Hey everyone, I just purchased a '95 Legacy AWD Wagon a couple weeks ago for my daily driver. The car runs spectacular for 143k, im amazed by how solid is. Anyway, being an AWD car, I would expect to never be losing traction, but the car doesnt seem to be working that way. The car will easily spin its front tires in wet pavement, I can hardly tell if the rear wheels are kicking in much or at all. Havent had a chance to test it out in the snow yet. In my Talon, I never was able to make any of the tires spin. Is this normal for these cars. If not, whats up with it? Thanks.

 

Do you have a 4EAT? The autos are an odd beast, when they work they work extremely well - but there are some known issues with them - most of which are expensive,

First thing to do is double check that the FWD fuse isn't in the slot for it in the fuse box under the hood. When you use a 'donut' spare or anytime a differnt (very little difference) size tire is on the car you must put a 20 amp (IIRC) fuse in the FWD position.

If this is not the case, you may have a bad clutch pack solenoid - big money. Also, the clutch pack in newer ('99 or '00?) is contained in a steel lined tailshact compartment, the previous ones would fail when the aluminum in the tailshaft wore excessively.

If you confirm you're in AWD try driving in tight circles.figure 8s while feeling/listening for 'torque bind'. If present you have a problem. You could get lucky and have a shorted wire somewhere but be prepared for bad news. search 4eat - torque bind on this, www.nasioc.com and particularly the forums at www.usmb.net

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

I checked both fuse boxes and I dont see any fuse labeled FWD on the diagram, are you sure this is what its called on there? Do you have any idea what the clutch pack solenoid would cost? Since I only paid $2800 for the car, ill probably leave well enough alone if the cost is excessive. Thanks for the info.

Mike

 

I have a '95 Outback AWD, same thing as the 95 Legacy, just with a few options (4 wheel disks, badging). Also an Automatic tranny. FYI, I've had no problems like this. The car will ONLY spin if I'm sitting, all wheels, on a solid sheet of ice. I've never, ever had it spin the front wheels (or any wheels) in the rain. But the owner's manual does state that the tranny acts like a front-wheel drive unless it senses slipage and it then transfers power to rear. So it sounds like you may have a problem. But I've never had mine spin in rain. I have had the back-end start to come around a little in the snow and had to let off to correct (we got over 60" last winter). But you're right: either way, you have a pretty good car. But I do love my AWD when driving up a steep, washed out drive in 6" of snow...sorry!

 

Yeah, being in Chicago, AWD isnt really a necessity, but its always nice to have. Compared to what an Accord or Camry would cost for this year, this car is a great, cheap alternative, AWD or not. It looks like ill be buying a 2.5RS in the summer to satisfy my need for AWD, looks, and power thanks to hearing all this talk around here.