I'm unhappy with Subaru AWD

[mckeand13]

AWD, in the most simple of terms, means All Wheel Drive.

Apparently Subaru doesn't quite understand this, so they give us cars that are front wheel drive until "we think you really need all wheel drive".

I can't stand the way my '01 OB wagon spins the front tires first, likely pushing in turns, and then fiercely engages the rear wheels. It's not smooth and results in very questionable traction during the winter. It works great in a straight line, but I am always left wondering if I'll make it through the turn.

What's the story? Have they changed over the years at all and gotten any better with their AWD logic?

It hasn't bothered me a lot until recently when we've had snow for a long period. Questioning if Subaru is in my future or not.

Other than driving really slow like an old person, anybody have any suggestions?

Edit: I forgot my example.

It's slippery with ice covering everything and fresh snow covering the ice. I park on a slightly uphill, slightly banked to the right surface. Upon trying to leave, the front wheels spin a bit and start sliding the front end of my car down to the right. Towards a fence that's not all too far away. I probably shouldn't have parked there, but real ALL WHEEL DRIVE should have allowed me to pull right out of there. No, I had to be concerned about sliding and babying the throttle so I didn't damage anything.

[fnlyfnd]

It shouldn't fiercely engage the rear wheels. The rear wheel are always receiving some power, just more when you spin the front. Try changing you auto fluid and the rear diff. The new auto fluid will give you the biggest improvement.


Manual subies are 50/50 split of power front to rear
VTD autos are 45/55 with up to 50/50
The basic 4eat is 90/10 with up to 50/50

VDC is more complicated

[paintballplr199]

so how many times have you gotten stuck?

[mckeand13]

Originally posted by fnlyfnd
It shouldn't fiercely engage the rear wheels. Try changing you auto fluid and the rear diff. The new auto fluid will give you the biggest improvement.

It does engage pretty fiercely with a loud thump. Dealer any many other people have noted that this is "normal" with a Subie.

ATF and diff fluids were changed to Mobil1 synthetic about 5,000 miles ago. No difference. I wasn't looking for a change in this aspect by changing the fluid though, just regular maintenance.

[mckeand13]

Originally posted by paintballplr199
so how many times have you gotten stuck?

Stuck, none.

Almost in the snowbank, lots. Of course letting off the gas brings me back on course at some point.

[Tadashisan]

Originally posted by fnlyfnd
It shouldn't fiercely engage the rear wheels. The rear wheel are always receiving some power, just more when you spin the front. Try changing you auto fluid and the rear diff. The new auto fluid will give you the biggest improvement.


Manual subies are 50/50 split of power front to rear
VTD autos are 45/55 with up to 50/50
The basic 4eat is 90/10 with up to 50/50

VDC is more complicated

excuse my naiveness, but what exactly is VTD auto and basic 4eat?

[fnlyfnd]

The 4eat is the regular 4spd automatic transmission that comes with the n/a 2.5L

VTD (variable torque distribution) All Wheel Drive system transfers powers front to back. Usually 45/55 front to back split but that varies according to wheel slippage. This only comes with the 5spd auto (5eat) or in conjunction with 4eat VDC - VDC: (variable dynamics control) full time traction control that senses vehicle direction and uses brakes, throttle and engine management to control and maintain stabilty and driver control. These are found on H6 or XT models.

[fchava]

this is my first year with my 2000 a/t OB and I am very pleased. My Toyos only have 50% tread and I have gone around stuck Jeeps, front wheel cars with chains and four wheel drive full size trucks. Do you have an a/t? if so, are you starting out in drive?

[porcupine73]

Hi mckeand13. I have noticed similar behavior in my '00obw. I haven't heard the thump though, however Subaru says the bang/thump is the AWD transfer clutch bein engaged quickly.

Some of these ~'00 (the early phase II 4EAT) had updated TCU's available to address some of these issues, though I'm sure they're not cheap!

[superu]

but real ALL WHEEL DRIVE should have allowed me to pull right out of there.

When you tried to pull out and got wheel spin, did you keep one foot on the brake and ease into the gas? This is one of the easiest ways to "manage" the shortcomings of AWD.

Also, you don't mention what you are running for tires, the treadwear left on them or the air pressure. All significant factors in how you Subie will maintain grip in conditions you described.

You can also try starting out in low when parked in the area you mentioned.