is there a way to disable the Smarttrack AWD system on a 1999? its just for a short period of time for one i wanna see if my gas mileage improves, but i also have a feeling its engaged all the time. i know its only supposed to engage AWD when the TCCM detects rear wheel slippage, but does that mean its RWD the rest of the time or is there a power split between the front and back? it just feels like 4WD even on hot summer day when its not even needed

 

Yes it can be disabled, but it's not a "quick a minute" job. Removing the front driveshaft and disconnecting the encoder motor is the easy part. Both front half shafts will need to be removed as well. That's where the work and time come into play. The outer CV shaft holds the wheel bearings together, so you'll need to acquire two half shafts from a bone yard, disassemble them, and insert the outer ends into your wheel bearings, and torque the axle nuts.

 

ya more work then i thought..is there a way i can see if the AWD is engaged even when its not supposed to be? how can i tell

edit: i just found some gas in my charcoal box, could this contribute to my bad gas mileage? what causes this besides topping off my tank? i do fill full almost everytime but i only get about 130-150 miles out of a full tank so i know im getting crummy mileage. according to my onboard computer im getting 14.5 MPG which is BS