Do I have a 4WD problem?

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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Um?bongo

Do I have a 4WD problem?

Post by Um?bongo » Tue Mar 16, 2010 1:57 pm

I have just purchased my first bongo which is a M reg, 4WD auto vesion. Whilst all four wheels are raised off the floor only the back wheels are turning? Should this be the case, I’m concerned there is a problem with the 4WD.

I know sometimes 4WD can be swapped to 2WD and this may have happened but are there other problems that could cause this. What should I be checking?

If I do change it back to 4WD, what would be the likely impact on fuel consumption?

Thanks and appreciate your help.

Chris from Swansea
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Alacrity
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Re: Do I have a 4WD problem?

Post by Alacrity » Tue Mar 16, 2010 2:52 pm

I would have expected the front wheels to turn as well (I take it you are running it in gear with wheels off the deck?) although I have never done it. Check the front propshaft is there, some remove them (don't know why, poss fuel saving??). I don't know the answer to the fuel consumption question, I wouldn't have thought it would make a huge difference as you are still trying to push a brick through the air at speed.

Others will probably pop up here with more answers for you.
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Um?bongo

Re: Do I have a 4WD problem?

Post by Um?bongo » Tue Mar 16, 2010 4:41 pm

Hi thanks for your views, yes you are correct that i ws running it in gear with wheels off the floor.
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Re: Do I have a 4WD problem?

Post by Simon Jones » Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:08 pm

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Re: Do I have a 4WD problem?

Post by dandywarhol » Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:20 pm

Not the first time folks have bought a Bongo with FULL TIME 4WD stickers on it but it only has 2WD :?
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Re: Do I have a 4WD problem?

Post by Bob » Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:22 pm

Have a look and see if both drive shafts are in place.

I wouldn't worry too much at this stage, the Bongo system normaly drives the rear wheels, with the viscous coupling sending drive to the front when it senses slipping.

Having it on a ramp may well confuse the system, plus Dandy may well have a point, some peeps in Japan have added stickers to give 'Street Cred'.

The 'Count the drive shafts' check will confirm. :D
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Re: Do I have a 4WD problem?

Post by Bob » Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:23 pm

Another thought, does the VIN start SGL 5, 4wd, or SGL 3, 2wd?
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Um?bongo

Re: Do I have a 4WD problem?

Post by Um?bongo » Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:15 pm

Hi thanks to everyone so far for their advice, a number of things for me to check on the weekend. I have checked and it is a SGL5 VIN so thats a good start.
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