[sohokia]

This might be a dumb question. Recently, I turned off traction control and turned on the 4wd lock. When driving in the snow or icy road, I found that the 4wd lock works so much better. Is this my imagination or is this actually the way for the 4wd lock to work properly?

I have a 2012 AWD Sorento.

 

[ErikHeiker]

Your AWD is always active...but only activates when slippage is detected. When you lock the front and rear axles and you deactivate ESC you are getting maximum traction, but only to about 32 mph (50 km). After that, the system unlocks the front and rear axles until you are back below 32 mph or you manually unlock the front and rear axles.

 

[Nikmal]

ESC is actually something that is traction control and brakes and such. It uses the AWD and such too.. but it is NOT just AWD. By turning the ESC off and using the lock button for the AWD actually will improve the traction but it will not prevent some of the stuff that the ESC will by being off. SO you might want to keep it on at the same time as the lock button.

 

[sohokia]

ESC is actually something that is traction control and brakes and such. It uses the AWD and such too.. but it is NOT just AWD. By turning the ESC off and using the lock button for the AWD actually will improve the traction but it will not prevent some of the stuff that the ESC will by being off. SO you might want to keep it on at the same time as the lock button.

That is what I thought. However, it seems like when I turned off traction control and locked the AWD, I actually felt the vehicle handled better. Hence, the reason I'm asking here in this forum.

 

[KLS]

Erik is right except for the '13 the locked 4wd turns itself off at 25 mph and back on at 19 mph.

 

[dandelion]

Just to clarify - are you/Erik saying that the 4 wd lock button doesn't actually affect the AWD function, it just disables ESC?

 

[2011AWDV6]

Just to clarify - are you/Erik saying that the 4 wd lock button doesn't actually affect the AWD function, it just disables ESC?

:huh: You answered your own question, 4wd lock engages lock only at low speeds and does not effect ESC. ESC button disables esc only so when you start going sideways a bit the esc doesnt kill power and/or brake and kill your momentum. They can be used together or seperately. I have found as most others have for best traction in slick(icy,muddy) low speed conditions that having 4wd lock on with ESC off work best as long as you dont have to worry about going sideways into something.
For me, 2011 awd v6 with new firestone destination LE2 tires(17"wheels) which i can recommend. I can now easily go up all icy and snow covered hills around here while accelerating hard without worrying about esc kicking in or engaging 4wd lock. Tires make a huge difference, those old factory khumos were terrible for Michigan weather.

 

[ErikHeiker]

Just to clarify - are you/Erik saying that the 4 wd lock button doesn't actually affect the AWD function, it just disables ESC?

Negative. They are two different animals. When you disable ESC, you don't have it braking a spinning wheel. Instead, all tires can turn without interference from the ESC. The 4 wheel lock button allows the the front and rear axles to be locked so that you have power to all four wheels, even if no slippage is detected.

 

[Nikmal]

Esc DOES apply brakes along with disabling the accelerator slightly too. It does not JUST stop you from sliding sideways.

The last link shows driving on ice and snow. ESC controls ABS in both accelerating AND braking controls. 3 wheel drive will not allow you to go up an ice covered incline like the one they show in the last video I am linking.

So just locking the 4 wheel drive button will NOT give you better traction despite what you might think.

 

[wxmnick]

Explained.....It should actualy help offroad stopping wheels without traction.

Kia Sorento: Electronic stability control (ESC)

Second Generation XM (2011-2017) / Kia Sorento XM Owners Manual / Driving your vehicle / Brake system / Electronic stability control (ESC)


The Electronic Stability control (ESC) system is designed to stabilize the vehicle


The Electronic Stability control (ESC) system is designed to stabilize the vehicle during cornering maneuvers. ESC checks where you are steering and where the vehicle is actually going. ESC applies the brakes on individual wheels and intervenes with the engine management system to stabilize the vehicle.

WARNING

Never drive too fast according to the road conditions or too quickly when cornering. Electronic stability control (ESC) will not prevent accidents. Excessive speed in turns, abrupt maneuvers and hydroplaning on wet surfaces can still result in serious accidents. Only a safe and attentive driver can prevent accidents by avoiding maneuvers that cause the vehicle to lose traction. Even with ESC installed, always follow all the normal precautions for driving - including driving at safe speeds for the conditions.

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether ESC will be effective in preventing a loss of control. It is still your responsibility to drive and corner at reasonable speeds and to leave a sufficient margin of safety.

When you apply your brakes under conditions which may lock the wheels, you may hear a “tik-tik’’ sound from the brakes, or feel a corresponding sensation in the brake pedal. This is normal and it means your ESC is active.

✽ NOTICE

A click sound may be heard in the engine compartment when the vehicle begins to move after the engine is started. These conditions are normal and indicate that the Electronic Stability Control System is functioning properly.

ESC operation

ESC ON condition




When the ignition is turned ON, ESC and ESC OFF indicator lights illuminate for approximately 3 seconds, then ESC is turned on.
Press the ESC OFF button for at least half a second after turning the ignition ON to turn ESC off. (ESC OFF indicator will illuminate). To turn the ESC on, press the ESC OFF button (ESC OFF indicator light will go off).
When starting the engine, you may hear a slight ticking sound. This is the ESC performing an automatic system self-check and does not indicate a problem.
When operating

When the ESC is in operation, the ESC indicator light blinks.


When the ESC is in operation, the ESC indicator light blinks.

When the Electronic Stability Control is operating properly, you can feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle. This is only the effect of brake control and indicates nothing unusual.
When moving out of the mud or driving on a slippery road, pressing the accelerator pedal may not cause the engine rpm (revolutions per minute) to increase.
ESC operation off

ESC OFF state

This car has 2 kinds of ESC off states.


This car has 2 kinds of ESC off states.

If the engine stops when ESC is off, ESC remains off. Upon restarting the engine, the ESC will automatically turn on again.

ESC off state 1

To cancel ESC operation, press the ESC OFF button (ESC OFF light (ESC OFF ) shortly (ESC OFF indicator
light (ESC OFF ) illuminates). At this state, the engine control function does not operate.
) illuminates). At this state, the engine control function does not operate. It means the traction control function does not operate. Brake control function only operates.

ESC off state 2

To cancel ESC operation, press the ESC OFF button (ESC OFF than 3 seconds. ESC OFF indicator light (ESC OFF ) for more
than 3 seconds. ESC OFF indicator light (ESC OFF and ESC OFF warning chime will sound. At this state, the engine control function ) illuminates
and ESC OFF warning chime will sound. At this state, the engine control function and brake control function do not operate. It means the car stability control function does not operate any more.

Indicator light

When ignition switch is turned to ON, the indicator light illuminates, then goes


When ignition switch is turned to ON, the indicator light illuminates, then goes off if the ESC system is operating normally.

The ESC indicator light blinks whenever ESC is operating or illuminates when ESC fails to operate.

The ESC OFF indicator light comes on when the ESC is turned off with the button.

CAUTION

Driving with varying tire or wheel sizes may cause the ESC system to malfunction. When replacing tires, make sure they are the same size as your original tires.

WARNING

The Electronic Stability Control system is only a driving aid; use precautions for safe driving by slowing down on curved, snowy, or icy roads. Drive slowly and don’t attempt to accelerate whenever the ESC indicator light is blinking, or when the road surface is slippery.

ESC OFF usage

When driving

ESC should be turned on for daily driving whenever possible.
To turn ESC off while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on a flat road surface.
WARNING

Never press the ESC OFF button while ESC is operating (ESC indicator light blinks). If ESC is turned off while ESC is operating, the vehicle may slip out of control.

✽ NOTICE

When operating the vehicle on a dynamometer, ensure that the ESC is turned off (ESC OFF light illuminated). If the ESC is left on, it may prevent the vehicle speed from increasing, and result in false diagnosis.
Turning the ESC off does not affect ABS or brake system operation.
Vehicle stability management (VSM)

This system provides further enhancements to vehicle stability and steering responses when a vehicle is driving on a slippery road or a vehicle detects changes in coefficient of friction between right wheels and left wheels when braking.

VSM operation

When the VSM is in operation, ESC indicator light ( When the vehicle stability management is operating properly, you can feel a slight ) blinks.


When the vehicle stability management is operating properly, you can feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle and/or abnormal steering responses (EPS). This is only the effect of brake and EPS control and indicates nothing unusual.

The VSM does not operate when:

Driving on bank road such as gradient or incline
Driving in reverse
ESC OFF indicator light ( remains on the instrument cluster)
remains on the instrument cluster
EPS indicator light remains on the instrument cluster
VSM operation off

If you press the ESC OFF button to turn off the ESC, the VSM will also cancel and the ESC OFF indicator light ( illuminates.)
illuminates.

To turn on the VSM, press the button again. The ESC OFF indicator light goes out.

Malfunction indicator

The VSM can be deactivated even if you don’t cancel the VSM operation by pressing the ESC OFF button. It indicates that a malfunction has been detected somewhere in the Electric Power Steering system or VSM system. If the ESC indicator light (take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the system checked. ) or EPS warning light remains on,
take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the system checked.

✽ NOTICE

The VSM is designed to function above approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) on curves.
The VSM is designed to function above approximately 18 mph (30 km/h) when a vehicle is braking on a split-mu road. The split-mu road is made of surfaces which have different friction forces.
WARNING

The Vehicle Stability Management system is not a substitute for safe driving practices but a supplementary function only. It is the responsibility of the driver to always check the speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead. Always hold the steering wheel firmly while driving.
Your vehicle is designed to activate according to the driver’s intention, even with installed VSM. Always follow all the normal precautions for driving at safe speeds for the conditions – including driving in clement weather and on a slippery road.
Driving with varying tire or wheel sizes may cause the VSM system to malfunction. When replacing tires, make sure th

 

[wxmnick]

I would say state 1 is the option you want as the braking side of exc is still on meaning any wheel not having tractoin should be braked meaning there would be power on opposite side on an open diff as the torque mechanically has to be used.
It does not however decrease power meaning nice steady progress