System Description: Notes

This vehicle is equipped with a rear differential system called the variable torque management 4WD (VTM-4) system.

The VTM-4 control unit controls the currents flowing through electromagnetic coils to engage and disengage the right and left clutches in the rear differential assembly.

The operation of the VTM-4 system consists of the following functions:

• Vehicle acceleration torque control (VATC)
• Limited slip differential (LSD)
• Lock control

These functions automatically combine to distribute driving torque between the front and rear wheels when the vehicle accelerates or when wheels are slipping. When the vehicle speed is about 18 mph (30 km/h) or below, and the shift lever is in the R, 2, or 1 position, the system will manually engage the rear differential clutches when the VTM-4 LOCK switch is pressed. By design, in lock mode, the torque is gradually reduced at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h) to minimize the load on the 4WD system.

The VTM-4 control unit has a fail-safe function, a self-diagnosis function, and a provision to communicate with the HDS.

Fig 1: Rear Differential - System Diagram

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

• VATC (Vehicle Acceleration Torque Control)

  The torque to be delivered to the rear wheels is calculated based on the acceleration of the vehicle calculated in the VTM-4 control unit.

  Fig 2: VATC Graph

  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
• LSD (Limited Slip Differential) Control

  The torque to be delivered to the rear wheels is calculated based on the differences in speed and acceleration between the front and rear wheels.

  Fig 3: LSD Graph

  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
• LOCK Control

  Rear differential clutch lock control is done by pushing the VTM-4 LOCK switch manually when the shift lever is in the R, 1, or 2 position.

  Fig 4: Lock Control Graph

  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.