I bought an 86 Syncro last week and today when I was backing out of the
driveway something strange happened.  I went in reverse for about 20 yards
and was getting ready to stop so i put in the clutch and let it keep
rolling back a bit when the van just stopped really hard all on it's own
(no Brakes on my part) It was as if the transmission locked or something.
I've been able to replicate it since but not every time.  Something else
related possibly (this is my first syncro) is the fact that the knob on the
console for locking the rear diff.  seems to be exactly opposite of what
the owners manual says.  When the knob is PUSHED IN the rear diff. locks
and with it pulled out the AWD works.  I deduced this by lighted
Transmission diagram.  The light on the rear axle lights up bright when the
knob is pushed in and when it is pulled out the light on the front axle and
in the middle of the diagram are light up ( somewhat more dimly ).  I pray
the Trans is not royally messed.  Any help or experience with the syncro
would be greatly appreciated.  I know that they require more care and
service vigilance that their 2WD brethren.  Thanks, Leif