james said:
The 4WD drive switch on my 5spd manual quit actuating the 4WD. I put
Hi,
I don't know if this will help, cuz mine's a '90, but I'm gonna take a
stab at it that the cars are at least similar.
On mine, the 4wd is activated via a cable that goes toward the rear
(right side, IIRC) of the xfer case part of the gearbox, and is
connected to a vacuum accumulator (like that on your power brakes, but
smaller) that's bolted on toward the front of the gearbox on the left.
In one of my books (same 2 as yours, H & C) there's a procedure for
adjusting the cable, though I haven't found that to be necessary yet.
The vacuum for the accumulator comes from a hose that goes kinda up and
over the gearbox/bellhousing area toward a rather small vacuum
accumulator mounted at the firewall on the right (passenger side-US
model.) That's supplied by a vacuum line that comes from the intake
area. I don't remember exactly where it's hooked up, but on my car it's
just "right out there" where it's easy to see.
But that's problematic, cuz it's also easy to bump and knock off a
connector, especially the one in the middle of the line. My 4wd has quit
several times, and each time it was the result of doing something under
the hood where I'd bumped that line and disconnected it unknowingly. I
know immediately when I've done that cuz I hit the switch and don't hear
the slight "phhhfffft" sound of the vacuum actuator and the faint
"clunk" as the xfer case engages. I make it a habit now to engage the
4wd to test it after each session under the hood.
There are also a couple of electrical connectors that lie right atop the
gearbox--take out the spare and they're just about directly under it. I
don't recall exactly what they do, but they're subject to getting dust
and possibly moisture inside, so it might be wise to unplug them, clean
them with contact cleaner, perhaps put a little dielectric grease inside
to help protect against corrosion (suggested in a Subaru TSB about 10
years or so ago) and reconnect them making sure they snap together
tightly.
Anyway, you might find stuff easier by going backwards: start under the
car at the back end of the gearbox, find the cable and vacuum lines and
trace things forward. While you're doing that, you might plan on getting
some new vacuum hose (ISTR a couple of sizes on mine--it's easiest to
just take samples to the parts store) and replacing things as you go
along--your car's old enough you may have developed a split or leaking
line just from age.
HTH, and best of luck!
Rick
