[tlsubb654]

I have been experiencing some problems with the AWD system, torqing, binding, etc. when making slow turns, etc. I was told that I can actually disable the AWD system by removing a fuse from the compartment under the hood. I looked at the manual and fuse legend on the compartment lid, but can't ID which fuse relates to the AWD functionality. Maybe it is called something else, and I don't get that it related to the AWD. Thanks for your help.

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

I see this is your first forum post, so welcome to the forum from Oregon! :biggrin:

The fuse is NOT removed, but is installed! The fuse acts like a "switch" to enable FWD ► fuse installed or disable FWD & enable AWD ► fuse removed.

From the Owner's Manual: :wink:

All AWD AT models - Before driving your vehicle with the temporary spare tire, put a spare fuse inside the FWD connector in the main fuse box located in the engine compartment and confirm that the Front-wheel drive warning light "AWD" in the combination meter comes on. The all wheel drive capability of the vehicle has now deactivated. After re-installing the conventional tire, remove the spare fuse from the FWD connector in order to reactivate all wheel drive.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[bbottomley]

Note that this applies only to Automatic Transmission cars. AWD cannot be disabled on Manual Transmission, as this is not required for the donut spare situation described in the Owners Manual.

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

Bruce,

The instructions I posted are from my '07 owner's manual, which comes compact spare. I also looked in our '03 owner's manual, which comes with a full size spare & there are no instructions for disabling AWD. However, the image I posted is from the '03 owner's manual. :icon_eek:

As I read it, for AT transmission:

• Compact spare use = must disable AWD.
• Full size spare use = not required to disable AWD.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[bbottomley]

Yup. I see that you highlighted AT there. So I guess it's not just donut but all AT.

The OP hasn't posted transmission type in his profile, so we're not sure which variety he has.

 

[tlsubb654]

Thanks for the feedback, I removed the "A" fuse based on the diagram above and it re-enabled the AWD (and the AWD light is no longer displayed on the dashboard). With the fuse out, the Knocking, binding and torqueing has started again, but I want it in AWD with winter here. A mechanic told me to add some limited slip additive. At Advance Auto I bought this "Trans-X Posi-Trac Limited Slip Gear Oil Additive". It's supposed to help with the knocking and binding while the AWD is engaged. It says to add the product to the differential. Does this sound right? If this is right, I would just add it, not plan to drain the differential first. And would I add it to the differential gear oil level gauge? Thanks again, I appreciate the insight here. Tom

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

Keep in mind forcing the AWD to FWD is for temporary use. Take a look at this thread: AT Forester - FWD mode FTW? :icon_eek:

Take a look at my quick Google forum custom search results for torque bind to see if anything there answers your questions.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]