Pull fuse = AWD - FWD??

EnderW · 08-30-2001, 08:27 AM

Re: MY02 WRX

A friend of mine who owns an older Suby showed me a fuse that I had overlooked before, in the engine compartment's fuse block, which is labelled FWD.

Supposedly, pulling the fuse defeats the AWD system.

Can anyone here verify this, and has anyone tried it?

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RiftsWRX · 08-30-2001, 09:06 AM

Yes.. such a thing existed... no I haven't looked in my car personally..

Pop your hood... let us know.

Jorge (RiftsWRX)
www.ProjectWRX.com

EnderW · 08-30-2001, 09:09 AM

Actually, I did check my WRX, and the fuse is there. I am going to give it a test this weekend, and see what happens.

RallyImprezive · 08-30-2001, 09:14 AM

If you actually remove the fuse cover, you will see that there the fuse holder is actually empty. Putting a fuse IN puts the car into FWD. No, it will not harm your car in any way at all. I asked SOA and they said it is for test purposes and smog check, and will not damage the tranny or void warranty.

-Andy

ylexot · 08-30-2001, 10:04 AM

And this is for auto trannys ONLY. Manuals don't have the elctronically controlled center diff.

SubyTechMaster · 08-30-2001, 10:07 AM

Not on the WRX! The WRX shares the same Main Fuse Box with a N/A Impreza and thats is why it has the fuse slot marked FWD. If you look real close, the slot is empty on the WRX.

The WRX has a VTD A/T which gives it true AWD and it cannot be put into FWD.

Peaty · 08-31-2001, 09:30 PM

I think you are also supposed to put the fuse in if you have a flat and use the temp spare due to wheel size differences.

DEVO-2nd GEN · 09-04-2001, 04:05 AM

not entirely on the subject

but wasn't there some sort of "mod"(resistor jamming of somesort?) to auto that makes the center locked at 50/50?
anybody got any info on that ? i want to try that

and i'm mechanically/electronically impaired so i'd love some instrustions

TimStevens · 09-04-2001, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SubyTechMaster
Not on the WRX! The WRX shares the same Main Fuse Box with a N/A Impreza and thats is why it has the fuse slot marked FWD. If you look real close, the slot is empty on the WRX.

The WRX has a VTD A/T which gives it true AWD and it cannot be put into FWD.

If this is true then the manual is incorrect, as it clearly states that this is possible in there.

-tim

AGscooby · 09-04-2001, 01:46 PM

Has anyone tried inserting a fuse into the fuse slot marked FWD? I have since I recently had a rear flat on my 99 Legacy 4eat. As the manual documented, the fuse holder under the hood near the firewall on the passenger side is empty. Inserting a fuse will disengage AWD... a little FWD indicator comes on by the idiot lights. Not sure how it is with newer models, but I wouldn't imagine Subaru would get rid of this feature as it's for maintenance/emergency purposes.

AG
May the B4 be with you!

TimStevens · 09-04-2001, 01:47 PM

I wonder what kind of damage to the center diff one does on a manual tranny car when using the provided spare tire... hopefully I'll not have to find out!

-tim

Santo Domingo 2.5 RS · 09-04-2001, 02:41 PM

can you use this fuse if you want to put your car on a Dyno??
i have a manual and i think i have seen the empty place in the fuse box.

if it works , it would be really easy to dyno the car..

i have a my/2000 2.5 RS
Can i do this??

TimStevens · 09-04-2001, 02:42 PM

My understanding is that this does not work with manual cars.

-tim

Cjchaps · 09-04-2001, 03:41 PM

If you can damage the car by putting the spare on, why don't they give us a full size spare?

Santo Domingo 2.5 RS · 09-04-2001, 03:50 PM

I own a manuel 2.5 RS and i have the empty space in my fuse box

i just wonder, how many volts is the use that is suppose to go in there??

Jewbaru · 09-04-2001, 03:51 PM

1) In the WRX the VTD adds a true to life viscus coupling center diff AFTER the clutch pack, so yes, it's possible to pop the fuse in and elimintate the AWD.

2) The manual transmission Subaru's are MECHANICAL so you CANNOT convert them to FWD unless you take the transmission apart.

SubyTechMaster · 09-04-2001, 04:05 PM

There seems to be some confusion about VTD. Subaru Manual Transmissions use a Viscous Couple in the center diff., the A/T w/VTD uses a planetary gear set combined with a hydraulic clutch pack in the tail housing.

AGscooby · 09-04-2001, 04:32 PM

Has it been determined that this can be done in a manual transmission?

BTW, I got away with a 7amp fuse. Didn't see anything that listed a specific fuse rating, but it didn't pop.

AG
May the B4 be with you!

SubyTechMaster · 09-04-2001, 04:48 PM

No, there is no electrical method of making a M/T FWD only, and there is no electrical method of making an A/T w/VTD (WRX) FWD only.

If someone can be specific about where this is described in writing please inform us. I suspect if it is in a manual it is referring to an Impreza with a conventional (non VTD) 4EAT.

Legacy GTR · 09-04-2001, 07:17 PM

I heard that your not supposed to go over 50MPH or so if running FWD. Is this true?
Also, If you can go whatever speed you want, would this improve 1/4 mile times, or have any kind of performance benifit (other then loss of traction in turns)
Mike

Santo Domingo 2.5 RS · 09-05-2001, 01:03 AM

If i have a manual transmision on a 2.5 RS my/2000 sedan, and i can clearly see in the fuse box somewhere it is say FWD, but the space where the fuse is suppose to go in, is empty. So what is that empty space for?? what will my car do if i get a fue in there?

AWDTurboNut · 09-05-2001, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SubyTechMaster
There seems to be some confusion about VTD. Subaru Manual Transmissions use a Viscous Couple in the center diff., the A/T w/VTD uses a planetary gear set combined with a hydraulic clutch pack in the tail housing.

So can you answer this: Is the torque split something that could be electronically variable by the driver (with some modifications of course) on the VTD equipped cars?

I like the already rear biased torque, but would like a little more for dry weather, and less for more slippery conditions.

I realize that any intervention would likely disable the effectiveness of the VTD, but for racing purposes, a touch more consistant rear bias might be nice.

SubyTechMaster · 09-05-2001, 09:29 AM

On a M/T vehicle, the fuse slot is there (but empty) because the same fuse box is used in the A/T vehicles.

As for the variable torque split, it is 55/45 and the TCU can vary it as far as 50/50. If the TCU can vary it I don't see why you couldn't bypass it, but the mechanical nature of the design won't allow more than 50% to the rear.

AWDTurboNut · 09-05-2001, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SubyTechMaster
[BAs for the variable torque split, it is 55/45 and the TCU can vary it as far as 50/50. If the TCU can vary it I don't see why you couldn't bypass it, but the mechanical nature of the design won't allow more than 50% to the rear. [/b]

Fairly certain that it's already 55% rear bias. So I'm guessing you mean no more than 50% front?

If that's the case, I don't consider that a problem. I've found a solid 50/50 split to be pretty well optimal on snow and ice anyway.

SubyTechMaster · 09-05-2001, 01:47 PM

You are correct, a VTD provides 55% rear, 45% front under normal operation. However, in the previous post, it was said -

"I like the already rear biased torque, but would like a little more for dry weather, and less for more slippery conditions"

I understood this to mean you were wondering if more torque could be sent to the rear in dry conditions. The answer is, not without changing the planetary ratio. I realize the way I said it was not clear. Mea culpa.

08-30-2001, 08:27 AM	#1
EnderW Scooby Newbie Member#: 7858 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Lafayette, IN Vehicle: 2002 WRX Silver	Pull fuse = AWD - FWD?? Re: MY02 WRX A friend of mine who owns an older Suby showed me a fuse that I had overlooked before, in the engine compartment's fuse block, which is labelled FWD. Supposedly, pulling the fuse defeats the AWD system. Can anyone here verify this, and has anyone tried it? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

09-04-2001, 04:32 PM	#18
AGscooby Scooby Specialist Member#: 4242 Join Date: Feb 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Aurora, IL Vehicle: 1999 BD SUS GRN/GLD gimme Legacy TPH wagon!	So... Has it been determined that this can be done in a manual transmission? BTW, I got away with a 7amp fuse. Didn't see anything that listed a specific fuse rating, but it didn't pop. AG May the B4 be with you!

09-04-2001, 07:17 PM	#20
Legacy GTR Scooby Specialist Member#: 9316 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ Vehicle: 1997 Legacy GT [email protected]	FWD I heard that your not supposed to go over 50MPH or so if running FWD. Is this true? Also, If you can go whatever speed you want, would this improve 1/4 mile times, or have any kind of performance benifit (other then loss of traction in turns) Mike

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08-30-2001, 09:06 AM	#2
RiftsWRX Scooby Guru Member#: 6124 Join Date: Apr 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Glendale Hts, IL, USA Vehicle: 2000 NFR AP1 S2000 '07 Honda FIT sport (5MT)	Yes.. such a thing existed... no I haven't looked in my car personally.. Pop your hood... let us know. Jorge (RiftsWRX) www.ProjectWRX.com

08-30-2001, 09:09 AM	#3
EnderW Scooby Newbie Member#: 7858 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Lafayette, IN Vehicle: 2002 WRX Silver	Actually, I did check my WRX, and the fuse is there. I am going to give it a test this weekend, and see what happens.

08-30-2001, 09:14 AM	#4
RallyImprezive Scooby Specialist Member#: 5476 Join Date: Apr 2001 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Castle Rock, Colorado Vehicle: 2007 WRX UGM 2003 Fozzy DD	If you actually remove the fuse cover, you will see that there the fuse holder is actually empty. Putting a fuse IN puts the car into FWD. No, it will not harm your car in any way at all. I asked SOA and they said it is for test purposes and smog check, and will not damage the tranny or void warranty. -Andy

08-30-2001, 10:04 AM	#5
ylexot Scooby Specialist Member#: 6878 Join Date: May 2001 Location: St Inigoes, MD, USA Vehicle: 2002 MBP 2.5RS 1994 GMC Sonoma	And this is for auto trannys ONLY. Manuals don't have the elctronically controlled center diff.

08-30-2001, 10:07 AM	#6
SubyTechMaster Scooby Specialist Member#: 4423 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Placerville, CA USA Vehicle: '04 08 Tribeca, SVX Gold, Maroon	Not on the WRX! The WRX shares the same Main Fuse Box with a N/A Impreza and thats is why it has the fuse slot marked FWD. If you look real close, the slot is empty on the WRX. The WRX has a VTD A/T which gives it true AWD and it cannot be put into FWD.

08-31-2001, 09:30 PM	#7
Peaty Techno Sapien Moderator Member#: 449 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Lawrence, KS Vehicle: 2019 Impreza Sport Lithium Red	I think you are also supposed to put the fuse in if you have a flat and use the temp spare due to wheel size differences.

09-04-2001, 04:05 AM	#8
DEVO-2nd GEN Scooby Newbie Member#: 3869 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Surrey, BC, Canada Vehicle: 00	not entirely on the subject but wasn't there some sort of "mod"(resistor jamming of somesort?) to auto that makes the center locked at 50/50? anybody got any info on that ? i want to try that and i'm mechanically/electronically impaired so i'd love some instrustions

09-04-2001, 01:46 PM	#10
AGscooby Scooby Specialist Member#: 4242 Join Date: Feb 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Aurora, IL Vehicle: 1999 BD SUS GRN/GLD gimme Legacy TPH wagon!	Has anyone tried inserting a fuse into the fuse slot marked FWD? I have since I recently had a rear flat on my 99 Legacy 4eat. As the manual documented, the fuse holder under the hood near the firewall on the passenger side is empty. Inserting a fuse will disengage AWD... a little FWD indicator comes on by the idiot lights. Not sure how it is with newer models, but I wouldn't imagine Subaru would get rid of this feature as it's for maintenance/emergency purposes. AG May the B4 be with you!

09-04-2001, 01:47 PM	#11
TimStevens Scooby Specialist Member#: 4817 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Albanyish, NY	I wonder what kind of damage to the center diff one does on a manual tranny car when using the provided spare tire... hopefully I'll not have to find out! -tim

09-04-2001, 02:41 PM	#12
Santo Domingo 2.5 RS Scooby Specialist Member#: 5354 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Santo Domingo. R.D Vehicle: 2000 Silverthorn Metallic	can you use this fuse if you want to put your car on a Dyno?? i have a manual and i think i have seen the empty place in the fuse box. if it works , it would be really easy to dyno the car.. i have a my/2000 2.5 RS Can i do this??

09-04-2001, 02:42 PM	#13
TimStevens Scooby Specialist Member#: 4817 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Albanyish, NY	My understanding is that this does not work with manual cars. -tim

09-04-2001, 03:41 PM	#14
Cjchaps Scooby Specialist Member#: 3181 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Chicago Burbs Vehicle: 07 Rav4 Silver	If you can damage the car by putting the spare on, why don't they give us a full size spare?

09-04-2001, 03:50 PM	#15
Santo Domingo 2.5 RS Scooby Specialist Member#: 5354 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Santo Domingo. R.D Vehicle: 2000 Silverthorn Metallic	I own a manuel 2.5 RS and i have the empty space in my fuse box i just wonder, how many volts is the use that is suppose to go in there??

09-04-2001, 03:51 PM	#16
Jewbaru Scooby Specialist Member#: 1994 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: South Somewhere Vehicle: 2018 STI WRB	1) In the WRX the VTD adds a true to life viscus coupling center diff AFTER the clutch pack, so yes, it's possible to pop the fuse in and elimintate the AWD. 2) The manual transmission Subaru's are MECHANICAL so you CANNOT convert them to FWD unless you take the transmission apart.

09-04-2001, 04:05 PM	#17
SubyTechMaster Scooby Specialist Member#: 4423 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Placerville, CA USA Vehicle: '04 08 Tribeca, SVX Gold, Maroon	There seems to be some confusion about VTD. Subaru Manual Transmissions use a Viscous Couple in the center diff., the A/T w/VTD uses a planetary gear set combined with a hydraulic clutch pack in the tail housing.

09-04-2001, 04:48 PM	#19
SubyTechMaster Scooby Specialist Member#: 4423 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Placerville, CA USA Vehicle: '04 08 Tribeca, SVX Gold, Maroon	No, there is no electrical method of making a M/T FWD only, and there is no electrical method of making an A/T w/VTD (WRX) FWD only. If someone can be specific about where this is described in writing please inform us. I suspect if it is in a manual it is referring to an Impreza with a conventional (non VTD) 4EAT.

09-05-2001, 01:03 AM	#21
Santo Domingo 2.5 RS Scooby Specialist Member#: 5354 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Santo Domingo. R.D Vehicle: 2000 Silverthorn Metallic	If i have a manual transmision on a 2.5 RS my/2000 sedan, and i can clearly see in the fuse box somewhere it is say FWD, but the space where the fuse is suppose to go in, is empty. So what is that empty space for?? what will my car do if i get a fue in there?

09-05-2001, 09:29 AM	#23
SubyTechMaster Scooby Specialist Member#: 4423 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Placerville, CA USA Vehicle: '04 08 Tribeca, SVX Gold, Maroon	On a M/T vehicle, the fuse slot is there (but empty) because the same fuse box is used in the A/T vehicles. As for the variable torque split, it is 55/45 and the TCU can vary it as far as 50/50. If the TCU can vary it I don't see why you couldn't bypass it, but the mechanical nature of the design won't allow more than 50% to the rear.

09-05-2001, 01:47 PM	#25
SubyTechMaster Scooby Specialist Member#: 4423 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Placerville, CA USA Vehicle: '04 08 Tribeca, SVX Gold, Maroon	You are correct, a VTD provides 55% rear, 45% front under normal operation. However, in the previous post, it was said - "I like the already rear biased torque, but would like a little more for dry weather, and less for more slippery conditions" I understood this to mean you were wondering if more torque could be sent to the rear in dry conditions. The answer is, not without changing the planetary ratio. I realize the way I said it was not clear. Mea culpa.