how can you tell if awd works

[393stroker]

it just snowed here not to long ago and i took my explorer out for a drive and it kept getting loose/sideways on me, i use to own a 2000 4 wheel drive and the 4wd would lock in when it started to spin in the snow and pulled straight, but my awd get's sideways like a rear wheel drive would. can anyone tell me why that is, should it do that? thanks

 

[chrisis]

AWD is not 4x4. 4x4 sends 50% of the power in the front and 50& at the rear wheels.

AWD gets 35% power at the front and 65% at the rear so if you floor it you should go sideways.

Even thought AWD is not as good as 4x4 it should not go sideways all the time, but you can check it by having someone check if the front wheels are turning when you are in the snow.keep in mind that you have an open differential so only 1 of the 2 tires will spin.

 

[kfkodiak]

If I remember right, the service manual test is to put one side of the truck on clear pavement, and the other on dirt/gravel/snow/etc.., whatever you can find. Then step on it and see if it goes straight.

 

[393stroker]

thanks