[Walter Tedman]

I now understand from reading various posts on this forum that the Caliber's AWD system is not full time and is, instead, speed-related in terms of whether it's "on" or "off".

I was given at my local dealer Dodge Caliber a "standard equipment" handout for the "4dr AWD Hachback R/T (PMEX49)" which states under "powertrain" that the vehicle is equipped with:

"Automatic full-time all-wheel drive with permanent locking hubs".

Is this accurate given information posted on this forum about the speed-specific engineeering of the AWD system ? Doubt that it is.

I'm very dsappointed.

Comments / observations ?

Thanks.

WBMT.

 

[nygiantzz1]

It is an electronically controlled, on demand All Wheel Drive system. There are no locking hubs and no way to achieve full time AWD, at least in the US version. I don't think it's any different in Canada, but I may be wrong. I have a similar option in my Ford Explorer, Auto 4WD, 4WHigh and 4WLow. The Auto 4WD has never kicked in fast enough to counter the slippage it detects. You still fishtail and slide for a distance before it locks the fronts wheels. I hope the Caliber design is better than Fords.

 

[caliber4whoosh]

Hah...it sure as hell better be..

 

[Walter Tedman]

But the "on demand" is not driver-related but system-related, right ?

It's not the system I expected and I think DCX needs to be more complete in describing the Caliber AWD sstem

WBMT.

It is an electronically controlled, on demand All Wheel Drive system. There are no locking hubs and no way to achieve full time AWD, at least in the US version. I don't think it's any different in Canada, but I may be wrong. I have a similar option in my Ford Explorer, Auto 4WD, 4WHigh and 4WLow. The Auto 4WD has never kicked in fast enough to counter the slippage it detects. You still fishtail and slide for a distance before it locks the fronts wheels. I hope the Caliber design is better than Fords.

 

[pacerman]

But the "on demand" is not driver-related but system-related, right ?

It's not the system I expected and I think DCX needs to be more complete in describing the Caliber AWD sstem

WBMT.

Check out the "if I could make changes......." thread

 

[nygiantzz1]

But the "on demand" is not driver-related but system-related, right ?

It's not the system I expected and I think DCX needs to be more complete in describing the Caliber AWD sstem

WBMT.

Yes, the vehicles electronics have total control over the drive wheels. This fact plus the increases weight/ decreased gas mileage are what prompted me to order an SXT instead. I figure if I need extra snow traction, I can always carry a set of chains with me.

 

[caliber4whoosh]

Haha..yeah, I trust the ekeletronics as far as I can throw the damned thing.