Decided to dive into the flashing POWER light

[siceclipse]

I bought this car a year ago with a need for a little TLC.

The previous owners son went over a curb sideways with it.
Got some new rear lateral links and a fresh set of OEM wheels to take care of that (thanks OT and SubaSteve)

When i drove it home the first time i noticed the binding in the rear end.
a couple months later i noticed the flashing POWER light.

The code was for Duty solenoid C.
I would assume i got the binding from the crappy uneven tires and ****ty alignment from the original curb crash. The only thing is that if i kept all the tires inflated properly after the alignment there was no more binding.
(i could do figure 8's and donuts all day with no problems if i wanted)

So recently I put on some fresh rubbers and decided to take off the Neg. side of the battery to clear any past codes.
Started it up and everything ran smoothly.
The Power light flashed again the next day and it read Duty solenoid C again.

I went right out to the street and launched the car to make sure the AWD was engaged and it was (no wheel spin), there is also no binding at all (i can still do 8's and donuts)


What the hell?



Cliff Notes:

Bought car with bad wheels tires
Notice binding
Flashing power light (Duty solenoid C)
New tires + alignment binding goes away
Disconnect battery (clear codes)
Power flashes again (Duty solenoid C)
???????
Profit

[Wikedjuggalo]

Seems clear something is not reading right with your Duty Solenoid C.

[siceclipse]

agreed but its not showing any of the classic signs
full time awd binding
full time fwd w/no line pressure.

[siceclipse]

is there any way to test the solenoid with a multimeter

[Blacky]

Here's the instructions for testing. I just printed them out yesterday to try and diagnose my lack of AWD.
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...ng+AWD+problem

[longassname]

I would suspect your transfer clutch is slipping. You might also have a failing speed sensor. In any event it is probably detecting differences in wheel speed that it can not correct.

It's important to check out the transfer clutch right away. The seal on the retaining plate is probably shot causing a loss of fluid pressure which is making the transfer clutch slip. If that is the case and you don't fix it then the rest of the transmission will fail soon.

[siceclipse]

Originally Posted by longassname

I would suspect your transfer clutch is slipping. You might also have a failing speed sensor. In any event it is probably detecting differences in wheel speed that it can not correct.

It's important to check out the transfer clutch right away. The seal on the retaining plate is probably shot causing a loss of fluid pressure which is making the transfer clutch slip. If that is the case and you don't fix it then the rest of the transmission will fail soon.

I have almost no idea what you just said

besides the obvious (climbing under the car and removing the exhaust and driveshaft and unbolting the rear of the trans) what would i be checking for?

[longassname]

there are pictures in my built transmission thread. You need to special order the parts and have a subie dealer install the retainer(take them the transfer clutch drum) or just have a subie dealer do it.

Originally Posted by siceclipse

I have almost no idea what you just said

besides the obvious (climbing under the car and removing the exhaust and driveshaft and unbolting the rear of the trans) what would i be checking for?

[oab_au]

The solenoid C Code, says that there is a problem with the C solenoid. Either its, open circuit, shorted circuit, or the solenoid valve is stuck. There can be other problems that won't show a code like the transfer valve sticking.

As you have to replace the valve assemble, the back of the box has to come off, and you can check the clutch plates at the same time. These have to have the clutch pack clearance, set-up to suit the transmission case that holds them.

Harvey.

[siceclipse]

went out in the snow today...

couldnt make it up the hill.

I guess my AWD is gone due to the solenoid C going bad, wire broke, or stuck open/closed.

100 dollars and 4hr job in my NEAR future.

Quick question tho.
I drain the Trans Flud for this right?
There is no rear trans fluid that is separate from the main trans like the front diff?

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by siceclipse

went out in the snow today...

couldnt make it up the hill.

I guess my AWD is gone due to the solenoid C going bad, wire broke, or stuck open/closed.

100 dollars and 4hr job in my NEAR future.

Quick question tho.
I drain the Trans Fluid for this right?Yes.
There is no rear trans fluid that is separate from the main trans like the front diff?

Correct.
Call me for tips on removing the back of the trans.
301-707-3437

[Tim]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

Correct.
For a good time please call:
301-707-3437

Fixed it for ya

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by Tim

Fixed it for ya

Thanks, Birthday Boy.