Snow!!! AWD !!! pretty good...
12-18-2010, 03:09 AM
#31
Found this explanation for a 2004 G35x - it's probably the same for the newer models too.
Another unique feature of the G35 AWD system design is the addition of a Snow-Mode function, which reduces throttle sensitivity and fixes initial torque distribution at 50:50, helping avoid wheel spin for smooth starts on snowy roads. At speeds above 12 miles per hour, the Snow-Mode function allows the central computer processing system to take over again, continually monitoring traction conditions and changing the torque distribution as needed.
Another unique feature of the G35 AWD system design is the addition of a Snow-Mode function, which reduces throttle sensitivity and fixes initial torque distribution at 50:50, helping avoid wheel spin for smooth starts on snowy roads. At speeds above 12 miles per hour, the Snow-Mode function allows the central computer processing system to take over again, continually monitoring traction conditions and changing the torque distribution as needed.
I've search high and low and have not found anything from an official Infiniti/Nissan source that says anything other than "snow mode reduces the throttle's sensitivity".
12-18-2010, 08:59 AM
#32
You forgot the Toyota FZJ-80 series Land Cruiser with both front and read locking diffs (of course center as well). Sure they are older vechicles (mine's a 1995) and they don't have fancy traction control but in terms heavy duty traction, full lockers are in their own league.
My cruiser doesn't have snow tires (wish it did) but the G37AWD with snows is about as good as it gets unless it's real deep.
My cruiser doesn't have snow tires (wish it did) but the G37AWD with snows is about as good as it gets unless it's real deep.
12-18-2010, 09:49 AM
#33
AWD behavior in snow mode
I have not been able to find any Infiniti documentation of low-speed AWD lock other than some old G35 press releases. Newer press releases, on-line specs, sales documents, 2010 service manual do not mention different AWD behavior in snow mode. I have to say, my limited experience with my G37x the last few days is that traction seems enhanced in snow mode, I don't notice the momentary rear wheel slip in that mode even under heavy acceleration. That's with new 17" Nokian WR g2's which are not super snow tires. It's not as impressive as my previous A6 quattro with the previous version of WR tires, but it should be able to handle most upstate NY road conditions with ease. What I don't know is if it can muscle it's way through 12 to 18" of unplowed snow up-hill on my driveway like my Audi could (with traction control off to allow wheel spin). My Lexus rx350 AWD has trouble with that with a bit more ground clearance, but much less sophisticated AWD.
Last edited by tbear; 12-18-2010 at 09:50 AM. Reason: typo
12-18-2010, 12:22 PM
#35
This is taken right from the Infiniti FSM:
SNOW MODE SWITCH
The snow mode switch signal is sent to the “unified meter and A/C amp.” from the snow mode switch. The “unified meter and A/C amp.” then sends the signal to the ECM via the CAN communication line. The snow mode is used for driving or starting the vehicle on snowy roads or slippery areas. If the snow mode is activated, the vehicle speed will not accelerate as quickly as normal to avoid vehicle slip. In other words, ECM controls rapid engine torque change by controlling the electric throttle control actuator operating speed.
SNOW MODE SWITCH
The snow mode switch signal is sent to the “unified meter and A/C amp.” from the snow mode switch. The “unified meter and A/C amp.” then sends the signal to the ECM via the CAN communication line. The snow mode is used for driving or starting the vehicle on snowy roads or slippery areas. If the snow mode is activated, the vehicle speed will not accelerate as quickly as normal to avoid vehicle slip. In other words, ECM controls rapid engine torque change by controlling the electric throttle control actuator operating speed.
12-18-2010, 07:03 PM
#36
This is taken right from the Infiniti FSM:
SNOW MODE SWITCH
The snow mode switch signal is sent to the “unified meter and A/C amp.” from the snow mode switch. The “unified meter and A/C amp.” then sends the signal to the ECM via the CAN communication line. The snow mode is used for driving or starting the vehicle on snowy roads or slippery areas. If the snow mode is activated, the vehicle speed will not accelerate as quickly as normal to avoid vehicle slip. In other words, ECM controls rapid engine torque change by controlling the electric throttle control actuator operating speed.
SNOW MODE SWITCH
The snow mode switch signal is sent to the “unified meter and A/C amp.” from the snow mode switch. The “unified meter and A/C amp.” then sends the signal to the ECM via the CAN communication line. The snow mode is used for driving or starting the vehicle on snowy roads or slippery areas. If the snow mode is activated, the vehicle speed will not accelerate as quickly as normal to avoid vehicle slip. In other words, ECM controls rapid engine torque change by controlling the electric throttle control actuator operating speed.
12-20-2010, 10:03 AM
#37
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This is all I've been able to find that isn't hearsay. It's amazing the amount of misinformation out there, even coming from salesmen at an Infiniti dealership. I had a salesman tell me one thing, the sales manager told me another, and both seemed to have been misinformed.
12-20-2010, 11:02 AM
#38
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had my taste of the part-time AWD last week when we had a dusting of snow in ny... id say about .25-.5in of accumulation. i was making a left turn, and when i gave it gas out of the turn, i felt the rear end slip out on me. i tried to right the car but i felt resistance. once i let go of the wheel and let up off the throttle, the car corrected itself. very interesting (and unexpected) experience, as its my first time owning a RWD/AWD car
12-20-2010, 01:16 PM
#39
had my taste of the part-time AWD last week when we had a dusting of snow in ny... id say about .25-.5in of accumulation. i was making a left turn, and when i gave it gas out of the turn, i felt the rear end slip out on me. i tried to right the car but i felt resistance. once i let go of the wheel and let up off the throttle, the car corrected itself. very interesting (and unexpected) experience, as its my first time owning a RWD/AWD car
Lifting completely off the gas when the rear comes loose can cause you spin the car (I found that out the hard way with a different car).
12-20-2010, 01:29 PM
#40
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isnt that the ATESSA-ETS AWD traction constrol system in our cars?
yikes, thats good to know. fortunately my car didnt fishtail too much, and there were no cars around in that intersection.
Lifting completely off the gas when the rear comes loose can cause you spin the car (I found that out the hard way with a different car).
12-20-2010, 01:38 PM
#41
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had my taste of the part-time AWD last week when we had a dusting of snow in ny... id say about .25-.5in of accumulation. i was making a left turn, and when i gave it gas out of the turn, i felt the rear end slip out on me. i tried to right the car but i felt resistance. once i let go of the wheel and let up off the throttle, the car corrected itself. very interesting (and unexpected) experience, as its my first time owning a RWD/AWD car
12-20-2010, 05:06 PM
#42
The AWD system may have kicked in but the resistence and you felt and "car correcting itself" was the VDC (traction and stability control). The AWD system just helps the car with traction, the VDC will active correctly the path of the car and straighten it out if the rear end slides around. AWD systems are usually pretty transparent.
12-20-2010, 10:44 PM
#43
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Slip Light
I was playing around with the car in the snow for the first time tonight and saw that there's a slip light that started flashing on the dash. I've never seen that in a car before, if I'm slipping off the road I don't need a light to tell me 
12-22-2010, 09:21 AM
#44
I've had the G35x (wife's) and my G37xS for two winters now and they're "ok" in the snow. They are hella lot easier to drive (in all season tires .. i HATE switching out rims/tires in winter) than a RWD in all-seasons ..
Granted.. it does not feel as secure in the heavy snow as driving an AWD SUV, but then again, I like how the G's are biased towards RWD, as the the majority of the time I'm driving on dry pavement and want that RWD feel.
My car does fishtail if I goose it too much (without SNOW activated) and is very steady with SNOW activated.
Once you "learn" how to handle the Gx in the snow, it's a no brainer and is fairly predictable.
Granted.. it does not feel as secure in the heavy snow as driving an AWD SUV, but then again, I like how the G's are biased towards RWD, as the the majority of the time I'm driving on dry pavement and want that RWD feel.
My car does fishtail if I goose it too much (without SNOW activated) and is very steady with SNOW activated.
Once you "learn" how to handle the Gx in the snow, it's a no brainer and is fairly predictable.
