Maybe the AWD system ISN'T so crappy!(followup video)

[davesxx01]

I think y'all are over thinking the wiper/lock switch thing.
The easiest thing would be to add a resistor in a toggle switch set up to "trick" the ECU into thinking it's below freezing out!
I'm guessing the outside temp sensor wiring would be a lot easier to access than the wiper set up.
Off = normal outside temp/ ON = say 0-32* temps.
ECU thinks snow,,, more rear bias!

 

[davesxx01]

Not discounting effect of temperature .....but from what I have seen in snow I think wiper switch has a more noticeable effect than temperature alone in standing start scenarios

Most likely true! That seemed to work with my tire slippage from a start in dry, sub freezing conditions.

It was just a thought though!

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

It's a good idea though... some electronic "tricks" with temp and wiper would be nice.

I see an empty spot in cluster of buttons to the left of steering wheel for a toggle switch

 

[Unobtanium]

...and to think Mazda could have just done what everyone else did and just allowed people to press a button for 100% AWD functionality when they wanted it. Instead we are all dicking around with windshield wipers. It's a great AWD system, but 1 simple button could have made it even better. Instead..."sport mode". *SMH*

 

[CX5_Pete]

...and to think Mazda could have just done what everyone else did and just allowed people to press a button for 100% AWD functionality when they wanted it. Instead we are all dicking around with windshield wipers. It's a great AWD system, but 1 simple button could have made it even better. Instead..."sport mode". *SMH*

I agree. I guess Mazda figured with how smart the system was it didn't need one. Maybe they could make a MazdaSpeed version with the turbocharge 2.5T and rear diff lock. Rear lockers can make such a huge difference.

Check out this video here at around 4:38. The 4Runner was struggling so much until he locked the rear.

 

[Unobtanium]

I agree. I guess Mazda figured with how smart the system was it didn't need one. Maybe they could make a MazdaSpeed version with the turbocharge 2.5T and rear diff lock. Rear lockers can make such a huge difference.

Check out this video here at around 4:38. The 4Runner was struggling so much until he locked the rear.

I used to drive a vehicle with factory front and rear ELSD's. I am aware. Point being, this is a soccer-mom SUV, and people are trying to push it beyond/outside of that. It's meant for getting the kids home from school on snow-day without thinking about anything other than making sammiches once you get home, is the over-all impression I get from the vehicle. Basically...stop trying to take it off of pavement.

 

[davesxx01]

Basically...stop trying to take it off of pavement.

Haha! Hell no bro! Heck, I just got back from some forest service roads! Quite muddy today but no need for wipers on,,,,, almost!

 

[Unobtanium]

If nothing else it may give Mazda the hint there is a market for a "TrailHawk" equipped CX-5.

It would be a total re-design, though. Better just to have a new vehicle model.

 

[Unobtanium]

Metal skid plates & some electronic sway bar disconnects... easy

For off-roading I'd never replace my '00 Wrangler for a Grand Cherokee... the latter has too long of a wheelbase for anything too serious without a lift kit. Not gonna take the Mazda anywhere near where I'd take my Jeep though.....borderline quad only trails.

It would need an entirely new front end, too.