AWD questions
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New User
Joined: Sep 2008
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AWD questions
Hi everyone, new to the site and I think its the best site out there. anywho, Iv got a 99 4x4 eb with awd with no option to just go into 2wd. Is there a way to do this without any effects to my 4x4 system. any input would be great. thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,316
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From: 0,0,1
With AWD you are running in 2WD. The only time the front axle kicks in is if tire spin is detected from the rear axle. The 2WD only option was in the 97 and I think the 98, but was finally eliminated in 99 because rear tire spin was very common even in the lightest of rain.
I suppose you could interrupt the front axle clutches with a kill switch, but at the same time you will get a trouble code whenever the switch is off.
I suppose you could interrupt the front axle clutches with a kill switch, but at the same time you will get a trouble code whenever the switch is off.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 637
Likes: 4
From: Media, PA
There have been a few posts on here in the past about disabling the AWD with a switch. Basically, you pull the fuse in the underhood power distribution block (fuse 104, I think?), add a fuse holder to one post, run a wire to an inside switch, and then a wire from the switch back out to the other side of the fuse terminal under the hood. With the switch "off", the front axle won't automatically engage, but with the switch on, the system will work normally. Only drawback to doing this, that I can see, is if you get stuck before throwing the switch to "on", you may be calling for a tow truck to pull you out.
Your front axle parts (axle shafts, driveshaft) are always spinning, regardless of whether the front axle is engaged or not. There just isn't any actual power being delivered to the front end until the AWD kicks in when it detects rear wheel slippage.
Your front axle parts (axle shafts, driveshaft) are always spinning, regardless of whether the front axle is engaged or not. There just isn't any actual power being delivered to the front end until the AWD kicks in when it detects rear wheel slippage.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 6
From: Eastern PA
I have a 98 expedition, and normally leave it in 2wd as the awd actuator in the trans is cooked and i haven't gotten around to replacing it yet. He's right though, in the slightest bit of rain, i do spin my rear tires, it's really annoying. If my AWD was working, I would probably leave it on all the time, except when i needed to go into 4wd for something. Being that I have 2 subaru's that are AWD, I've really gotten used to having it. Still, AWD does leave the other wheels disabled unless slippage is detected, then it sends power forward, so leaving it in AWD all the time does not cause an issue, unless something breaks, and then you should notice it if all 4 wheels are engaged at any time, or if awd is not functioning. Also, if AWD is not functioning properly, I believe a AWD light will flash on the dash indicating so. At least, it does on mine, but i have a 2wd option.
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