What is the VTM 4 light on my Honda Pilot?

Understanding the VTM-4 Light on a Honda Pilot
The VTM-4 light on your Honda Pilot is related to the Variable Torque Management 4-wheel drive system, which is designed to automatically adjust the amount of torque transmitted to each rear wheel based on demand. Here’s what you need to know about the VTM-4 light:
1. Meaning of the VTM-4 Light:
The VTM-4 light indicates that the torque management system is active, allowing the Honda Pilot to drive across difficult terrain. It may also indicate an issue with the VTM-4 system, but in many cases, this light doesn’t necessarily indicate that anything is wrong other than the system being activated.
2. Driving with the VTM-4 Light On:
It’s not recommended to drive with the VTM-4 on, especially on dry, paved roads. The VTM-4 lock should only be engaged while traveling over particularly difficult roads or terrain.
3. Potential Issues and Actions:
If the VTM-4 light continues flashing even after an extended idling period, it’s advised to shut down the engine and call a towing service to take your Pilot to a reputable workshop on a flatbed truck, as this could indicate a serious problem in the rear differential.
4. Common Causes of the VTM-4 Light Coming On:
The most common cause of the VTM-4 light showing up is due to low oil in the engine or a loosened or blown gasket. Additionally, issues with the alternator and engine sensors have also been reported as potential causes for the VTM-4 light to come on.
5. Turning Off the VTM-4 Lock:
The VTM-4 lock should be turned off when navigating through rough roads or terrain. To turn off the VTM-4 lock, you need to stop the car, turn off the engine, and then start it back up again.
In summary, the VTM-4 light on your Honda Pilot is an indicator of the system’s activity and should be heeded as a signal to adjust driving conditions accordingly. If the light persists or flashes, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance to diagnose and address any potential issues with the VTM-4 system.

How does Honda VTM-4 work?

I-VTM4 or Intelligent Variable Torque Management is an all-wheel drive system that dynamically senses the amount of torque needed in each wheel axle and sends the correct amount of power to each of them accordingly. It can even distribute power to either the left or right wheels depending on the traction needed.

What is VTM-4 fluid?

What is it? Part of the Variable Torque Management® 4WD System (VTM-4®), the rear differential automatically varies the amount of torque distributed to each rear wheel based on demand. Rear differential fluid lubricates and cools the clutch packs inside the rear differential.

Can I drive in VTM-4 lock?

Do not use the VTM-4 LOCK button on dry, paved roads. Driving on dry, paved roads with VTM-4 Lock ON may damage the rear dif f erential when making a turn. Strange noise and vibration can also result.

Can I drive my Honda Pilot with the VTM-4 light on?

In this case, a flashing Honda Pilot VTM-4 light indicates a serious problem in the rear differential, and driving on is likely to cause further damage.

What does it mean when the Check Engine Light and VTM-4 light comes on?

This is the Variable Torque Management 4 wheel drive system. It is the component of Your vehicle that moves the amounts or levels or torque to the rear wheels of the vehicle when additional traction is needed. The most common cause of this light showing up is due to low oil in the engine, or a loosened or blown gasket.

How do I get rid of VTM-4 light?

Unfortunately for you, there’s currently no way to turn VTM-4 off. It was designed as a safety feature to save the driver’s life or prevent road accidents and balanced to work at all times. But if it’s a little bit sensitive, you have probably engaged the lock. The lock disengages when you drive around 18 mph.

What happens when driving with differential locked?

By engaging the diff-lock, whether it be factory standard or fitted after-market, the diff is “locked” and begins to drive both wheels evenly. This allows not only the wheel without traction to continue to spin in the hope of gaining traction, but more importantly, begins to drive the well-grounded wheel.

What does VTM-4 mean on dashboard?

Variable Torque Management 4WD System
The Variable Torque Management 4WD System (VTM-4) automatically transfers varying amounts of engine torque to the rear wheels under lower traction conditions. If more traction is needed when your MDX is stuck, or is likely to become stuck, you can use the VTM-4 Lock button to increase torque to the rear wheels.

Why is my Honda Pilot check engine light on?

The check engine light warns of issues ranging from a gas cap that’s not properly tightened to a more serious failure like a bad catalytic converter or a problem with one of the car’s oxygen sensors, so it good to get the correct code reading and diagnosis.

How fast can you drive in VTM-4 lock?

Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0). The VTM-4 Lock will temporarily disengage when the vehicle speed exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h). It will automatically engage again as the speed slows below 18 mph (30 km/h).