How the Maverick AWD system actually works (video explanation)

[KenE]

Mike, you really shouldn't hear it, but I understand that some people do.

Thank you Mark for this Very informative video. My 25MY Lariet Hybrid AWD has no noticeable feel or sound when coasting to a stop. So I assumed the rear tires were not engaged? Now I know differently. I've read about it on this forum. Makes us wonder why some feel/hear the transition, others not? I also remember on my 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD, using the XGAUGE feature on the Scangauge-II, you could strobe (write) values to a memory location to Disable AWD function. Some guys did it attempting to squeeze another .x mpg.

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[KenE]

Try an old bug with an 1100 or 1200 cc engine..


Oh, wait--that's as fast as you can accelerate, not as fast as you want.


more seriously, though, the combination of tall skinny tires, the weight of the engine on top of the back axle, a pan under the engine, and a lack of excess torque, made it one of the few vehicles ever that could drive casually through snow higher than it's axle.

My last two VWs were a 72' & 73' super beetles. Simple as can be, but required a lot of "wrenching". I could adjust the valves without looking at documentation. If you kept valves adjusted, timing spot on, all the tin attached to the engine, heat channels not rotted out, they would run forever, and you could get acceptable heat in winter as long as you were moving. Great memories.

 

[chrisofpa]

My last two VWs were a 72' & 73' super beetles. Simple as can be, but required a lot of "wrenching". I could adjust the valves without looking at documentation. If you kept valves adjusted, timing spot on, all the tin attached to the engine, heat channels not rotted out, they would run forever, and you could get acceptable heat in winter as long as you were moving. Great memories.

I heard the air cooled engines in the VW cars actually had a gasoline powered heater for the winter, was this true? I heard they were "Problematic".

 

[KenE]

I heard the air cooled engines in the VW cars actually had a gasoline powered heater for the winter, was this true? I heard they were "Problematic".

That is true. A gas line from tank under the hood ran to the heater. I never personally heard they were problematic, they did heat well, but were beyond dangerous. They eventually became nearly impossible to find. I never had one myself.

 

[chrisofpa]

That is true. A gas line from tank under the hood ran to the heater. I never personally heard they were problematic, they did heat well, but were beyond dangerous. They eventually became nearly impossible to find. I never had one myself.

Yeah, I meant to really say dangerous but it was a cool concept, I didn't realize those air cooled engines had any other way of heating the cabin.

 

[KenE]

Yeah, I meant to really say dangerous but it was a cool concept, I didn't realize those air cooled engines had any other way of heating the cabin.

Yes, they had Muff heaters, just like old single engine air cooled airplanes I used to fly. The exhaust pipe was surrounded by a muffler looking device, called a Muff heater, which captured heat from the super hot exhaust pipe. Then the generator turned engine coolant fan diverted some air into this heat Muff, blowing it to the cabin along the floorboard metal channels. No 12v power required, just pull a lever. Ultimate simplicity. That's why all the "tin" pieces on the engine needed to be there.

 

[Maverick123]

Mark, if you ever do another similar video PLEASE put the truck in slippery mode for part of your test ... I'm super curious if slippery mode keeps AWD engaged permanently or not

Also, less breathing

 

[chrisofpa]

Yes, they had Muff heaters, just like old single engine air cooled airplanes I used to fly. The exhaust pipe was surrounded by a muffler looking device, called a Muff heater, which captured heat from the super hot exhaust pipe. Then the generator turned engine coolant fan diverted some air into this heat Muff, blowing it to the cabin along the floorboard metal channels. No 12v power required, just pull a lever. Ultimate simplicity. That's why all the "tin" pieces on the engine needed to be there.

That's fascinating, did it work well?

 

[MarkLally]

Mark, if you ever do another similar video PLEASE put the truck in slippery mode for part of your test ... I'm super curious if slippery mode keeps AWD engaged permanently or not

Also, less breathing

Agreed, I should have taken a Sudafed that morning. Not likely I'll go through the trouble of making another video, but I too would like to know if slippery mode keeps it in AWD all the time.

 

[HeyBales]

If anyone with the correct truck is in the KC metro area - I have an OBD adapter and Forscan - lets go for a ride!

 

[KenE]

That's fascinating, did it work well?

Not particularly well, especially on VWs that were exposed to salted winter roads, where the heat channels frequently rusted partially out. I suspect they worked pretty good when they were newer. But they were fun to drive and I sometimes wish I hadn't sold my 72' that was in great shape.

 

[chrisofpa]

Not particularly well, especially on VWs that were exposed to salted winter roads, where the heat channels frequently rusted partially out. I suspect they worked pretty good when they were newer. But they were fun to drive and I sometimes wish I hadn't sold my 72' that was in great shape.

Fascinating, personally the VW Thing kinda intrigued me but I don't know if its enough to buy one.

 

[SuperK401]

Agreed, I should have taken a Sudafed that morning. Not likely I'll go through the trouble of making another video, but I too would like to know if slippery mode keeps it in AWD all the time.

Got up this morning and drove around in Music slippery mode and 8 inches of snow. No. It does not stay locked in all the time. Watching my front rear power meters all wheel drive will kick in upon acceleration, but upon medium light throttle only front wheel drive.

 

[SuperK401]

Got up this morning and drove around in Music slippery mode and 8 inches of snow. No. It does not stay locked in all the time. Watching my front rear power meters all wheel drive will kick in upon acceleration, but upon medium light throttle only front wheel drive.

Darn spellcheck. Remove the word music.

 

[pawalsh610]

Another video explaining the Hybrid and CVT

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