I've been having an issue for the last couple of days with my push-button 4wd on my 1990 Loyale wagon. My 4wd just randomly kicks on while driving. If I am able to get it to go back off, it seems to be right back on again most times when I start the car. It seems to me like a switch issue, but I'd like to ask before I buy parts.

Are you certain it's actually engaging, or is there a chance it could just be the light? This is a push button 4wd I'm assuming.

You have an off road Subaru ghost.

 

1-800-GHOSTBUSTERS.

If its a D/R then I would suspect the little button by the hand lever coming loose or really bad trans and engine mounts, no engine stabilizer bar on the top of the motor (whatever that's called ...slipping my mind) and/or maybe combined with your trans and motor separating.

It isn't a dual range, just push button, and it is engaging. if I'm not mistaken, the push button should stay in slightly while engaged in 4wd, shouldn't it? Has anyone ever replaced it with a toggle?

Your sube is trying to tell you something! Lol, but seriously make sure its not just the light coming on, maybe the vaccume cylinoid is leaking?

Your sube is trying to tell you something! Lol, but seriously make sure its not just the light coming on, maybe the vaccume cylinoid is leaking?

 

This is my though......

 

4wd engage solenoid may be passing vac through evnee when not energized.

 

Button can be replaced with a SPDT switch w/o center off..........

 

OR......it can be done with a SPDT switch triggering an 87a relay..........2wd in 87a pin position.....click the relay on get 4wd from 87 pin

Thanks Gloyale,

My thoughts were to change out the stock pushbutton with an on/off toggle. I do feel that it is a switch issue due to how it "tries" to shut back off when i push the button to disengage it, but it takes several tries to get it disengaged. Then it generally engages again after a short time. I'll know for sure today.

Disconnect the electrical connector to the solenoids.......if it stops then it is indeed a switch issue. 

 

If it keeps doing it the switch is OK and the problem is in the Vac system or trans......

 

Disconnect the vac line  to the solenoids and see if it still happens. If not.....It's a solenoid issue.  replace the solenoids

 

If it still happens with Vac disconnected....it's in the trans......gunk on the transfer collar???

Thanks Gloyale,

My thoughts were to change out the stock pushbutton with an on/off toggle.

 

Won't work without a relay.

 

to simply do a switch you need an SinglePole/DoubleThrow switch........think On/On toggle.

As per 175eya's post, have you checked it's actually engaging? Ie, is the car difficult to turn on hard surfaces?

 

The switch for the dash indicator is on the side of the trannie, and it simply earths out the globe. So if there could be a fault in the wire anywhere between the dash & the switch & the light will come on.