Hello
I recently purchased a 92 DX All-Trac wagon in excellent original, rust free, condition from its original owner (I LOVE the car).

Because I have an automatic transaxle my center diff button says "auto", when the light is not on the vehicle is in “free mode�.
According to my manual "auto mode should be used during normal driving. In this mode, the indicator light is on.�
The manual also says to "use the 'free' mode only when the vehicle needs to be towed or when the spare tire is installed on the vehicle. In this mode the indicator light is off."

I have been driving the vehicle in ‘free’ mode because I live in California and must drive on the freeway daily. In fact, I really only need the 4WD feature when I drive to the mountains during the winter.

My question is; should I drive with the center diff on auto all the time? I would think that it would be better for the vehicle if the AWD is only engaged when necessary.

Thanks for your help,
Alex

Welcome to the world of All-tracs. During "normal" driving conditions ie. highway, freeway, without snow and ice, your Center Diff Control Indicator light (green for a auto tranny) should be off. You should only engage the Center Diff (by pushing the button in, and seeing the green light come on) in slippery conditions; snow, ice, mud, etc. In any vehicle that has a fully locked system when engaged in 4WD, the tires must be allowed to slip. Otherwise something will break, usually u-joints or CV joints. Good luck with your "new" vehicle!

To elaborate: these cars are full-time AWD with selectable 50/50 4WD. In "free" mode your vehicle's center diff splits power as it sees fit for standard conditions (I think it's a 70/30 front/rear split, but who knows); select "auto" mode, however, and the center diff will supply 50/50 power when traction is deemed 'necessary' (when traction is lost at one of the wheels) by the transaxle. So, unless your daily freeway routine consists of tank traps and three-foot snowbanks (which would be phenomenal), keep that center console light off.