Nissan Rogue AWD Lock Feature

[JackCrackerMan]

Hey everyone,
I'm trying to find some information about how the 2011 AWD works and when I should use the AWD Lock and when I shouldn't...

I'm in Arizona (Southern, so very stable driving conditions... little to no rain and no snow) so I've never really needed anything over my previous cars FWD setups. These last few years I've spent more and more of my time hiking and snowboarding which means I'm no longer comfortable with the FWD setups even with snow chains.

This weekend I used the AWD lock when leaving a hiking trail (dirt road) and figured I'd leave it to get out of the curves on the mountain but half way through realized that it automatically dissengaged itself. From what I've read, once you exceed and maintain a higher speed it automatically shuts that off correct?

So I suppose my question is, if the car automatically determines from the traction control to either engage or disengage torque to another set of wheels, what is the point of using the AWD Lock?

Sorry if this has been answered elsewhere, I've done searches and checked the FAQ but really didn't see anything outlining the system.

[ImStricken06]

1. everytime you start driving from 0mph and reach 6mph its in AWD. once you drive past 6mph it turns off and goes to FWD.

2. if your car senses wheel slip - it will quickly engage AWD at what it wants as a power ratio.

3. if your stuck and standstill, and want to get out - engage AWD LOCK to get a 50/50 power split ratio and try slowly to get out.(thats all that feature is for)

[JackCrackerMan]

Thanks for the prompt reply, that really helps!

I really love my new toy...

[ImStricken06]

Thanks for the prompt reply, that really helps!

I really love my new toy...

me too - i went off-roading this weekend in semi-loose sand it handled just fine without me needing to turn anything on, or off.
going up this hill- my front tire slipped on the loose sand, and i guess the power went 50/50 and it continued up without a problem.


PS: WELCOME TO THE NICO CLUB!