Can anybody answer these two questions about the 2019 Chrysler 300 Ltd? What conditions will cause the all wheel drive to be activated? What conditions are necessary for the car to shift back to rear wheel drive? The owners manual does not address this issue, the dealer does not know the answers. They referred me to customer care who could not help and the engineer they forwarded my call to did not know. The AWD performs well but drops the fuel mileage so I'd like to know how to avoid AWD when it is not needed. Thanks in advance for any information.
DonL

 

From experience with my 2013 300C, the AWD system activates in outside temperatures under 41 degrees F and in wet conditions. It has to be close to raining or really wet pavement. I think the system just relies on the temperature, rain, and humidity sensors. As far as I can tell, there is no way to turn off this system or override it.

 

Thanks 300 CHEMI, for the information. Your input agrees with our experience on the road. I've also found that turning off the stability control triggers AWD. Still no information from the dealer or Chrysler corporate.

 

I doubt any dealer or technician actually knows what triggers AWD. They will only know when the computer indicates there’s a malfunction in the AWD system. I also doubt Chrysler will disclose this information; my guess is that it is a trade secret. Chrysler is a leader in AWD and I have not seen an AWD system like Chrysler’s in any other vehicle. Unless it’s patented, I doubt Chrysler will release to the public how its AWD system actually operates.