Jump to content
Ultimate Subaru Message Board

Loyale 4WD won't engage


Recommended Posts

I'm new to forum; this my first post.

I have a 1994 Loyale, I have 160K km on car.

 

PROBLEM: 4WD does not now activate:

Though rarely needed, I'd engage 4WD from time to time both to test and activate its parts. I just tried it multiple times and there is no indication on dash, and no mechanical sound, so it leads me to think there is no power.

Fuse panel shows one fuse as "Back turn (4WD-AT)" and the fuse is good.

Any suggestions?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Welcome!

if you're Not Sure if 4WD isn't Working, you can do some tests. in example: Try to Accelerate in a Muddy / Snowy \ loose Terrain while someone else Looks at the Tires for Spin.

 

The vacuum accumulator bottle, under the windshield, behind the passenger's strut tower (on LHD Models) at the Engine Bay, provides vacuum for the A/C Buttons on the Dashboard, plus for the 4WD engagement on the Push-Button transmission models, check the vacuum lines around it.

Kind Regards.

►Edited to fix the Yellow Text.

Edited by Loyale 2.7 Turbo
Link to comment
Share on other sites

vacuum solenoid operation with a dual post dual throw switch on the shifter.

 

there is a bank of solenoids on the driver firewall. one is on and one is off, alternately to allow vacuum to pull one way or the other on the 4wd mechanism.

 

if your heater fan is only blowing out of the dash vents, then look for a loose vac hose between the canister and the passenger intake, as that hose is easy to knock loose and miss. If so, that is your problem.

 

You can manually manipulate the 4wd diaphragm linkages to get into 4wd.

 

if the solenoids are not working, you can swap the vac hoses to engage or disengage the 4wd, provided the vacuum system is intact.

 

if you need to replae the solanoids, you can grab one from any other soob with a pushbutton 5spd (gl, gl-10, loyale, dl), or locking diffl(xt, rx)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A new Vacuum solenoid from the dealer is only $50. I bought a new one some time back due to the Diaphragm failing and allowing ATF to enter the intake.

 

Seeing as you're in Canada or Australia, I dunno how close your local deal is?

Edited by TheLoyale
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 8 months later...

I just had this same problem. I went to Jiffy Lube to get my oil changed before a road trip. When I got to my destination my 4wd would not work. I did notice on the way that the heater was only blowing out the vents. I figure that when they were taking the air filter out to check it that they knocked the hose loose.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When you replaced the clutch cable, you pulled the vacuum line apart where it comes into the cab, in the upper corner of the dash, above the clutch pedal.

 

Look around up there for a black, skinny hard vacline, and a rubber line to connect it to.

 

Your dash vents will start switching again too.;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

Your statement of ONLY the dash vents operating is a great lead. Looked at intake manifold vacuum line leading to vac. Canister and sure enough even though the line was connected, I tugged on it ever so lightly and it fell off. Secured that line and now my 4 wd is operating and so is my defrost vent.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I ended up just drilling a hole in the trans tunnel and installing my own 4WD manual switch made from an old towel rack steel bar.   No more fiddling w/ canisters and cables. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I ended up just drilling a hole in the trans tunnel and installing my own 4WD manual switch made from an old towel rack steel bar.   No more fiddling w/ canisters and cables. 

 

Yeah...now you just deal with road noise, dust, and water/mud comin up through the hole in the floor.

 

Canister and cables work just fine and are pretty damn simple.....

 

I guess some people just fix everything with a big stick.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...