How mcan you tell whether Haldex or Voscous coupling

[mrc1501]

I am aware that the awd systems changed from viscous coupling to Halldex somewhere between 2002, but, how can you tell which particular type of awd system is installed on a particular car.

Is there a "black box" or other easily identifyable component that lets you know you have one or the other system? Any additional lights or switches on the dashboard?

[TiredGeek]

TBH I don't know.
If you're wanting an "at a glance" way of identifying between them I don't think there is a way as there's no buttons etc in the car to control the AWD system.
If you're willing to get down and dirty and look under the car then google for images of Volvo viscous and Volvo haldex and there's plenty to show you what the two systems look like so you can see which is fitted.
Of course the reg will help, if it's up to 2002 then it will be viscous, if it's 2004 on it will be haldex, but 2003 could possibly be either

They changed from 163hp to 185hp in 2005.
The 185 has an updated version of the haldex over the 163 version, but the 163 does much better to the gallon.....

[mrc1501]

Main reason for posting this question, is that I'm needing tyres. Trying to find a set of 4 part worns, for example, with equal tread depth is not an easy task. To buy 4 Scorpions new will cost me £400 fitted, which is a chunk of money that I could do without spending considering the time of year (Christmas).

If I had Haldex, then the tread depth would not be as critical, so I could buy part worns or I could just buy 2 new ones, then next month buy 2 more.

I will google for images of volvo haldex, but it would be easier if there was something readily visible to help identify. Going off the car reg does not always mean that the correct info is given for your car. An example of this was when I called into Kwik fit, and the data on their system gave my car as a 2.5 whereas mine is 2.4.