SubDave

No, we don't have Dual Range here. At least, not that I know of. And yes, it was in first gear. I tried it in second, thinking that might help - kind of like pop-staring a motorcycle - but it didn't work. DAve

Heh heh. No, just beer and wine. But they also were not Subie experts, or knowledgeable about AWD at all. Some of them owned, or had owned, Subies, but were not gearheads with them. Kinda like me. I still don't know the ins and outs of my AWD system. Which is why I'm asking you folks. DAve

You might have something there. We did put 2x4s in front of each tire, and eventually I was able to get traction on them, but it died again once it got back on sand. Do you think I should have it looked at? I probably will anyway, it's just about time for it's 6 month service. That's another good idea. Although, I don't think I'll be driving on sand again any time soon. Thanks! DAve

Here's a shot of the car. As you can see, the sand didn't get that high up the wheels. DAve

I don't think the clutch was slipping. The power seemed to be getting to the wheels, they just didn't want to turn, which caused the engine to stall out again, if I let the clutch out all the way. DAve

Well, maybe, but the thing is, the car stalled out due to the wheels locking up before I stopped - that's what stopped me. DAve

Hi All, I'm new here - first post. I wanted to see if anyone has any ideas as to what happened to my 97 Outback wagon yesterday. Here's the story: I was bringing some firewood to a beach bonfire, and (despite the "No vehicles" sign) I decided to drive the hundred yards on the sand to unload the wood. Just as I pulled up to the firepit, the car stalled (5 speed). Starting it up and trying to move it, just caused it to stall again. The wheels were not turning. It's not like they were spinning and kicking up sand - they just wouldn't budge. It was like I had put the parking brake on. Forward, reverse, nothing. We managed to push it a few feet in neutral, then I tried first gear again, and the wheels locked right back up. After that, they wouldn't come unglued, in any gear, or even neutral. Eventually, I called AAA and the tow truck driver hooked up a winch and pulled my car to the road. At which point, everything worked fine - no problems. Drove it home and everything. Some (drunk) people there theorized that the AWD computer got confused by being on sand and didn't know where to route power, and just locked up. Another theory was that sand got in the transfer case or other part of the drive train, causing the wheels to lock up. Anyone here ever hear of this happening? I know the wagons aren't the most beachworthy cars, but I didn't expect it to just lock up. Thanks, DAve