What is the VTM-4 light on my Honda Pilot?

The VTM-4 light on your Honda Pilot indicates the status of the Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel-Drive System (VTM-4) [[3]] [[6]]. Here’s what you need to know:
What is VTM-4?
VTM-4 stands for Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel-Drive System. It is an electronically-controlled 4-wheel-drive system used in Honda’s higher-end SUVs, including the Honda Pilot. The VTM-4 system automatically adjusts the amount of torque transmitted to each rear wheel based on demand, providing improved traction and stability in challenging road conditions.
What does the VTM-4 light mean?
When the VTM-4 light comes on in your Honda Pilot, it indicates that the torque management system is active and compensating for lower traction. This is a normal operation of the system and typically occurs when driving on slippery or difficult terrain.
Should I be concerned if the VTM-4 light is on?
If the VTM-4 light is on, there is generally no need to be concerned, especially if you are driving on normal dry, paved roads. The VTM-4 system is designed to engage automatically when needed and disengage when not required. However, it is not recommended to drive with the VTM-4 system engaged on dry, paved roads as it may cause unnecessary wear on the rear differential.
When should I engage the VTM-4 lock?
The VTM-4 lock should only be engaged when you are driving on particularly difficult roads or terrain, such as rough or slippery surfaces. Engaging the VTM-4 lock can provide additional traction and stability in these situations. However, it is important to note that prolonged usage of the VTM-4 lock on dry, paved roads can potentially damage the rear differential, so it is best to use it only when necessary.
What should I do if the VTM-4 light continues to flash?
If the VTM-4 light continues to flash even after an extended idling period, it may indicate a serious problem in the rear differential. In such cases, it is recommended to shut down the engine and call a towing service to take your Honda Pilot to a reputable workshop on a flatbed truck. Continuing to drive in this condition may cause further damage.
Can I turn off the VTM-4 system?
Yes, you can turn off the VTM-4 system by stopping the car, turning off the engine, and then starting it back up again. However, it is important to note that the VTM-4 system is a safety feature designed to provide improved traction and stability, especially in challenging road conditions. It is generally recommended to keep the VTM-4 system enabled unless you are driving on normal dry, paved roads.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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).