AWD doesn't seem to work

[Doctorwoof]

I just traded in my 2000 Frontier 4wd on a 2010 Rogue AWD. I live at the end of long gravel driveway that has a short, very steep section. With my Frontier I would put it in 4wd and drive up this 30 foot section slowly and never had the slightest hint of a wheel spinning. Visitors who drive two wheel drives have to get a running start to get out or they will get stuck and just spin their tires. It’s a rough section and hard on a car to go up it fast.

Today I brought my new Rogue home and it handled my driveway no better than a two wheel drive. In fact it got stuck more easily than most 2WDs. The right front tire just spun and no power seemed to be transferred to the rear wheels. I tried using the AWD lock button and the indicator came on but it didn't make a difference. I also tried the VDC switch and it still just spun it’s front wheel. I finally had to get a running start and go fast over this very rough section of road.

After heavy rains and people digging ruts by spinning their tires this spot is only passable with a 4wd a few times a year. It was never a problem with the Frontier but driving over this one spot was the only time I ever used 4wd. So I was hoping the AWD would be a perfect solution. In all other respects I absolutely love the car but I can’t keep it if I can’t get it out of my driveway.

Is there something wrong with my car or is an AWD just a gimmick and it’s no better than a 2wd?

Modified by Doctorwoof at 2:00 AM 4/2/2010
Modified by Doctorwoof at 2:18 AM 4/2/2010

[koolyce]

Like that, I will say something is wrong with your car because the AWD from the Rogue is hell good.

Sometime, the carr will spin because it is not a constant AWD, but the detection of spinning if mostly instant.

I don't have idea about your case, but I'm sure what your dealer can help you better them me. Also, the stock tire are not the best on the market.

Good luck

[jmbones]

Look out your window, in your mirror or have someone watch, are any of the rear tires spinning when you are stuck?

If not, take it to the dealer.

[casperfun]

Is there something wrong with my car or is an AWD just a gimmick and it’s no better than a 2wd?

I wouldn't go that far...especially in our "lawsuit-loving I spilled hot coffee on my lap now you owe me a freakiing million dollars society we live in"....

I mean, if AWD was an option that did not add any obvious function or value and was a cheap promotion to add points on the car's sale. That would be alot of misrepresentation or false advertising in my book. Especially, when I was wary about getting AWD in the first place because it never snows in my area. Well it's good I got it, because we had 3 blizzards and those comes every Halley's comet. The whole reason I spent over a thousand for this feature is for safety and added protection for my family. So I don't think that Nissan is that stupid to push AWD if it does not really work considering the liability & legal problems they would encounter.

On that note, from what i learned in this forum; the AWD initially starts when you first start the ignition and then turns on and off when needed. Also you were saying earlier that people had to speed up in their 2 wheel drive to climb over the steep gradient at the end of the driving path.

I know in the Rogue that you can press the AWD at a certain LOW speed/or while stopped and then it turns off like around 25mph. Well I'm only speculating, if your speed increased over that speed window it might have de-activated before you came to the steep incline. Or perhaps it did not turn on yet which is why the tires spinned for a few seconds.

I am just theorizing here helping you brainstorm the issue. Moreover, I understand your frustration and you should expect the features that you paid for.

Good luck on your rogue!


Modified by casperfun at 10:54 AM 4/2/2010

[zakmartin]

I know in the Rogue that you can press the AWD at a certain LOW speed/or while stopped and then it turns off like around 25mph. Well I'm only speculating, if your speed increased over that speed window it might have de-activated before you came to the steep incline. Or perhaps it did not turn on yet which is why the tires spinned for a few seconds.

Actually, the AWD lock disengages at 6 mph. It's sole purpose is to get the vehicle moving. After that, the intelligent AWD kicks in.

That said, I've always been amazed at how well the AWD works on this car. It's been great on the snow and on my very steep (and often wet - I live in Seattle) driveway.

[harryg]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAdLV0pweWg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...lated

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...lated

Skip to 4 minutes in the last one even though its not in english its pretty cool

[casperfun]

Full time 4WD, also called permanent 4WD, (not to be confused with: part time 4WD ) is a system that powers all four wheels at all times and can be used full time on all surfaces including pavement. The additional feature of a differential incorporated into the transfer case makes it possible to use 4WD all the time.2WD is not available (only part time 4WD offers that option). Each tire creates about 25% of the available torque when the ground is level with a consistant surface. Driver has a choice of a "4-high" (that's your every day setting) and "4-low". Full time 4WD vehicles work very well on-road and are very capable off-road.

Automatic AWD system is the newest kid on the block. PR agency generated names like "Real Time 4WD", "intelligent AWD" or "active AWD" are hiding the fact that automatic AWD is essentially a sophisticated 2WD system. Automatic asymmetric AWD would be the best term for them.

Here is how they work: Under normal conditions one axle gets 100% of the torque - meaning you are driving in 2WD. During traction loss at the driven axle (could be front or rear) a fully automatic system (hydraulic, mechanical or electronic) makes someof the torque to the axle with traction available. This means you have to lose traction in 2WD on your driven axle first and then the other axle will be added and try to keep the car moving and stable. Once the primary driven axle regains traction and both axles rotate at the same speed again, the system reverts back to 2WD. So, for a moment you had AWD.

Automatic asymmetric AWD is much less capable in off-road settings than full time AWD systems and inferior to full time 4WD. However, automatic asymmetrical AWD is becoming more and more sophisticated and offers pretty much everything consumers expect for everyday (pavement) driving.

[philipa_240sx]

My 2 cents:

What tires do you have on your Rogue? The type and condition of tires will have a huge impact. The stock all seasons are not the greatest when worn. AWD still isn't going to help you if the tires are not up to the task.