Quattro disengages

[Johnny Cannuck]

Hi I still am trying to get the hang of this posting thing. I am from Canada and just bought a 90 quattro from Japan. I have a couple of problems but the one that is of real concern is the quattro. (by the way i didn;t receive an owners manual) I gather that you just push the Differencial Buttom located by the parking brake. The ABS light comes on, on my dash, and the light showing the rear diff lights up. When I start out I can feel that the car appears to be in 4 wheel drive, but when I drive about 100 meters or so the ABS light turns off as does the Rear Differencial indicator light , and the car is no longer in 4 drive.
There are no noises when this occurres. I am thinking that this may not be a serious problem. Something like a solenoid not pushing out far enough or something like that . Maybe even dirty or corroded linkages.
Any similar experiances or am I way off base. ideas??

thanks Johnny Cannuck

[mikes2]

the quattros are permanent 4wd - you cannot disable it.

The diff switch locks the rear diff. When you reach 25 km/h, it disengages automatically

[Johnny Cannuck]

What is the purpose of the diff switch? Why does my abs light come on. and lastly when engaged I can feel the 4 wheel action when backing up that i don;t feel when not engaged.
Am I just stupid?

[mikes2]

Diff lock switch is for when you get stuck (snow, ice, wet grass)- it forces both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. Not required on standard tarmac.

Think I've used this switch once in all the time I've had my 90.

[S2AVANT]

Am I just stupid?

That's a very dangerous question.

[80 freaker]

the locking diff is only for tough situations when you are stuck, also if one of the wheels loses contact with the ground while the diff is locked the wheels can lock up