[too-cool-2]

Ok, here's how it works.

Your mechanic is an idiot.

Now, there's a slot for a fuse that's labeled "FWD". It's under the hood, and it's location is shown on the bottom of the fuse box cover (on the drivers side, between the battery and the shock tower is the fuse box). When you put a fuse there, it puts the trans into FWD mode, and triggers that FWD light on your dash. Your now in FWD, not AWD. To go back to how it SHOULD be, just remove the fuse and throw it in your glovebox. FWD mode is for when you need to get your car towed, so that you dont screw up the trans.

This is all in your owners manual by the way, just so ya know. Also, NASIOC.com is a wonderful source of information.

I know of several people who have even hooked up a switch so that if they want to, they can trigger FWD from inside the cabin, and go back to AWD when they want to.

FWD mode will not damage the trans in the short run, but extended use (years) could cause trouble.