Outback C.Diff lock

[buttwrx]

After reading up on this mod from others helpful links, I have successfully completed the install on a '99 Outback 2.5 auto. A few things differ on my model outback, so i thought i should share my experience.

TCU location: found under the drivers side dash, just left of the steering column, with three wiring plugs (white plug removed).

Wire selection: with help from https://www.subaru-car.ru/leg1/leg1_sec1_11-1.pdf
we determined that our transfer duty solenoid was connector B54 terminal 6 which on our outback was a yellow wire (shown in the centre of the plug which is turned upside down for the photo). Double checking with a voltmeter (when adding removing the FWD fuse from the fusebox) confirmed this.

Finding the correct switch (SPDT on/on) was a challenge. we settled with a Britax (https://www.britaxae.com.au/products.php?categoryname=Rocker&subcategoryid=54&page=5)

This allowed us to mount the switch up beside the fog lights and cruise switches. Some filing was required for fitment.

Resistors, heat sinks and thermal conductive tape were sourced from our local Jaycar with the end result :

Resistor location was found under the dash with a near by bolt/nut used as an earth:

End result:

 

[Kevin]

Nice job - thanks for sharing!

 

[Barry]

... with help from https://www.subaru-car.ru/leg1/leg1_sec1_11-1.pdf
...

How / where did you find this link? (The 'root' of the address comes up in Russian[?] when I try to trace it back.)
Do you know if they also have the service manuals for the later (04-09) Outbacks?

 

[buttwrx]

Hi Barry
I used google translator and it works fine on that website. They list a manual for 04 Legacy models, not sure if that is gen 4 though. Hope this helps.

 

[Barry]

Thanks, worked out the translation thing, but no 05. Can't seem to find free 05 service manuals on line. Maybe when the last of the 09 models are out of warranty the manual will finally be 'released'.

 

[mr turbo]

Top write up buttwrx Well done.

Regards
Mr Turbo

 

[Kevin]

Can't seem to find free 05 service manuals on line. Maybe when the last of the 09 models are out of warranty the manual will finally be 'released'.

See if you can buy one from Subaru - my Foz workshop manual on CD was A$90 - well worthwhile.

 

[HairySheep]

very nice writeup!

i did this on my Legacy about 2 years ago, but i didnt use a resistor. if i remember right the resistors are there to maintain a certain amount of slip so you can drive on the road with the clutches engage?

 

[buttwrx]

Resistors were used in this setup to fool the TCU into thinking it still had control of the centre diff. The switch uses one position for normal setup/control that gives between 10% and 50% drive to the rears, the other position diverts current through the resistors and we have 50:50 (or thereabouts) drive front to rear.