Joined
·
20,546 Posts
The same question is asked here regularly.
Some people have responded that they've driven for extended periods in FWD with no apparent impact, while others believe it should not be used continuously -- it's only for short-term movement of the car when, for example, using a temporary spare. I don't recall anyone actually reporting damage due to extended use but, then again, problems with the AWD transfer system might not show up until it's needed, and it doesn't work.
I presume that when the FWD fuse is inserted, the torque bind symptoms disappear. That would suggest the actual transfer clutch plates are not mechanically binding, and the problem is more likely the AWD transfer solenoid/transfer valve. These are in the tail section of the transmission (also encloses the transfer clutch), not in the valve body on the bottom where the other solenoids are located. Was the transfer solenoid replaced?
Some people have responded that they've driven for extended periods in FWD with no apparent impact, while others believe it should not be used continuously -- it's only for short-term movement of the car when, for example, using a temporary spare. I don't recall anyone actually reporting damage due to extended use but, then again, problems with the AWD transfer system might not show up until it's needed, and it doesn't work.
I presume that when the FWD fuse is inserted, the torque bind symptoms disappear. That would suggest the actual transfer clutch plates are not mechanically binding, and the problem is more likely the AWD transfer solenoid/transfer valve. These are in the tail section of the transmission (also encloses the transfer clutch), not in the valve body on the bottom where the other solenoids are located. Was the transfer solenoid replaced?