VTM-4 System: Operation

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2014 Honda Ridgeline, 2013 Honda Ridgeline, 2012 Honda Ridgeline, 2011 Honda Ridgeline, and 2010 Honda Ridgeline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

These functions automatically combine to distribute driving torque between the front and rear wheels when the vehicle is being accelerated or when wheels are slipping. When the vehicle speed is about 18 mph (30 km/h) or below, and the transmission is in R, 2, or 1, the system will manually engage the rear differential clutches when the VTM-4 LOCK button is pressed. By design, in lock mode, the torque is reduced gradually 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 and a self-diagnosis function.

Fig 1: VTM-4 System Diagram

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

VATC (Vehicle Acceleration Torque Control) 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: Vehicle Acceleration Torque Control Chart
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: Limited Slip Differential Control Chart
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
LOCK Control
Rear differential clutch lock control is done by pushing the VTM-4 LOCK button manually when the shift lever is in R, 1, or 2.

Fig 4: Rear Differential Clutch Lock Control Chart
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.