Gold Community Santa Fe Forum
    > Santa Fe Forum
        > 4WD System & Snow Behavior
New Topic    New Poll    Add Reply

Author Comment
Sophy03
Registered User
Posts: 3
(1/29/04 12:48 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del All
4WD System & Snow Behavior
Before purchasing my 3.5 4WD in April '04, I completely flogged the Santa Fe. I was confident with just about everything; the 3.5 vs the 2.7, 4 speed auto vs 5 speed auto, etc. The only question was the 4WD system.

Technically the Interactive Torque Management II system (the ITM-1 was introduced on the Acura MDX) by Borg Warner is classified as an on-demand type of system.

Normally in an on-demand system there is a primary axle--either front or rear--and a secondary axle which is powered if and only if the primary loses traction (ie, spins).

So during the test drive I truly flogged the Santa Fe, trying to find the 4WD system weaknesses. After all, any old Escape or CRV would do if I wanted an only-if-the-front-tires-slip type of 4WD system.

In reality, Borg Warner seems to have done an excellent job of designing the ITM-2 sytem. For instance, torque is sent rearward with greater than 4/3 throttle during acceleration. It factors in throttle, steering angle, wheel speeds and even what gear the trans is in.

Unfortunately for me when I bought my 3.5, there was no snow in Colorado! So I had to wait until the last few months to discover its snow behavior.

Not only during standing start acceleration, but rolling starts and braking, steady state and dynamic cornering. How to initiate and more importantly how to correct and control four wheel slides.

I must say, I am more and more impressed every time I drive her in the snow.

Best regards,
SRW
2003 3.5 4WD

MetalMessiah78 
Moderator

Posts: 1218
(1/29/04 1:06 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
Yup, that seems to be the common consensus with everyone that has a 4WD Santy.

Although it's not the most practical vehicle to go off-roading in, it's practical where it counts. Hyundai have really out done themselves with the Santa Fe. Not even vehicles that cost hundreds or thousands more are made or engineered as good as our Santy's. :D



Founder of the Santa Fe Silver Wings.
"Tonight, on Silver Wings, I am soaring through the mountains of The Moon, on Silver Wings, flying where no Angles fly." - Bruce Dickinson

retired in bama 
Moderator

Posts: 4437
(1/29/04 1:17 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
My '02 LX 2.7 4WD has the original mechanical viscous coupling 4WD where front/rear is split 60/40 all the time or so they say. Takes a bit of extra power and mpg's to run it that way but I'm happy with its performance in mud bogs and the one time I was in the snow 9" in Arkansas this time last year.

RI'B

fdigiorgio
Registered User
Posts: 64
(1/29/04 2:59 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
I drove up to my GF's last night near State College PA and they had twice as much snow [8"-10"] as we did in Harrisburg. I had lots-o-fun last night in a few empty parking lots that haven't been cleared yet ;^) The Santy [3.5 GLS] performed flawlessly - or near as much as I can tell as I've never owned a 4WD/AWD ever. I'm one satisified Santa Fe owner - that's for sure...

Sophy03
Registered User
Posts: 6
(1/29/04 3:07 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
You're right. The 2.7 4WD is mechanical and I love it. Kind of wish my 3.5 had it (but with a different torque split).

The mechanical system is an innovative uses of existing technologym and is a true permanent 4WD drive system, just like the Audi Quattro is, but a different execution.

It combines the center differential and front differential into a single unit, called appropriately enought, the Double DIfferential Unit. Handling the limited slip function between front and rear axles is a well proven viscous coupling.

The advertised torque split of the mechanical system is 60:40, front biased. Being a full time system, this can momentarily vary as when cornering, and provides predictable handling and good stability.

When I analysed the Double Differential Unit the toque flow paths within are a little convoluted, but it is a novel, compact solution to providing permanent 4WD. Probably why it was awarded patent number 6,001,043.

Best regards,

SRW
2003 3.5 4WD

Sophy03
Registered User
Posts: 7
(1/29/04 3:08 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
If you have the 3.5 4WD make sure you turn off the TCS system. Much more control.

Best regards,

SRW
2003 3.5 4WD

twospirits 
Moderator

Posts: 4558
(1/29/04 9:34 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
ezSupporter

Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
Very good topic.


The Santa Fe Forum- The best suv forum on the planet....

MetalMessiah78 
Moderator

Posts: 1234
(1/30/04 12:04 am)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
I agree 2˛.
How would you have more control by turning your TCS off?



Founder of the Santa Fe Silver Wings.
"Tonight, on Silver Wings, I am soaring through the mountains of The Moon, on Silver Wings, flying where no Angles fly." - Bruce Dickinson

Sophy03
Posts: 17
(1/30/04 12:30 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
The TCS system provides 'stability' by controlling the ECM and applying hydraulic pressure to the brakes.

My notion of control does not include the computer kicking in during the middle of a corner. It adds another variable exactly when I DON'T want it.

Now, if I am driving on sheet ice, I am happy to push the TCB button. That's where I would want the computer CONTROL --during startup.

Best regards,

SRW
2003 3.5 4WD

twospirits 
Moderator

Posts: 4583
(1/30/04 10:37 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
ezSupporter

Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
I believe only the 2004 and some 2003s have the TCS on/off button.


The Santa Fe Forum- The best suv forum on the planet....

MetalMessiah78 
Moderator

Posts: 1259
(1/31/04 12:52 am)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
I have a 2003.5, and mine has the on/off button.



Founder of the Santa Fe Silver Wings.
"Tonight, on Silver Wings, I am soaring through the mountains of The Moon, on Silver Wings, flying where no Angles fly." - Bruce Dickinson

twospirits 
Moderator

Posts: 4600
(1/31/04 1:06 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
ezSupporter

Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
Do you have a pic of the location, I'm curious as to know where it would have been had I had one.


The Santa Fe Forum- The best suv forum on the planet....

hbcroushore
Registered User
Posts: 165
(1/31/04 1:50 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
Hi 2S. The switch is to the right of the rheostat that dims the dash lights. I bought the switch ( under $2.00) and am in the process of figuring out how to wire it up. I checked the schematic diagram and am trying to locate the cable assy. The big question is,, Is the module in the new Santy with the switch the same as in the Santy without. If the module is the same, the job will be easy. --- Harry

twospirits 
Moderator

Posts: 4608
(1/31/04 2:22 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
ezSupporter

Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
Cool,
if you get it working, post the write up.
Regardless keep us posted. :)


The Santa Fe Forum- The best suv forum on the planet....

MetalMessiah78 
Moderator

Posts: 1279
(1/31/04 4:29 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
Hey Twospirits, here's the picture that you wanted. Sorry for the poor picture quality though. My digital camera sucks.



Founder of the Santa Fe Silver Wings.
"Tonight, on Silver Wings, I am soaring through the mountains of The Moon, on Silver Wings, flying where no Angles fly." - Bruce Dickinson

lizardhowson
Registered User
Posts: 87
(1/31/04 10:20 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Go in the Snow
My Sany can "Go in the Snow" ! :b



It's not a great SUV unless it's a Santa Fe LX 4WD!

Visit my homepage Lizard's Lair

twospirits 
Moderator

Posts: 4618
(1/31/04 11:07 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
ezSupporter

Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
Thanks Metal, Interesting where the switch is at. That still leaves Hyundai another switch to place in the other unused part. Hmmm Wonder what else they can come up with.


The Santa Fe Forum- The best suv forum on the planet....

MetalMessiah78 
Moderator

Posts: 1307
(1/31/04 11:23 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
I don't know. I'm sure that there must be a model overseas that has something there. I don't think that it would have been designed that way if it wasn't meant for something.



Founder of the Santa Fe Silver Wings.
"Tonight, on Silver Wings, I am soaring through the mountains of The Moon, on Silver Wings, flying where no Angles fly." - Bruce Dickinson

nickmcalpin
Registered User
Posts: 19
(2/12/04 10:34 am)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
I live in St. Louis. We don't get a lot of snow, we've had around 3" a couple times this winter, but we get what seems to be a disproportionate amount of freezing rain.

Anyway, with our first major (comparatively, I'm sure in Buffalo, they're laughing at me :D ) snowfall (of about 3") I had no problems. Had fun watching a guy in a Mustang slide all over the place though :lol

Before the SF, I had a Toyota Corolla ('96) I was pretty happy with it, except for the TERRIBLE traction on wet surfaces. I felt like my life was in danger if I drove in more than a dusting of snow. If I had to stop at a stoplight on a hill in the rain, when I started again, my tires spun virtually every time. So, when I was looking for a new vehicle, I knew I wanted TC or 4WD or AWD, something to improve traction. I've been REALLY happy with the SF so far.:D

Nick

NYC35SantaFe
Registered User
Posts: 2
(3/5/04 8:37 am)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
Sophy03,

Thanks for the explanation of the new 4WD system on the 3.5 as no one could properly explain the difference to me between the mechanical "AWD" system on the 2.7 and the "new variable 4WD" on the 3.5. But I still don't quite understand how it works, despite your explanation and looking up the Interactive Torque Management II system on the internet. Are there times when it's just 2WD? Is it always 4WD but just at different ratios? Therefore your statement of it being 4/3 rearward on accelration, that means it's a 4:3 ratio of front wheel power to rear wheel power?

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm just trying to understand how it works.

Thanks

Haiiroinu
Registered User
Posts: 1
(3/5/04 1:44 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
I’ve now had the opportunity to put about 5,000 miles on snow and ice on my 2004, 3.5 liter Santa Fe with the “on-demand” system. My vehicle is set up with studded snow tires, and about half of my driving has been on winding, mountain roads. I can compare the Santa Fe’s performance to three other all-season, AWD and 4x4 vehicles in our household.

The Santa Fe does reasonably well, but I have noticed some “interesting” characteristics. Under power and at speed (usually no more than about 45 mph) on slippery up-hills, the system “hunts” significantly (a slight right-left pulling). It’s a disconcerting sensation, but doesn’t seem to be unsafe. I can also feel the AWD system engage rather abruptly at slow speeds. There doesn’t seem to be much “clutching” action, with the system seemingly either completely engaged or completely disengaged. Combined with the 3.5’s non-linear throttle control, the effect is a bit obnoxious.

Overall, this seems to be a good vehicle for people who are not familiar with driving in low-traction conditions and who intend to stay on paved roads. It takes a great deal of insistence to get the Santa Fe sliding around. The anti-lock brakes are also some of the smoothest I’ve ever felt, which is a good thing, since they come on quite easily. It’s not a rugged off-road type vehicle, but it makes a good foul-weather commuter or snowy road tripper.

My daily commute to work: snipurl.com/my_commute

Edited by: Haiiroinu at: 3/29/04 1:04 pm
retired in bama 
Moderator

Posts: 4656
(3/5/04 7:52 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
I just returned from the Northeast corner of NY state on the Canadian border; lots of snow but there always is during the winter. I went up into the Adirondack Mtns. and drove on some backroads searching for the lake cottage I rented for this coming summer. I drove on some back roads that only had snowmobile tracks on them. 4WD 2.7 '02 LX was one sweet ride in the snow. I've lived in big snow country a lot and always had a 4WD of some sort....CJ-5 Jeeps and pickups for the most part and the Santy handled as well or better than the others...just couldn't get way off road 'cause the Santy is too low to the ground for that. For regular driving on snow-packed roads the Santy can't be beat!!!

RI'B

baileybill
Registered User
Posts: 4
(3/7/04 2:20 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
reply
I love the way the 2004 3.5 drives so far
took it on a trip with just 101 miles on it
live in the mountains in Colorado,,went west during snow storm thru Utah and south to Flagstaff AZ,,,,had NO problems,,,,,went east out of Flag in another storm into Albuquerque and then north into Denver and then west into Bailey area,,,,am VERY pleased
would like better gas milage,,,,any suggestions
baileybill@earthlink.net

jliedeka 
Registered User
Posts: 47
(3/14/04 12:52 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
My 2003 3.5AWD handled a Wisconsin winter quite well. Most of my driving was commuting and weekend errands. I do think the AWD is a little abrupt at low speeds but I really don't mind. When I feel the AWD or ABS kicking in, that alerts me that the road may have less traction than I thought. I found the Santy to be amazingly stable.

Jim

Don't panic

42JMracegirl27
Registered User
Posts: 18
(3/17/04 1:48 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
I just got my first dose of Santy snow driving last night this am! This car rocks in the snow! I must say though first that our kia sephia handles remarkably well in the snow with just cheapy all season radials on it. Driving the santy is a totally different experience. We had a few greasy snow days which I hated it becuase all my studs did was slide on the mess. last night however we got walloped and it was fun I didnt want to pull off into work I wanted to just go for a drive! The traction control kicked in at the top of my hill which was pretty cool normally I just slide through the turn. Then leaving work we had a good 12-14 inches and the 4 wheel drive was in use. I thought it handled really well I was more than comfortable driving in the weather.

Rae#42
#20 #8

gopack36 
Administrator

Posts: 4215
(3/17/04 1:59 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del
Re: 4WD System & Snow Behavior
Amen!!! I love the way the SF handles the winter!! It is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven in the snow.

Glad to see you enjoyed it!! :)

Gopack36



Add Reply

Email This To a Friend Email This To a Friend
Topic Control Image Topic Commands
Click to receive email notification of replies Click to receive email notification of replies
jump to:

- Santa Fe Forum - Santa Fe Forum - Hyundai Santa Fe Club Message Forum -



Powered By ezboard® Ver. 7.32
Copyright ©1999-2005 ezboard, Inc.