AWD not working?
 

I'm sure a thread just like this already exists, but the search function
doesn't seem to be working properly.
In the wet leaves today, it has become apparent that I only
have FWD. Any suggestions on where I should begin diagnosing
this problem? Especially since snow is in the forecast!
TIA!

The easiest check would be to make sure the FWD fuse is not plugged into the fusebox under the hood.

Considering I've owned it for five years now,
I don't think that's the issue. Unless some little
elves had their way with my car recently!

is it shooting off any trans codes?? if not I would not be surprised if the TPS is way off... Also a possibility is the fact the the clutch basket is sheered off much like my old one was...or... the clutches are shot...it could be many things just check some of the suggestions I have listed

Tom

is it shooting off any trans codes??

Nope.

I was experiencing clutch-pack binding this Spring though....

well if you were experiencing that... the selenoid c was not functioning properly... You could have broken something or just worn it out completely... Best bet would be to drop the rear extension off the trans case and investigate

Tom

If there is no code posted and no noise. It would most likely be the transfer valve seized in the off position. Replacing the 'C solenoid/valve assemble' is the fix.

Harvey. ;)

Thanks guys.....

Do you honestly think the rear wheels should spin under load even on semi-slick surfaces?

Mine don't.
And I know they are powered for two reasons:

1) I lifted the car off the ground and put it into drive.

2) I did 80 on a snow covered highway in a snowstorm with crap tires.

Chances are the awd is working exactly like it was designed to.
Check it out visually before you go replacing things.

I think we found your problem.

I was experiencing binding 2 years ago after getting a tranny flush and 6 months after that my AWD was gone. I didn't get it taken care of fast enough.

But now I'm getting an outback 4.44 4EAT anyway so it's all going to be alright... :D

80 on a snowcovered highway is definitely not smart, if possible at all. All wheel drive will get you going, but it doesn't change the amount of friction that your tires have with the road when it is covered with the white stuff.

It will affect the amount of oversteer/understeer that you will have when you start sliding but it won't prevent sliding by any means.

Chances are the awd is working exactly like it was designed to.
Check it out visually before you go replacing things.


I'll look into this before I replace anything or make any appts.,
but my front wheels never used to break lose like this....

80 on a snowcovered highway is definitely not smart, if possible at all. All wheel drive will get you going, but it doesn't change the amount of friction that your tires have with the road when it is covered with the white stuff.


Tim, did you see where the man lives!?

Nope... wasn't us. We've been busy working on our own :p ;)

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Bipa/31565.jpg

...so putting my car on a lift, and putting it in Drive, will answer
my question?