Help with AWD problem

[redvalor]

I just had work done on my 97 Impreza Outback Sport. There was a problem with the transfer case and was ultimately told it was a fuse that was missing and causing the AWD to mess up. They put in a fuse added some lube guard and all seemed well. Except now the FWD warning light on the dash is on. I called the mechanic back and he has no idea what to do about it. Could anybody educate me on what the cause of the light coming on is?
Thanks so much!
Erin

[morpheus78]

I dont know much about Subies, but Id say if no one can help you out... try to take it to a subaru Dealer mechanic. They would be most qualified since they fix them all the time. It will probably be more expensive though.

[2turboimports]

on the autos there is a fuse under the hood for AWD/FWD. Check that fuse again. Maybe there's an associated relay that may be loose or going bad. I don't know too much about the automatics but if nothing else take it to the dealership for diagnosis.

I'm sure a less than qualified shop would love to blame it on something expensive, when it could be very simple.

[civickiller2.5]

Originally Posted by 2turboimports

on the autos there is a fuse under the hood for AWD/FWD. .

Hey, do you know if that fuse is located in the main fuse box or elsewhere??
And is it dangerous to run the 05 rs"s on FWD??? My friend wants to "burn-out" a subi and I heard that you can add a fuse or take one away to convert that. I dunno just forum talk huh??

Let me kno...

[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.