Snow mode 7AT retrofit?

marcussoori

Thanks for the opinions on whether or not I should drive in snow, whether or not I should use snow tires, and whether or not I should drive a fwd or 4wd car/SUV.

I would prefer never to drive in snow, and I'd love to have a fwd or 4wd car for the winter. As it is, I have used snow tires on my daily driver 370Z each winter in the Midwest and have only been stuck in snow once. A poster above was correct in saying that much of snow driving is common sense...but great tires really help!

Now, back to the original question: is it possible to take my car to the dealer to have the snow mode switch installed and related transmission/engine functionality enabled? As far as the switch is concerned, does it replace the blank button cover on the 7AT shift plate surround?

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wstar

I don't have any inside knowledge, but my presumption would be that merely adding the switch is probably insufficient. It's probably new software in the ECU and/or TCM for the 2011 model, that the 2009 wouldn't have had (and flashing your way up to a new model year generally isn't a viable plan either due to other incompatible minor changes in wiring/sensors/etc, and is probably prevented by the ECU part number anyways).

I tried 2nd-gear-start by upclicking before taking off today, and that doesn't work either. But still, the bottom line is while the Snow Mode is nice, you can get the same effect by adjusting your driving habits. There's nothing magic about snow mode really that careful gear selection and throttle/brake control can't accomplish (which you'll have to be mindful of regardless of snow mode anyways).

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UNKNOWN_370

To answer this question we would need exact details on how snow mode will operate. Otherwise giving you a direct answer is a shot in the dark. At minimum the ecu will be reprogrammed and it may be very costly. Also because you will be altering your current stock ecu, it may void your warranty? The ecu is one tune that will void any mechanical part of your vehicle. If they do the job and let you keep the warranty? They will most likely replace the whole ECU which would cost thousands. Half the time nissan tries to void on there own nismo products. It may be easier to trade. Especially if you have a good relationship with your local dealership.

azn370z

I think in snow mode the car starts in 2nd gear. I've actually driven in the snow twice in the 370z and i had no problems driving on the highway and city streets. I was able to drive up my driveway, which my 350z couldn't.

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DLSTR

From what Ive read snow mode is a second gear start. My guess its software controlled and Id call Nissan or your dealer to inquire about the mod.

That being said, Im in Germany and plenty of people here use their RWD BMW's for daily trans including snow. Snow tires and common sense, plus plenty of well maintained, salted road make driving easier if you dont have the luxury of a vehicle just for winter.

I need snow tires on my Z thats being shipped over from the USA because snow tires are the law for all winter days here. Even if I take it out on a sunny but cold day, snow free roads you must have them. Also they provide better grip and traction on cold roads. Summer tires DO NOT work below temps of 5c or below. Thats about 45F. You should have winter tires on in when your daily avg temp is at or below those numbers.