QuestionI just got a 89camry LE 4WD. I found a small note in the lock box said "always push in the 4WD Center Differencial Auto button when normal drive." Actually I don't have the owner's manuel for 89camry but I got a 88camry's one. It said don't push the "Center Differencial Lock"button unless it's under extreme condition. Are they talking the same thing with different advises? The difference is my car shows 4WD Center Differencial Auto and the 88 manual shows Center Differencial Lock. The Auto indicator light lights when push in the 4WD Center Differencial Auto button.
There's other indicator shows Full Time 4WD with a draft illustration beside the Auto light there as well.
AnswerI have to say I am not familiar with the Camry AWD. If it LOCKS the center differential though, I would say NOT to use it unless you have slick conditions (snow, ice, mud, heavy rain).
I found this web site:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/toyota-camry2.htm
Here is the important part of what they had to say:
"1988 Toyota Camry
Reflecting an industry trend, Toyota gave Camry an All-Trac sedan with permanently engaged all-wheel drive. The AWD system split engine torque 50/50 front/rear; it lacked separate low-range gears like a 4WD truck, but had a mechanical center differential that could be locked for maximum traction in slippery conditions via a dashboard switch. The All-Trac came only in LE trim and with manual transmission."
This would support my conclusion. The '89 came with an automatic optional, and that site doesn't say if the AWD changed any. So I guess it didn't.
I would suggest that you contact your local Toyota dealer, someone there must know about these systems or call Toyota USA and keep asking questions till you get to someone that knows.
Sorry I can't be more help.
Don
Don
