I have a 2002 Honda CRV, Manual Transmission.
Its FWD. When I go into second gear and I am above 3,000 RPM it goes into AWD...the rear wheels kick in. I know this as I can hear the rear wheels kicking into the snow and I can feel the SUV handle differently. It launches forward harder like im going into hyper space. I can also hear the roar from the rear tires.
I believe its designed like this as there is not enough torque to send to the rear wheels unless the engine is above 3,500 RPM ish.
I can manipulate this in a good way when needing more grip. For example, if I am turning and I can feel the rear swinging out under ice. I drop the clutch, pulled the RPM's above 3,000 and engaged the clutch rear tires kick in, SUV stabilises. It a hell of a lot more control when roads are bad and a lot more fun.
Im not sure if it stays in AWD in 3rd gear. I think it does but cuts off after a certain speed.
In 1st gear it does not go into AWD in high revs. For example when taking off from the lights on ice. On several occasions I recall the front tires spinning above 4,000 rpm, then when going into 2nd gear AWD engages.
So last week I parked just off 14st and there was a lot of snow. The numpty behind me parked right up my ass. Luckily I had left some space in front. As I tried to pull out the front tires kept on spinning. So I went slower and then high revs into 2nd gear to engage the AWD. The AWD did not engage.
Luckily I got pushed out by three Samaritans.
So my question is, how does the AWD on a manual work and why did it not engage when I was stuck?