Quote:
Originally Posted by stevedebi
This sounds more like the older AWD system of the Escape, 2001-2007. The newer system is electronically controlled, not a simple "mechanical slip" system. The Ford writings indicate that it can go into AWD even before slippage.
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"Ford writings..."
Yes, and just how much electronics knowhow or implementation does it take to predict the future, that somewhere, in the nearby future, wheelspin/slip will develop unless corrective measures are implemented.
But yes.
Cadillac came to the realization, finally, that they were shooting themselves in the FOOT via sales of a FWD vehicle with an extremely high torque Northstar V8 engine. That's a BAD way to be losing customers.
So, what did Cadillac do..?
Well, first they adopted an over-running clutch within the transaxle so that engine lagging torque, engine compression torque, could not be "reflected" to the front drive wheels as BRAKING. Engine braking that often resulted in the loss of ABS functionality.
Then next they began dethrottling that high HP/torque Northstar engine, for which they were famous, at "launch" time so the driver could not inadvertently lose directional control via the application of too much torque.
But then they kept losing customers, the HARD way, to the GRIM REAPER.
So Cadillac decided to abandon the FWD market altogether.
Wise, WISE choice.
But in Ford's favor almost all manufacturers of FWD and F/AWD vehicles are now automatically dethrottling the engine (ICE and Electrics for the FEH/MMH) when entering a tight turn, accelerating into a tight turn. That action both eliminates instances of high levels of torque stear and significantly reduces accidents due to understearing/plowing.
"Nanny mode."
Ford, in a strange way, does actually try to predict the future. If the FEH/MMH is driven into an area of sub-freezing weather then the level of regenerative braking is significantly REDUCED. This is done to protect the driver against the potential for loss of control due to FWD "engine" braking should an ice patch be encountered. They also disable regenerative braking anything you are using the brakes and ABS activates.
Many manufacturers of F/AWD vehicles are now automatically engaging the rear drive system at "launch", most especially with a "leadfoot" launch, or HARD accleration into a turn, a TIGHT turn.
One does wonder just how long the driveline would hold together driving FAST in a TIGHT circle.
But I suppose the firmware design types have provided for that by automaically dropping out the rear driveline coupling after, say, 20 seconds of continous engagement but with no wheelspin/slip.
That's probably what the "ford writings" are referring too, very clever wording, that.