How do I turn on my Subaru all-wheel drive?
Subaru vehicles are known for their reliable all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, which provide enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. If you own a Subaru, you can easily activate the AWD system to take advantage of its capabilities. This article will guide you through the steps to turn on your Subaru's all-wheel drive.
Identifying Your Subaru's AWD System
Subaru offers different types of AWD systems, and the steps to activate them may vary slightly. The most common AWD systems found in Subaru vehicles are:
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD): This is Subaru's standard AWD system, which is available on most Subaru models.
- Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE): This system allows you to choose between different driving modes, including an AWD mode.
- X-MODE: This advanced AWD system is found on some Subaru models, such as the Outback and Ascent, and provides enhanced off-road capabilities.
Consult your Subaru's owner's manual or contact your local Subaru dealer to determine the specific AWD system in your vehicle.
Activating the AWD System
The steps to turn on your Subaru's all-wheel drive will depend on the specific AWD system in your vehicle. Here are the general steps for the most common Subaru AWD systems:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
- Your Subaru's SAWD system is automatically engaged whenever you start the vehicle.
- No additional steps are required to activate the AWD system.
The SAWD system will continuously monitor the driving conditions and distribute power to all four wheels as needed, providing optimal traction and stability.
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE)
- Locate the SI-DRIVE button or switch in your Subaru's cabin, usually on the center console or steering wheel.
- Press or toggle the SI-DRIVE button to select the "Intelligent" or "Sport" mode, which will activate the AWD system.
The SI-DRIVE system allows you to choose between different driving modes, each with its own AWD and performance characteristics.
X-MODE
- Locate the X-MODE button or switch in your Subaru's cabin, usually on the center console.
- Press the X-MODE button to activate the advanced AWD system, which provides enhanced off-road capabilities.
The X-MODE system optimizes the AWD, engine, and braking systems for improved traction and control in challenging driving conditions, such as snow, mud, or steep inclines.
Remember to consult your Subaru's owner's manual for the specific instructions on activating the AWD system in your vehicle. Proper use of the AWD system can help you navigate various road conditions with confidence and safety.
How do I turn my AWD on?
All-wheel drive is not intended to be engaged manually; as such, there is typically no need (or ability) to manually engage one's all-wheel drive system. Some vehicles do include an “AWD Lock” button. This button will lock the system into 50/50 distribution of power between the front and rear wheels.
Is all-wheel drive automatic on Subaru?
Through rain, ice, or snow, AWD works automatically and nonstop to provide ultimate traction and stability without requiring additional action by the driver. This allows drivers to better focus on the immediate road conditions, while their car automatically adjusts to help maintain safety.
How to check if a Subaru AWD is working?
A good way to check to see if your AWD is working would be to have somebody watching all 4 of your wheels while you try to accelerate... if they all spin (while the vehicle is not really moving forward), then yes, the AWD is working. I know that sounds sort of simplistic, but...
How does Subaru's AWD work?
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive sends power to all wheels simultaneously for maximum traction and acceleration. In wet and slippery conditions, that power instinctively flows to the wheels with the best traction. The balanced design of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive helps add control through uniform stability.
Is Subaru AWD always on?
The Symmetrical Subaru AWD system is considered full-time AWD, meaning that it is always on and consistently delivering variable power based on sensor detection.
Do you have to activate AWD?
You don't have to do anything for the best traction and fuel economy during normal driving. There is a Lock mode that you can switch to in the event you need more torque to the rear wheels, such as if the vehicle is stuck on ice or snow.
Does AWD turn on automatically?
Most AWD systems are always “on” but don't kick in unless their is “slippage” detected. So, it's always there, but the power is routed when it is needed.
How to activate all wheel drive on a Subaru?
Pressing the X-Mode switch activates 5 different forms of control to limit slipping tires:
- Engine Throttle.
- Transmission.
- All Wheel Drive.
- Vehicle Dynamics Control System.
- Hill Descent Control.
Is there a button for AWD?
The AWD lock, meaning the “all-wheel drive lock”, is a button available in some vehicles with an AWD system. It can be toggled on and off to activate or deactivate all-wheel drive. Activating the AWD lock means that power will be evenly split amongst all four wheels of your vehicle.
Can you use AWD all the time?
How All-Wheel Drive Works. AWD is optimized for on-road use. It can send the engine's power to all four tires all of the time. Due to this, AWD helps keep your vehicle moving forward better than front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive on snow-covered or rain-slicked roads.
