Leaving AWD lock on

[SLjay41]

is there any harm or need to leave the AWD lock on besides in bad weather?

[tjs5012]

yes, this has the potential to harm the drivetrain. By locking the AWD, you are operating the Murano in the same way as a 4x4 truck (NO CENTER DIFFERENTIAL). This is great on mud, snow and ice, but on dry pavement, this will cause binding. With the AWD locked, the front and rear differentials are receiving identical rotational speeds from the transmission. This is fine when traveling in a straight line,since both the front are rear axels are traveling the same distance. But, while turning, the rear axels travel in a tighter circle than the fronts, meaning the front axel travels a longer distance. Because the the front and rear differentials turned the same number of times even though the distance traveled was different, the front tire feel pushed while the back tires get dragged. If it is not slick enough for the tires to slide and compensate for this, the drivetrain get bound up and takes he stress.

Leave the AWD in auto except when stuck in a snow bank or mud hole. The auto mode will lock the AWD as soon as you start to slip anyways.

[SLjay41]

thanks for the info...very helpful!

[Medic1530]

tjs, excellent explanation! Thanks.

[Hmason]

Also note that the AWD Lock mode will disengage itself at speeds above 6mph

[tjs5012]

I thought the disengage speed was 18-20mph, I have and 03, do you know if it was changed

[Timmbo]

I thought the disengage speed was 18-20mph, I have and 03, do you know if it was changed

YES!!! This is correct on I believe '03-'07 Muranos.

[Skiman]

Hmm, I know my AWD stayed on at least to 25mph when traveling in a snow storm last week. I'm happy it didn't disingage at 6mph going through the deep and heavy snow at the time.

Also, if the Auto mode "locks" AWD when needed, it's news to my car. I got stuck in the ski area parking lot a few ago while it was in auto - but had no problem going when I pushed the AWD Lock button.

[tjs5012]

strange, I drive an 03 and it locked on me when I was leaving my work parking lot. It was 6 inches of snow and close to a 30 degree incline at a stop sign. When i hit the gas on the incline from a stop, the front slid for about half a second, then the back 'locked' in and i began to move.The only thing i can think of in your situation is that when you stated to slip, you let off before it was detected and the computer could engage the back wheels. But i was told that the 09 engage mch quicker than the older models.