Could someone briefly explain the mechanics of our Quattro AWD system. I currently drive a 99 A4 1.8TQ Tip and had some trouble in the snow. Last year this thing was a tank in the snow and this year I already got stuck twice in the first two snow falls of the year, believe me I do own an AWD Audi. In the first instance I was pulling out of my parking spot (minimal incline) in about 4 inches of pretty dense icey snow and got hung up, wouldn't budge. Now the car was not parked perfectly flat as the car was pitched a little uneven due to the swale at the side of the road (passenger side of car was a little lower than driver side). As I was rocking the car between Drive and Reverse only two of my tires were spinning, both front and rear driver side wheels, the outers had no power. I understand it operates as an open differential (front and rear), transferring power to the wheel that needs it, in this case I needed power to my outers.Ashamed, I had to get out and dig myself out eventually breaking free.The second instance I drove into the some deeper, hard icey snow and got the bottom end hung up again getting stuck. Although I was in fault, again only two wheels were spinning not all four..?? Why is this? I thought at low speeds especially in first at take-off the quattro system should operate like positraction and then back off power-transfer at higher speeds...?? What do you guys recommend doing when caught up like this?? Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

Maybe you can gain the knowlege your seeking by reading about the Torsen Differential here:

http://www.autozine.org/technical_sc...tion_4wd_2.htm

Good Luck...

 

or this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quattro...rive_system%29

 

Great reference, great knowledge, thanks.