4wd switch mod for 4eat forester

[Kyle]

Thanks so much Kevin. Just to make sure I am clear on what I am looking at haha. For the turbo model it appears to me applying power to the solenoid. Is that correct?

 

[Ben Up North]

This makes me want an automatic. Oh, that's right! I've got one! I doubt I'll ever swap out the dual range for it though..

 

[Kevin]

For the turbo model it appears to me applying power to the solenoid. Is that correct?

Correct. I used the DPDT setup for my NA.

 

[Kyle]

Correct. I used the DPDT setup for my NA.

Thank you very much Kevin. One last thing. I can just hook 12v directly into it without worrying about killing the solenoid?

 

[Kevin]

As mine is NA and operates differently I cannot vouch for any other setup other than to say if the the circuit diagrams are followed and the correct wires are identified then it should be OK. Before interfering with anything I recommend testing with a multimeter to make sure your TCM / Solenoid operation is functioning as expected.

 

[Kyle]

Thanks Kevin. I will defanently check with a multimeter thanks again for all the help. Might be a while before I can get the resistor but I will post back here with my results

 

[XTrminator]

Here's how I turned my Parking Light switch into a MPT lockup switch on my 2005 Forester XT, with 4 speed auto transmission - the 4EAT. You know that little switch on top of your steering column, just in front of your speedo, well it's a handy place to reach whenever you want to lock up the Multi Plate transfer clutch connecting your front and rear axles. The attached diagram and pictures show the parts you need and how to connect it. I've been running mine this way for half a year, no problems. An expert might try to tell you that you shouldn't do this, but heck, I'm just a practical guy and it works fine for me! By the way, only lock the MPT when you will need it - slippery, mud, snow, sand, etc. On dry pavement, ONLY in a straight-line launch, like drag racing. Don't leave it on - 'nuff said.

 

[Ben Up North]

Hi @XTrminator!
Welcome to the forum, awesome first post

 

[Kevin]

Yes, a terrific first post, thanks @XTrminator - certainly makes up for the 4 years without any posts

 

[SightsSet]

Can I ask why you used a dpdt instead of a spot like the other posts?

 

[SightsSet]

*spdt

 

[Kevin]

@SightsSet a bit difficult to describe now 16-17 years later Here's the detail as posted on SF.ORG: https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/4wd-on-demand-from-4eat.3091/#post-67128

 

[Vinnie]

I've just completed doing this mod to give my automatic Forester push-button on-demand 4wd. It works great and makes the vehicle infinitely more practical and versatile to use. Huge thanks to all the pioneers who blazed this trail!

 

[Kevin]

G'day & Well-done @Vinnie

 

[NoShoes]

Keven would this work on mine

 

[Kevin]

@NoShoes Hi Craig - off the top of my head I cannot recall if this was done for an SH but will check tomorrow.
You could browse here if you wish: https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/4wd-on-demand-from-4eat.3091/

 

[Vinnie]

Here's a pic of the set up I used. I took my power from the existing wiring for the redundant front wiper heater, which I ran to another fog light switch, so that I could have a neat factory-looking installation.

 

[Vinnie]

I should probably be posting about what I did in the '4WD On Demand From 4EAT' thread. Centre Diff Lock isn't what it was all about - there is no diff, just a clutch pack.
Or maybe Kev, as administrator, you could move them? I'll put up some more pics if anybody is interested too.
It's actually quite a simple mod to do, hardest part was working out the neatest, most efficient way to arrange the components and mount them.
It's a great piece of extra functionality for so many reasons. The Forester now has a secret weapon.

 

[Kevin]

you could move them

Threads merged

 

[Kevin]

@NoShoes Looks like it can be done for SH: https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/4wd-on-demand-from-4eat.3091/page-24#post-7555589

Note that is an XT so connections may be different for NA so will need some testing