AWD or FWD? . . . . . . .

[James Scott]

As some of you know, I've had difficulty in diagnosing an engine (and possibly a drivetrain) problem my car has developed in the past few months. It has intermittent rough idle for a few minutes after startup and a shuddering that can be pretty severe from 40 up to 80+ mph.

Since several of you (and a mechanic who drove the SVX while at the alignment shop last Monday) believe the shuddering to be a drivetrain problem (including possibly the driveshaft [U-joint?]), I thought of trying something that might be diagnostic.

I switched from AWD to FWD to see if there would be any difference. It's too early to tell yet, but it sure shudders LESS!

1. Is this switch going to be diagnostic of ANYTHING?

2. What's the deal? Am I normally supposed to drive in AWD (and switch to FWD only for dyno smog tests etc.) or is FWD good for normal driving in certain circumstances or conditions?

THANKS for your input, Jim