How can you tell that AWD is operational ?

[achapski]

Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question but as I have recently bought a mint XC70 Cross Country 1997/98 how do I know for sure that the system is working? Without taking it on an ice ring how can you know for sure when every day driving.? I have never owned a 4 wheel drive car so a bit in the dark....please advise!

Thanks

[Paffel]

One way to ensure everything is at least connected is to;

- jack up one side of the car (chock the wheels on the opposite side)
- put the car in neutral, and release the handbrake (I don't need to remind you of certain dangers here!)
- spin either the front or the back wheel

After about a sixteenth of a rotation, the other wheel should start turning.
(That's a guess, but eventually it should start turning!)

I'd only do this on flat level ground, and be careful when releasing the handbrake!

[Paffel]

Another alternative is find some nice wet grass near you, and try to get stuck in it!

[kenny37]

But if you do then your buggered in more ways than one!!!!

[st5ve]

Take it to a garage that has a ramp (that lifts the body of the car) MRG Volvo main dealer has one. When car is off floor put in gear if all 4 wheels turn it is working if only front wheels turn it is not working.

A DIY version is to put the car on axle stands with all 4 wheels off the ground put in gear if all 4 wheels turn system is ok. The DIY version has its obvious risks if in doubt take it to MRG they work on a lot of well known R's

[Thanatos]

take it for a drive round a corner and boot it i know when i took the prop off mine for a rebuild the traction control doesn't work and itt just smoked the front tyres now the prop and vc are ok it hardly ever spins the wheels no matter how hard i boot it

[Paffel]

Originally Posted by Thanatos

take it for a drive round a corner and boot it i know when i took the prop off mine for a rebuild the traction control doesn't work and itt just smoked the front tyres now the prop and vc are ok it hardly ever spins the wheels no matter how hard i boot it

I can vouch for this, come off a roundabout and floor it, it doesn't spin.

Has its own risks of course!

[TrueBlue]

Find a stout tree near some wet grass.
Tie car to tree and on said grass.
Get passenger / friend / passer by to watch.
Engage gear and attempt to drive of gently.

Ask said assistant " did all wheels turn (spin)?
If ony the fronts then AWD isn't working.

[TiredGeek]

Just find wet grass or gravel.
Give it the beans from standstill.
If it set off like a scalded cat it's working, if it sat there spinning its front wheels it's not

or you could try pulling a tree down on your roof

[monkeh]

Originally Posted by TrueBlue

Find a stout tree near some wet grass.
Tie car to tree and on said grass.
Get passenger / friend / passer by to watch.
Engage gear and attempt to drive of gently.

Ask said assistant " did all wheels turn (spin)?
If ony the fronts then AWD isn't working.

And if it works... This happens...

+ YouTube Video