's first winter so I am anxious to see just how well the Infiniti awd system performs. I have been very impressed with it on dry roads because it does actually feel like a true RWD car. However, now I want to see what it's like at the other end of things.

I also have an Audi and Quattro is probably the 2nd best AWD system available today. Second only to Subaru's SYMM, which effectively makes snow and rain appear irrelevant. My wife has an Outback and I have never been in such a composed car in snow. I actually TRY to crash that thing in snow covered empty lots and the car pays absolutely no attention to my stupid maneuvers. My STi was virtually the same. SYMM is just amazing.

 

[turbocad6]

to me the fx awd feels great, only other car I felt as controllable at speed in downpours & hard manuvers & in snow was a v8 quattro I had, this thing powers through it all to me & I'm not even talking about from a standstill, I'm talking about moving, anything can slip with enough opposing force, but controllable stable just nail the throttle & point her where you wanna go,throw in a little corrective steering here & there & she's just an animal in the bad stuff.. no complaints here at all...

I have an awd lock button, it helps even more but never tried the awd lock with vdc off, wouldn't want to at speed, but next time I'm in bad snow from a standstill I'm going to try it both ways & see what you mean