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2007 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD System Explained

15 messages,  Last post on Jan 09, 2009 at 5:00 AM

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#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.
#11 of 15 4WD mode advantages by jillb2 Jun 21, 2008 (4:27 pm)
Will the 4WD mode give me improved acceleration from :   1. a standing start, and also 2. when overtaking vehicles on the open road, when accelerating from 100km/hr to 130km/hr to overtake B-double road trains with short overtaking lanes that we have?   If so, should I use "4WD auto" or "4WD lock" in each case? regards,   Jill Replies to this message: toomanyfumes (Jun 22, 2008 6:16 am)
#12 of 15 Re: 4WD mode advantages [jillb2] by toomanyfumes Jun 22, 2008 (6:16 am)
Replying to: jillb2 (Jun 21, 2008 4:27 pm) I personally never use the 4WD Lock unless I'm in heavy snow or ice conditions.   4WD Auto will definitely help in accelerating from a stop, especially in rain, gravel or other low traction situations. I'm not sure it will help in a higher speed pass, maybe the power going to all wheels will help keep the car stable?   I always use 4WD Auto in the rain.
#13 of 15 Re: But it will not climb hills!! [jillb2] by piast Jun 22, 2008 (9:02 am)
Replying to: jillb2 (Jun 21, 2008 2:12 pm) Because it is AWD system, not 4WD system. Real 4WD system has High and LOW 4X4 transfer case build with climbing rocks in mind. Such equipped "old school" SUV, build on frame, would go almost anywhere. Modern day CUVs, being unibody, will not. Outlander advantage is you can still lock 4WD, but primary for on rood slippery or snowy condition. Other CUVs system are "on demand, they switch to AWD when slippage is already detected. Another exception would be Subarus with permanent AWD.
#14 of 15 Spare wheel upgrade by jillb2 Dec 06, 2008 (1:00 am)
I have a 2007 Outie, generally very pleased with it., esp with 4WD on the rough mountain roads inland in NQ.   Does anyone know of a kit that will allow me to replace the terrible standard thin spare wheel with a full size wheel under the body at the rear?   regards, Jill   PS this is a 4 cylinder auto and I get 11.3 litres/100km in long distance driving betwen Cairns and Mackay on Highway 1 ( bitumen) and 13.0 l/100km in town. I try to keep the revs to 2200 rpm for max economy. It has CVT transmissioon, and has done 25,000 km
#15 of 15 Tire size and 4WD/AWD by batman47 Jan 09, 2009 (5:00 am)
Tire size and 4WD/AWD   I bought an Outlander 2008 V6 XLS with 18” rims. Now I am in Panama (Central America) and had a 2” cut on the side of my rear tire. After 2-weeks of looking for a stock tire (225/55R18) it was not possible to get stock tires for my Outlander. The closes size tires was 235/55R18 (RAV V6 Stock) so I had to buy 2-tires (In Panama used tires are sold as they were new) to put them on the rear.   My question is perhaps for a tire specialist but I trust that someone in this forum may help to find out that changing the original tires from my Outlander will not screw up my differential or transmission.   These are the data:   "This ALTERNATE tire size will cause the 'Actual Vehicle Speed' to be 66.015 mph when the speedometer reads exactly 65mph. Or, when the 'Actual Vehicle Speed' is 65mph the speedometer will now read 64.001   Also, the ground clearance of the vehicle will change by 0.217 inches."   Wheel circumference in inches 87.161 (stock) Wheel circumference in inches 88.521 (replacement)   I have only changed the 2-rear tires. The front still had the original tires, i.e. 225/55R18.   I will appreciate someone could give some comments or advise in this matter. I usually switch on the 4WD Auto when it is raining.

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