Anyone able to feel a difference when using those different modes? I've yet to use the Power Mode but when I tried the Snow Mode in the snow today, it didn't feel any different.

 

you may not notic e the snow mode unless you really need it... it starts the acr off in 2ND gear instead of 1st for more optimal traction. If you have it off and slip when you take off from a stop normally (unless you on ice) starting in 2nd will provide a much better sart as there is less torque going to the wheels.

--Pete

 

Not sure about the AWD version, but I can definately feel the difference between regular mode and power mode in my RWD version of the car.. I'm not too sure how to describe it though.. It almost makes the gas pedal too touchy at the get-go (starting from a red-light for example) and can cause head jerks to an extent.. I wish I knew what they were changing when you enable power-mode.. Anyone really understand what is happening in these different modes?

 

I used the snow mode last night it seems to work well on my AWD. I saw alot of cars stuck and I had no problems so that's good enough for me. As to what they do I agree with starting in second gear and it seemed to make the gas pedal less sensitive. I used the PWR mode maybe 3 times up large hills and you can feel a difference in power and sound. It makes the motor sound a little meatier under acceleration. The only thing I can think of is that it opens the valves more.

 

It just holds the gears longer and reacts quicker, nothing to do with vavles hence the name ECT- electronic controlled transmission.

 

Thanks for everyone's replies.

 

On my GS the toggle switch for Pwr/Normal/Snow mode will recyle back to normal after driving in Snow mode and the engine is turned off. Anybody else experiencing this, or do you think my switch needs replacing?

If I'm driving in Pwr or Normal mode it will stay there for good until I switch to a different mode, so Pwr/Normal seem to be fine. It's just when I press the switch to Snow.

Thanks

 

This is normal.

 

Yup, it sounds like normal operation. It should be stated in the
manual that snow mode gets reset each time the car is shut off
while power mode does not.

 

YES I FEEL A BIG DIFFERENCE from snow mode to regular.

The difference I feel is that when in normal, I have almost instant quick torqe from a stop.

When in snow mode, It pauses, very slow start, even when floored.
THis is to limit the Traction from kicking in if there was snow. It feels as if it starts in 2nd or 3rd instead of 1st.
At least in my 450h.

I actually can't feel that much of a difference in power mode. Maybe I jsut haven't paid enough attention. we'll see.
What is the PWR mode specifically do in my hybrid? How does it work to?

 

Funny, I feel a huge difference between PWR and regular mode with my GS, but not so much of a difference between regular and SNOW. Oh well.