Just bought the car, it needed head gaskets. driving it in the snow, I realized something was wrong. the car only had font wheel drivability. Hoping somebody has been here before and can shed some light.

 

here's what I know

put the car on the lift, wheels off the ground, in rev, drive,1,2,3 and the rear tires turn for a moment then stop 

the vehicle awd functions when the trans connector is unplugged  limp mode

 

going to try tcu swap, then drop the pan to check solenoids and wire

 

I am going to try to retrieve tcu codes first of course.

 

any advice?

 

jason

Is there a FWD light on on the dash? Not sure if this model has it, but some have a fwd fuse that when inserted puts the trans into front wheel drive mode.

Is there any flashing lights?

Is the check engine or at temp light on?

 

Does the rear end catch up if the front end slips for a bit? Sometimes there is a delay in awd engament, which can be caused by old fluid or I believe your model year people have had good luck with trans-x additive treatment.

if the 4WD works like you described - another nearly free and easy option is install a switch to manually lock and unlock the Duty C solenoid for off road and snow driving.  Quite a few of us have installed those switches anyway even on perfectly working systems so we can lock it up full time in the snow and off road.  you'd just have FWD when it's off. 

 

1.  make sure the FWD fuse isn't installed in the FWD fuse holder by the passengers side strt tower.  (this is what he is referring to by the FWD light - though i'd still check both the light and fuse since the light may not work

2..  does the AT light flash 16 times at start up?

3.  any check engine lights (shouldn't matter but let's check)

4.  look at the trans pan and see if it's dented or has tell tale signs of having been removed before. 

 

check the fluid level and color though this almost certaily can't be it if everything else is golden. 

 

Subaru TCU's almost never fail, that would be a shot in the dark.  

Try putting in the FWD fuse- if the awd goes to 'full lockup' mode someone put a 2004 trans in there.

Thanks for all the response. I have the front axles out, waiting on front diff seals. should be in tomorrow. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks for all the response. I have the front axles out, waiting on front diff seals. should be in tomorrow. I'll update then.

I ran codes on tcu 93 rear vehicle speed sensor. Going to search forum for help in that area

If you look on the rear of the trans on the drivers side IIRC, there is a sensor bolted on that is the rear speed sensor.