People on here that have an automatic Subaru, do you run it with the FWD fuse in?

"dogisbadob" (dogisbadob) 01/27/2020 at 18:48 • Filed to: None

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Most older automatic Subarus have a slot for a fuse that turns off the AWD, putting it in FWD mode. Although it’s primarily intended for when the car needs to be towed, or if a donut spare tire is used, some people run it in FWD permanently to get better gas mileage, and/or if there is ever any problem with the rear drivetrain.

Unfortunately, Subaru is too stupid to offer a button to turn off the AWD when not needed, and it’s also very thirsty because the AWD is on all the time. Most modern AWD systems are FWD (or RWD) by default, sending power to the other wheels only when needed.

You can’t do this in a WRX or STI because their systems are a little different. Even though they have the fuse slot, it won’ t do anything. You also can;t do this in a m anual transmission because they have a different AWD that’s not even electronic, but rather all-mechanical, and power is always 50/50 front-to-rear.

But in most other Subarus, you can do the FWD fuse trick. So, does anybody on here do it?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > dogisbadob 01/27/2020 at 19:05

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I only used it when I had a doughnut spare on after a flat tire. I have never heard of someone doing it for a long term test. If you want the AWD optional you would have to go back to the Loyal/GL days when the 4wd was a push button option.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > dogisbadob 01/27/2020 at 19:09

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I did it once with a spare. I didn’t like the Christmas light effects. I’m also uncertain how much wear it puts on the center diff if used for a long period of time. 

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > dogisbadob 01/27/2020 at 19:15

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Well, I own a Honda.  So I’m 100% sure I don’t do it.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > dogisbadob 01/27/2020 at 19:24

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You aren’t supposed to run it in FWD mode for anything more than limping home. It will FUBAR the transmission if you drive like that for a long time which is why they removed the fuse after a couple years.

ClassicDatsunDebate > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 01/27/2020 at 19:29

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i thought Subaru warning lights were always on anyway... 

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > dogisbadob 01/27/2020 at 20:03

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I wonder if this can be done in my dad’s ‘13 CR-V. It apparently has AWD and though I doubt it’s on all the time (indicator light is mostly off and Subaru is known for full time AWD unlike the CR-V ) I’d like to see if this helps with MPG. Right now it’s getting a pathetic 21 MPG despite driving habit changes, once it hits 60k this week I’m probably gonna do a tune up and see what it does for it too.

dogisbadob > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute 01/27/2020 at 20:10

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If you can, there should be a dash button to turn off the AWD. If not, you probably can’t. Some cars don’t let you disable the AWD at all. The fuse method is unique to Subaru.

The 2013 CR-V’s AWD system is essentially a joke anyway. You may have seen this video:

Every other AWD in its class was able to get off the rollers with no problem. They feature an Escape at the end for reference.

There are good AWD systems that are less thirsty than Subaru yet more effective than Honda

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > dogisbadob 01/27/2020 at 20:18

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Ah alright lol. Yeah I’ve only felt it “kick in” when trying to get up the muddy hill my house is on with some rocks for the backyard (long story short— got stuck and muddy) but otherwise yeah I haven’t felt it. Looks like our CR-Vs g as mileage is just ass then 

GoodIdeaAtTheTime > dogisbadob 01/27/2020 at 22:43

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When I bought my old Subaru coupe I swapped it to a manual as soon as I could. More fun that way.

dogisbadob > GoodIdeaAtTheTime 01/27/2020 at 22:51

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cool

Vyoman > dogisbadob 01/28/2020 at 04:13

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I have a 201 0 manual outback. I dont see this option.

dogisbadob > Vyoman 01/28/2020 at 10:15

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The manuals never had it, only the automatics

Zak > dogisbadob 01/28/2020 at 11:00

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“ Subaru is too stupid?” Wow, Lol

For my commute, my 2019 Crosstrek Limited gets 31-33mpg. That’s 70% of my miles.  When doing start/stop driving, I get around 28mpg. It’s not an EV, so it’s great enough for its kind.

dogisbadob > Zak 01/28/2020 at 11:31

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Only the past few years could they finally get 30 mpg

Anything older than 2000-teens you’re stuck with gas mileage in the teens. The only exception was the old Justy, which used an I3, a CVT, and, get this, an AWD you could turn off (and Subaru still sold FWD cars here, too)

Subaru tries to portray themselves as outdoorsy and environmentally-friendly, but they are some of the worst pigs! And Subaru doesn’t offer any hybrids (the Crosstrek hybrid was axed last year). One thing they could do is make the gas engine power the front wheels and an electric motor power the rear, as some new hybrids do now. They have access to Toyota’s hybrid expertise.

Why can’t they offer a button to turn the AWD on/off? They used to let you do this until the mid 90s.

And they should program the AWD so that it is FWD by default, powering the rear wheels only as necessary

cmill189 - sans Volvo > Vyoman 01/28/2020 at 11:40

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Manuals that weren't a STi are locked 50/50 mechanically. 

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > dogisbadob 01/28/2020 at 11:55

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My understanding is that they have a reputation for being environmentally friendly not because their fuel consumption is so low, but because emissions are historically low on their vehicles. They have been offering SULEV and PZEV vehicles nationwide (IE, not just in CARB states) longer than most other manufacturers I believe.

That said, it would be really cool if they would give vehicles the capability of switching to FWD.