I just test drove a '95 legacy L with 107K on the clock. It was rock solid, and drove really nice until I tested it on a patch of ice. It would spin just one front wheel, and didn't appear to engage the rear tires at all. (yes this one has the optional AWD) It looks like a real "creampuff" and well taken care of otherwise.

 

My thinking is that this is likely the duty clutch or the duty clutch solenoid. Anyone have any experience with this one? If that is the case, how bad is the fix?

 

The FWD light was not illuminated on the dash.

 

Like I said it just didn't "feel" quite right, and my daily driver is a '96 legacy LS, so I do know what it should feel like.

did you look under the car to see if the rear drive shaft was there?

 

did you try it with the trans in 1 or 2?

Rear CV shafts, yes, rear drive shaft - didn't check. Did not try it in 1 or 2. What's the reason for the lower gear?

The transfer case in 1st or reverse provides 50/50 AWD no matter what.

 

Also did you check for a fuse in the FWD socket under the hood near the firewall on the passenger side? Could be one in there and the FWD light on the dash was disabled.

when in 'D' the computer decides, based on front and rear speed sensors, when to engage the transfer clutch. in 1 or 2 (or R for that matter) the computer is forced , or supposed to be, to engage the transfer clutch.

 

disconnecting the trans wiring harness will force the trans into 'limp' mode and it will "lock" the trans in 4WD causing torque bind in tight turns. you might try that on a test drive just to see if the mechanical parts are in there.

Edited February 23, 201016 yr by johnceggleston

That makes sense. I was not aware of the mandatory 50/50 split in 1 or R. Where is the master connector for the transmission wiring harness located?

 

I didn't go very far with the diagnosis last night as it was late, and I had a screaming kid in the back seat. I do know about the FWD fuse, and did not bother to check it.

That makes sense. I was not aware of the mandatory 50/50 split in 1 or R. Where is the master connector for the transmission wiring harness located?

 

 

passenger side under the hood near the fire wall, where the engine and trans meet. they are attached to the trans with some sort of bracket. there are 2 connectors, one is for the trans, the larger one i think, but i could be wrong.

 

however, regardless of the cause, swapping in a known good rear extension housing should/ could cure the problem. typically the dealer charges 900 - 1200$.

 

 

look for all of the 'ragular' test lights on the dash when you turn the key to on. a missing light may indicate a hidden problem or cause. look for FWD, AT Oil Temp, CEL etc.

Edited February 23, 201016 yr by johnceggleston

The rear Extension housing is pretty easy, search torque bind on the USMB there are some very good posts with pictures of the job. About 4 hours if all goes well.