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need help :)
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 10:59 pm
by 69terra69
hey guys i just brought a 1992 subaru liberty gx and i want to know what that switch behind the hand brake does ??
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 11:18 pm
by Dann
Press it and see :P
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 11:55 pm
by RSR 555
Hi and Welcome to AUSubaru
Well I could be funning and say the switch turns on the handbrake light but I'm guessing you're referring to the one on the console (not the one connected to the handbrake lever lol).. if so I'm thinking your car must be an automatic and the switch is the "Hold" switch which makes the auto hold 2nd gear once you come to a stop.. thus allowing you to take off (in wet weather) without spinning the wheels.
A picture of the offending item would help us diagnose your dilemma

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 10:00 am
by 69terra69
hey mate thanks for the help yes thats the switch it says manual on the switch and its an auto
Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 10:33 am
by RSR 555
Cool.. I'm not 100% sure but I'm sure it does what I mentioned and holds 2nd gear for slippery conditions (snow and the like) I think it also is used when you are towing.. it allows the automatic to hold gear changes for longer (higher revs) to keep the engine from bogging down under heavy load.
Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 12:16 pm
by TOONGA
there are 2 switches in the GX auto AWD one on the transmission shifter and the other either next to or behind the hand brake as far as I have ever been able to work out both control the economy / power mode of the transmission / engine so if you have it in power mode you use more fuel if you have it in economy mode it runs as normal
hope this makes sense
TOONGA
Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 2:20 pm
by 69terra69
cool as guys thanks for the help and quick replys