Rear wheels not engaging??

89 WagoVan89 WagoVan Band Wagon
in Engine & Drivetrain
Got our first snow and just found out my RT4WD is now front wheel drive.....:frown:
No new noises or anything, just won't seem to engage rear diff.
What should I look at first?

Comments

  • CharbCharb Administrator
    Viscous coupler.

    Get underneath and check it out. The ones that are really shot tend to be noticeable.

    Where are you located? Do an intro thread and say hi... you'll get a lot more attention with tech after :)
  • 89 WagoVan89 WagoVan Band Wagon
    Charb wrote: »
    Viscous coupler.

    Get underneath and check it out. The ones that are really shot tend to be noticeable.

    Where are you located? Do an intro thread and say hi... you'll get a lot more attention with tech after :)

    Ok, I thought I did back when I signed up. Thanks!:encouragement:
  • MrWhoopeeMrWhoopee Wagonist
    It happened to me a few years ago. Assuming the rear wheel drive lever is engaged, it's most likely the viscous coupler. They eventually fail on their own, but running mis-matched tires (different diameter/level of wear/brand) will cause failure. Raise all four wheels off the ground, start the engine, put the car in gear at idle, let out the clutch and then pull the e-brake. If the engine doesn't die, the VC is bad. Time for a rebuild.
  • 89 WagoVan89 WagoVan Band Wagon
    Found this...maybe a member here? Lots of info.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feD4D1quS0k
  • HaydzHaydz Moderator
    http://www.civicwagon.com/showthread.php?7979-Viscous-Coupler-info

    the head wrote:
    Sorry, my camera would not take clear pics of the FSM. Hope this helps..
    1991 HCW FSM, 16-19 wrote:
    Viscous Coupling Stall Test

    1. Raise the car off the ground and place safety stands under the side sill reinforcement sections.
    2. Start the engine.
    3. Keep the engine speed at idle.
    4. Shift into low gear and gradually release the clutch
    5. Apply the parking brake firmly.

    Viscous coupling is OK if the engine stalls
    Viscous coupling is faulty if the engine continues running
    1991 HCW FSM, 16-20 wrote:
    Viscous Coupling Precaution

    The Viscous coupling unit contains no serviceable or replaceable parts. If it is found to be faulty (fails the stall test or shows signs of leakage), it must be replaced as a unit.

    Do not remove the TORX bolts from the viscous coupling unit.
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