The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Recently bought an 85 l series wagon and can't figure out if the 4wd is working or not. When I press the button on top of the gear stick, nothing happens. Thought at least a light on the dash would come on or is their none? I took it off-road and got bogged pretty quickly and that's when I found out only the front wheels were turning.
Someone please help! The only reason I bought it was too go offroading

Hey,
Welcome!
Don't think I can help here too much but...
Im guessing it's an auto?
Where this button connects to... Check for wires.
If you can trace them you might find something.
As this would be an electrical 4wd select as apposed to a mechanical 4wd select.
Please, pics and details of your l series.
I would assume we can expect mods?
Btw where is ottoway? I should know but don't.

Cheers Cam

Thanks for reply
Not auto, manual with a 4wd button on top of the gearstick
Will have a Suss at the wiring tomorrow, hopefully its as simple as a disconnected plug/wire.
Ottoway is down Port Adelaide area

i haven't heard of the l series having the 4x4 select button on the gear shifter

The switch on the gearstick is for the vacuum actuator solenoid that selects the 4WD option in the later models of the L series. (or is it for the touring wagon?) "L" series enthusiasts to confirm please

I would be checking the vacuum lines on your motor as well as the ones going to the gearbox.

if you don't have a service manual as a guide they can be found here

TOONGA

Yep, sounds like it's not engaging 4WD I would check to see if the solenoid (the one for the vacuum module on the sid of the g/box) is working when you press the button. If you have a spare person, turn the ignition on (so the dash lights up) and then put your ear near the solenoid valve (from memory it's up on the LHF strut tower) and get your friend to continuously press the button in and out.

If not noise from valve, then check for power with a multimeter.

If you get noises then check the vacuum lines are not cracked or disconnected.

There should be 4WD lights appear on the dash when it's engaged.

Thanks so much
Turns out it was an unplugged vacuum hose. Such a simple fix was doing my head in, thanks again.
Now time for a lift kit and some chunky rubber

will123 wrote: Now time for a lift kit and some chunky rubber

thats what we like to hear

will123 wrote:Now time for a lift kit and some chunky rubber

And a dual range gearbox It'll bolt straight in, you will need the dual range gear selector setup as well plus the console to match/make it look pretty.

If you ever do this let me know, I'll be keen to purchase the push button gear selector from you if you ever part with it!

Enjoy! I can see another L series mod thread coming on

Welcome to the forum!

Cheers

Bennie

[quote="El_Freddo"]If you ever do this let me know, I'll be keen to purchase the push button gear selector from you if you ever part with it!/QUOTE]

I'm thinking you are going to do the same as me

I have a blue one if you like?

RSR 555 wrote:

El_Freddo wrote:If you ever do this let me know, I'll be keen to purchase the push button gear selector from you if you ever part with it!

I'm thinking you are going to do the same as me

I have a blue one if you like?

Yeah I am and yeah I would. I'll PM later when talking other things with you - saves on inbox space

Cheers

Bennie