Snow Switch on RWD EX35

[scottt]

Does anyone with a 2008 EX35 RWD have the Snow Switch on thier center console? I am trying to find out if this is new for 2009?

[scottt]

Nothing Like Answering my own questions, but, I checked two 08 EX35's with RWD on carmax's web site, they have real good photos and show no Snow Switch, this tells me that Infiniti added the feature to the 09's with RWD. This also tells me that they really did make some small changes, as they felt was needed on the 09's, coming from the 08's. Scott

[jonkarn]

Im pretty sure that snow switch is a dummy switch. Its possible they mistakenly installed a switch in a car that ended up not getting the AWD powertrain. The snow switch in the AWD models transfers exactly 50% of the power to front and back at ALL times for maximum 4 wheel drive and stability in very slippery conditions. When this switch is off you get 100% to the rear wheels until it feels some slip then the computer will throw some power to the wheels that need it to regain traction. This split moment may not be fast enough in extreme conditions, so having the snow switch on makes you stable to whole time. Many car models will have dummy switches depending on what package you get as a cost saving measure or as an oversight. I would be surprised if the snow switch in a RWD car does anything. Steve the Tech? Anyone else agree?

[302@12psi]

I could be wrong but I think the above definition is off.

It's my understanding that the EX35 is in AWD mode up until I believe 18mph all the time. Once it hits 18 MPH it will go into RWD mode until slip is detected.

I believe the snow switch keeps it in AWD mode a bit longer but again AWD deactivates at a set MPH.

[scottt]

I really don't think it's a mistake. The Snow Switch is in the owners manual, it say's to use the switch in slippery conditions, when you turn it on the computer works to keep the drive train from slipping. I think the Nissan tech's found they could improve RWD traction with this feature, not like AWD, but a improvement. The other reason I don't think it's a mistake is that other 2009 RWD EX's have the switch.

Scott

[EibachMBZ]

Normally a snow switch or wet switch is for car to launch from 2nd gear.There is no way I can launch my 08 RWD from 2nd gear and yes it slip every time when I drive in the rain if I step on the gas a little too hard when take off...

[scottt]

I think Infiniti set a program into the RWD computer for 2009, when you flip the snow switch the car becomes more sensitive to wheel spin and makes adjustments, this is new for 2009. I am basing this on the information in the owners manual and the fact that the switch was not installed in the 2008 RWD models.Scott

[jmess]

In my old Lexus the snow switch would use 2nd gear to start out from a dead stop. I would bet the same happens with the 2wd EX.

[scottt]

I have turned on the snow switch on my 09 RWD, the pavement was dry, I noticed no differance. The owners manual says it works when the pavement is slippery. That would mean it does not simply go into 2nd gear with the flip of the switch, it must be based on wheel spin.

this is what the manual says "for driving or starting the vehicle on snowy roads or slippery areas, turn on the SNOW mode switch. The indicator light on the switch will illuminate. When the SNOW mode is activated, engine output is controlled to avoid wheel spin. Turn off the SNOW mode for normal driving.

Scott

[AWGD8]

The snow switch makes the throttle less responsive specially coming from full stop. It feels like losing 50 percent of your torque from stop. I think the snow switch controls the power delivery from ECU. I felt this specially driving on 10+ inches of snow in a middle of an intersection waiting to make a left hand turn. either it`s a power delivery control or the ecu is making the transmission start from 2nd gear.... It`s hard to tell bet the two...But I`m sure the AWD kicks in even at 55mph. I drove down on a 10 inches of snow doing 60-65 mph on the highway (snow switch off, but stability control on) on a snow tires. All 4x4 never stood a chance keeping up. I think my advantages are lower center of gravity awd car with snow tires and good infiniti awd system, including stability control.

Just be very careful with black ice specially turning. No matter how good your awd, snow tires , etc. it will get you! I had one turn doing 10 MPH on an icy day and hit a black ice... As I was approaching an intersection making a left hand turn, I was travelling at 10mph or less and braking a bit then as I was turning left, my front went straight (understeer) and hit a pile of snow on the side of the road. (my right bumper hit the snow) no damage or scratches at all. I was expcting a dent or mark on the bumper but nadda! BTW, I have an AWD JOURNEY

[ramprun]

awd helps you get going on slippery road but it doesn't help you when you turn. most ppl get in trouble relying too much on something awd can't do.

[inteller]

the snow switch also disables cruise.