When my girlfriend was looking for an awd car, she looked at the Nissan Rogue and there is a 4WD lock button. People mentioned to only use it if you are stuck as if you use it all the time it could harm the transfer case and awd clutch (I believe).

Is this the same as our Snow button? Only use it when you are stuck or is it safe to use all the time while driving in snowy conditions?

 

The Rogue uses a CVT (continuously variable transmission), which is completely different than the 7-speed auto in your G. In either vehicle, you can lock it in full-time AWD and it will severely impact your mileage (but won't damage the transfer case or clutch).

I live in Colorado and rarely use snow mode- our drivetrains automatically shift towards AWD mode when needed. It allows the G to handle most conditions with aplomb, rather than like the Audi Quattro series, which stays in AWD all the time.

 

I believe the only thong the snow button does is cut off power if you lose traction and power is distributed 75% to the rear and 25% to the front for the first 0-20 mph or something... Somone please correct me cause im pretty sure im wrong but same concept

 

According to the FSM, activating "snow" mode dulls the throttle response. It has nothing to do with the workings of the transfer case.

 

good explanation here: https://www.myg37.com/forums/g37-sed...ml#post2835261

 

Doesn't the snow mode on the G have to do with how the transmission shifts? (like starting out in 2nd to limit torque, and thus wheelspin when starting out)

The AWD lock on a Nissan Rogue has nothing to do with the transmission. It splits the power 50% front and 50% rear at low speeds for more traction if you get stuck

 

The CVT tranny and differential in the Rogue are one unit, so yes, it has everything to do with the transmission. Using snow mode sends a signal to the tranny/diff to lock the front and rear into 50/50 AWD mode.

 

Almost all AWD vehicles have the transmission and a differential housed in the same unit. The AWD lock button on a Nissan SUV does the same thing if the vehicle has a CVT, Conventional Automatic, or Manual transmission. So the AWD lock button has everything to do with the differential, not the transmission.

 

Snow mode on the G locks power 50%f and 50%r up to 12mph, and reduces throttle response. Once you're driving it makes no difference as it reverts to rwd above 12mph as long as there's no slippage.

 

Weird. It works just like a Nissan Suv, but reverts to the opposite axle when there is no slippage. So this is just a button on the A/T AWD version and not the A/T with RWD? I must be thinking of Lexus or Toyota FWD cars with a snow button by the transmission that starts in 2nd gear to limit torque when starting

 

Correct, the snow mode is only on the A/T AWD vehicles. It still starts in 1st gear, but does have a reduced throttle sensitivity. I've been driving with snow mode on for about 2 months straight now, minus the few warm days we've had. Keeps me from burning out my winters as quick.