Curious...AWD converted to RWD.

[Rango]

Saw this on FB. Pulling a fuse to convert AWD Stingers to RWD only (temporarily). Seems dangerous to me. Think I remember Tork did this to dyno an AWD but he also advised against doing this. Correct me if I am wrong. Thoughts?

 

[bumble bee]

No way! Come on Rango try this! Haaaa. Sounds intresting........

 

[bumble bee]

Think i found it! One fuse only 20amp look at second pic.

KIA Stinger (2018) - fuse box diagram - Auto Genius

 

[AV8R]

No! Really it can’t be that simple.

 

[Falaris]

Speaking with minimal specific knowledge on the AWD system (even owning one myself but not knowing details on how it works) I would have a few concerns with this method over a long time period.

In the dyno report where they pulled the fuse, if I remember correctly, they also disconnected the axles. I am sure they had their reasons for doing so. I also would have to think that in the AWD system there are sensors that report back readings that would be utilized in many of the cars different systems. Pulling the fuse might disable those sensors, since the report is no check engine light etc., but what about the systems those sensors might report to that are now missing inputs? Obviously the RWD cars do not need them, but my AWD was not designed that way and I just don't know the outcome.

What if you pull the fuse and your auto breaking did not kick in as quickly for some reason (reaching a bit admittedly) and it caused an accident. Then in the investigation it was found that you removed the fuse and your not covered. Or worse you injure someone and are sued or jailed and it later comes out you modified that basic system in the car overriding safety features. Nope, not for me!

One more thing that I wonder is what are the gains actually from doing this? A little less traction allowing breakaway on turns maybe? Any engine load difference I would think would be small and partially negated by the drag of the linkage still being connected. I believe you can get an 80 rear / 20 front split with Sport mode anyways. I must not understand what the point is so please feel free to explain it to me as I would like to be educated.

Not trying to be definitive on any aspect just curious.

-Fal

 

[mldavis2]

Disabling AWD when on a dyno is a safety precaution which is probably why that was done.

 

[NS_Stinger]

You're supposed to use an AWD dyno for an AWD car, none of this disabling AWD nonsense. This would only aid in tuning but would give you false numbers since drivetrain loss would go up once you pop that fuse back in. Sounds more like a hack for someone who wants to tune the car but doesn't have access to an AWD dyno.

 

[Bobr]

Did anybody try that already?

 

[Kamauxx]

What if you pull the fuse and your auto breaking did not kick in as quickly for some reason (reaching a bit admittedly) and it caused an accident. Then in the investigation it was found that you removed the fuse and your not covered. Or worse you injure someone and are sued or jailed and it later comes out you modified that basic system in the car overriding safety features. Nope, not for me!

-Fal

The autonomous braking is a last line of defense for after the driver has failed so even if the car's safety features are working as designed it's still the driver's responsibility to keep their car off people's butts.

Having said that, I think it's foolish to remove a fuse to change the car from AWD to RWD. I don't know what might go wrong but I'm sure something will.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Nucking futs to that! You have c. two hundred extra pounds of useless rolling weight; and discontinued communication between the car's systems (electronic suspension, suspended to the front? don't know; don't want to mess to find out), and all for what? To find out if you can get closer to that 4.7 0-60 because now you're a "RWD" vehicle? "Just drive the damn car! Don't try and stand it on its bloody ear!"

 

[Rango]

Ya, I would never do this and don't recommend anyone else doing it. This is a "what NOT to do to your Stinger" post.

 

[Volvowith18psi]

Yep. I replied to that thread that it was a bad idea imo. I would NEVER do this nor would I let my AWD be put on a RWD dyno without mechanical adjustments. I have had an AWD tuned on a RWD heartbreaker with the axle removed. I didnt like the idea, but when your tuner has 2+ million in customer cars sitting in his crack shack lot, seeing his tuned AWD jeeps running<11's in person, that holds some weight for me.

A facebook post about pulling a fuse is LOL.

 

[eflyguy]

Take a look at instructions for towing your AWD Stinger.....

 

[Volvowith18psi]

Take a look at instructions for towing your AWD Stinger.....

Section 5-39, pdf page 289 of 560. Sorry don't have pdf pro to extract the page for everybody.

"An AWD vehicle must be tested on a special four wheel chassis dynamometer. An AWD vehicle should not be tested on a 2WD roll tester. If a 2WD roll tester must be used, performed the follow procedure:" Not going to type the rest.

Read some more, sections 6-23+ "Towing"- Towing Service- What to do in an emergency... And I am unable to find where it says to "remove fuse." The manual says over and over that wheel dollies and a flat bed MUST be used.

Please post the info Elf that I'm missing.

 

[Falaris]

If you ever need the owners manual check the bottom for Useful Links!



-Fal

 

[bumble bee]

nice info Fal. Thanks.

 

[eflyguy]

Please post the info Elf that I'm missing.

Not missing anything - I hadn't even looked for info specific to dyno testing because I had assumed tuners would know.

My point is that the towing info says an AWD can NOT have any wheels on the ground when towing. The obvious implication is having two wheels moving when two are not is going to cause a mechanical issue.

 

[MekstingerGT]

Can one remove the fuse for the sake of testing on a close track/road? Maybe itll allow the rear end to kick out easier ie drift? I wouldnt advice driving for a long period of time with the fuse out but if someone is willing to try?

 

[Roarbomb]

I don't know, I paid an extra $2200 for AWD, why the hell would i pull the fuse?

 

[Callum]

I am going to revisit this, studying document after document this is something that KMA refuses to publish other than subtle hints about making this car RWD.

I've looked at the AWD system and how the canbus communicates with the AWD system. This fuse in only live, under 60KPH. The entire front end of this car, is turned off and we do indeed have 200lbs or hurling axles, and a front diff just spinning and not doing anything, this is the main reason why we have no CEL. or error codes on the dash. Zero power to the front end over 60MPH. By removing this fuse, in theory the car decouples the clutch and there is ZERO chance of it engaging. I would like to put this car on rollers and a multmeter showing when power is applied to this circuit and study it a bit more. Seems like a simply fuse tap/relay switch to convert AWD to RWD.

Why? I am going to put a LSD in mine, and one day have the ability to go RWD at the track.