Hidy ho! am new to this so i hope someone can help
I've got a 90 legacy awd wagon, nonturbo, 4 spd auto. At times the rearend seems to lock up like I'm in 4wd and it is very hard to turn. if i shut the car down and re-start it, it will free up, sometimes (it can take several tries). the power light will blink, which according to the manual means trouble is afoot. This is actually my second wagon, i bought another wagon for parts and it did the same thing. any fixes? or is Herbie (computer) taking a crap? The old girl just turned 212,000 and is my second subie. The first was a 88 5spd 4wd Justy. Thanks!

 

hard to turn like hard to turn the steering wheel or normal steering wheel pressure and the car just don't want to turn?

 

I just re-read my question and i realize i didn't explain very well. when in reverse, while making a tight turn (i deliever newspapers so i do that alot) the rear end feels almost like it's locked up. Kinda like an old Dodge 3/4 ton full size full time 4x4 on dry pavement. Had one of those too. I can feel the back wheels scrubbing like they cant spin at the different speeds they need to. When i shut the car off, it will coast forward slightly, like pressure has been taken off. If the planets are lined up and I've been living good, the old girl will run and turn fine, if not, I have to do the same thing over again. they she'll run like the great little car it is.
thanks!

 

check and change the rear diff oil. see if that helps.

 

been there done that, no help