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2007 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD System Explained

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#1 of 15 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD System Explained by dodo2 May 11, 2007 (7:37 am)
For those who are interested to understand the 4WD system in the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, here it is an excerpt on the topic, from an article available on Mitsubishi's web site. The link to the full article is here   All-Wheel Control with Advanced 4-Wheel Drive   The 2007 Outlander gives the driver a choice among vehicle drive modes. Standard front-wheel drive is augmented by the Active Skid and Traction Control (ASTC) system, which includes traction control for better grip on slippery surfaces. With the optional 4-wheel drive system, the driver uses a drive-mode dial on the center console to select "FWD" for best fuel economy; with "4WD Auto" mode selected, the system uses a rear-mounted electronically controlled transfer clutch to automatically and seamlessly route more power to the rear wheels, depending on driving and road surface conditions. The driver can freely change the drive mode at any time.   Two 4WD Modes When "4WD Auto" mode is selected, the Outlander 4WD system always sends some power to the rear wheels, automatically increasing the amount under full-throttle acceleration. The coupling transfers up to 40 percent of available torque to the rear wheels under full-throttle acceleration, and this is reduced to 25 percent over 40 mph. At steady cruising speeds, up to 15 percent of available torque is sent to the rear wheels. At low speeds through tight corners, coupling torque is reduced, providing a smoother feel through the corner.   For driving in particularly challenging conditions, such as snow, the driver can select "4WD Lock" mode. In Lock mode, the system still apportions front and rear torque automatically, but enables greater power transfer to the rear wheels. For example, when accelerating on an upgrade, the coupling will transfer more torque to the rear wheels immediately, helping to ensure that all four wheels get traction. In contrast, an automatic on-demand part-time system would allow front wheel slippage before transferring power, which could hamper acceleration.   In dry conditions, 4WD Lock mode places priority on performance. More torque is directed to the rear wheels than in 4WD Auto mode to provide greater power off the line, better control when accelerating on snowy or loose surfaces, and enhanced stability at high speeds. Rear wheel torque transfer is increased by 50 percent over the amounts in 4WD Auto mode - meaning up to 60 percent of available torque is sent to the rear wheels under full-throttle acceleration on dry pavement. When in 4WD Lock mode, torque at the rear wheels is reduced by a smaller degree through corners than with 4WD Auto mode.   Drive Mode: 2WD Overview of Control: Distributes all torque to front wheels Benefit: Best fuel economy   Drive Mode: 4WD Auto Overview of Control: Distributes variable torque to rear wheels depending on accelerator pedal position and front-to-rear wheel speed difference Benefit: Delivers the optimal amount of torque for driving conditions   Drive Mode: 4WD Lock Overview of Control: Delivers 1.5 times more torque to the rear wheels than 4WD mode Benefit: Increases off-the-line traction; provides greater high-speed stability and best performance on rough or slippery surfaces.
#2 of 15 continued by chelentano Dec 02, 2007 (9:39 pm)
...continued from another thread   >> I wonder why the Outlander team went to the low percentage split - is it for the mom shopping in the snow covered parking lot? I understand the small saving possible in fuel usage with the selector switch   Well, after all the Outlander is not a real SUV, it's a crossover. Besides as a consumer I'd like to have a choice running in 2WD, 4WD auto or 4WD Lock, so I like the Outlander AWD system better then Subaru full-time AWD. There is quite significant difference in gas mileage in normal road conditions between 4WD auto and 4WD lock. The 2WD mode could be handy when you are running out of gas and every drop of gas is very valuable. The 4WD Auto gives me best of both: lower gas mileage and availability of all wheel torque for sudden change in road conditions. Replies to this message: 20vcq (Dec 02, 2007 9:49 pm) chelentano (Dec 02, 2007 9:58 pm) jillb2 (Jun 21, 2008 2:12 pm) biscuit_xls (Jun 21, 2008 3:51 pm) piast (Jun 22, 2008 9:02 am)
#3 of 15 Re: continued [chelentano] by 20vcq Dec 02, 2007 (9:49 pm)
Replying to: chelentano (Dec 02, 2007 9:39 pm) Thanks for that link etc - the mitsubishi.ca web site that I some how get defaulted to has non of that info available - yet. So after a quick read I see why the selection of the multi choice when tied to the asc and the variable torque control. And I happily retract the "superior to coments" heretofore written by yours truly. Snow - bring on the damn snow ..! Replies to this message: chelentano (Dec 02, 2007 9:58 pm)
#4 of 15 continued by chelentano Dec 02, 2007 (9:52 pm)
>> Here are some videos of the Outlander in the snow, showing the performance in 2WD, 4WD, 4W Lock with and without ASC on. Brush up on your Japanese!  http://outlander.jp/drivers_feeling/dri_04.html#start   This is quite impressive video.   Here is another one, of course it's not the Outlander, but it's fun to watch: Pagero Evo Dakar video:
#5 of 15 Re: continued [20vcq] by chelentano Dec 02, 2007 (9:58 pm)
Replying to: 20vcq (Dec 02, 2007 9:49 pm) >> Snow - bring on the damn snow ..!   We had that snow in Chicago yesterday The Outlander traction was excellent even when I was speeding making turns. Also no skid when braking. My wife was scared of bad road conditions but after I explaned her the safety aspect of AWD she appreciated the new car much more. I felt very confident and safe.   What I miss is heated mirrors. You Canadians lucky to have them on Outlander. I've heard the wiring is there on US models, so I guess there is a way to activate them.
#6 of 15 Update on AWD usefulness by 20vcq Jan 14, 2008 (10:22 am)
I have now recorded 4000 km on snow and ice roads (4 studded BFG 225 snow tires)and can without hesitation say this Mitsu awd system is at best - your grandmothers' awd. Given some specific attempts at finding its limits I now better understand how the braking and logic systems kick in to "save your bacon". Only trouble is you can actually end up with you foot planted on the floor and the engine slowing down and the car coming to an eratic stop. One example is a switch back corner snow and packed snow and some ice under than - the car maintains a straight line, wheels turned, brakes apply automatically to stabilize motion - hit the gas to draw the car through the turn and the engine rpm drops and the car gently putters around the corner. Nice but in the mean time three cars pass on the inside (yes we were testing this out in a safe manner) The A4 accellerated away in EVERY corner even an old Toyota pulled away. Tried it again with the stability control off and the car is useless - like a rear wheel drive pony car with traction. So to go back to my original statement the Audi and Subaru systems are far superior mechanical / electronic controle systems. They alow the driver to direct the cars operation and direction and also have te Mercedes designed stability control in some new models but the Mitsu reverse use of the anti lock brake system to control wheel travel and direction is only adequate and very little fun. Still like the vehicle overall - the paint chipping and this old lady approach to traction take the shine off. Replies to this message: growwise (Jan 15, 2008 7:07 pm)
#7 of 15 Re: Update on AWD usefulness [20vcq] by growwise Jan 15, 2008 (7:07 pm)
Replying to: 20vcq (Jan 14, 2008 10:22 am) Last february, I remember ASC kicked in for me and cut the power. This was while I was trying to change lanes and there was heavy snow between the lanes. While I appreciate it, what made it scary was that the vehicle suddenly slowed down in the highway and it is unnerving at first. Last thing you want is someone to rear end you and in those slippering conditions it is a distinct possibility.
#8 of 15 50/50 by chelentano Apr 27, 2008 (12:16 am)
Interesting description of   "4WD LOCK MODE Immediate torque is available for the rear wheels with a 50:50 split between the front and rear axles. The superior traction is specially useful for gravel paths, towing and driving on slippery and snowy roads."   on Mitsu UK site: http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/newoutlander/4wd.asp
#9 of 15 But it will not climb hills!! by jillb2 Jun 21, 2008 (2:12 pm)
Replying to: chelentano (Dec 02, 2007 9:39 pm) Extract from LS Manual, 2007 model ZG Outlander:   Climbing /descending sharp grades " It is particularly important to note that 4-wheel drive may not give sufficient hill climbing ability and engine braking on steep slopes.   Avoid using on steep slopes even though the vehicle is 4-wheel drive vehicle".   Hell! Why bother with 4 WD at all if it is no good on steep hills. Why is it no good on steep inclines? I would have thought that the improved traction to all wheels in 4WD mode would make it ideal for climbing hills and also for acceleration. Where is my thinking going wrong?   one confused Jill. Replies to this message: biscuit_xls (Jun 21, 2008 3:51 pm) piast (Jun 22, 2008 9:02 am)
#10 of 15 Re: But it will not climb hills!! [jillb2] by biscuit_xls Jun 21, 2008 (3:51 pm)
Replying to: jillb2 (Jun 21, 2008 2:12 pm) It's just a disclaimer that says even AWD won't allow you to safely climp a verticle grade or descend a steep icy slope. Same thing holds true for things like ABS, it can't stop a collision in some situations.

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