What would cause my AWD light to come on?
The all-wheel drive (AWD) light on your vehicle's dashboard is designed to alert you to potential issues with your vehicle's AWD system. If this light illuminates, it typically indicates a problem that requires attention. In this article, we'll explore the common causes that can trigger the AWD light and provide guidance on how to address them.
Potential Causes of the AWD Light
There are several reasons why the AWD light may come on in your vehicle. Some of the most common causes include:
- Sensor Failure: The AWD system relies on various sensors to monitor the performance of the drivetrain. If one of these sensors, such as the wheel speed sensor or the transfer case sensor, fails, it can trigger the AWD light.
- Fluid Level Issues: The AWD system requires specific fluids to function properly. If the fluid level in the transfer case or differential is low, it can cause the AWD light to illuminate.
- Mechanical Failures: Problems with the AWD components, such as the transfer case, differential, or driveshaft, can also trigger the AWD light. These issues may be caused by wear and tear, damage, or improper maintenance.
- Electrical Malfunctions: Electrical issues, such as wiring problems or a faulty control module, can disrupt the AWD system's operation and cause the light to turn on.
- Mismatched Tire Sizes: If the tires on your vehicle are not the same size or have significantly different tread depths, it can confuse the AWD system and trigger the warning light.
It's important to note that the specific cause of the AWD light can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the age and mileage of the components involved.
Addressing the AWD Light
If the AWD light illuminates on your dashboard, it's crucial to have the issue diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible. Ignoring the warning light can lead to further damage to your vehicle's AWD system, which can be costly to repair. Here are some steps you can take:
- Consult your owner's manual: Your vehicle's owner's manual may provide specific guidance on what to do when the AWD light comes on, including any troubleshooting steps or recommended actions.
- Scan for diagnostic codes: Use an OBD-II scanner or take your vehicle to a mechanic to have the diagnostic trouble codes read. These codes can help identify the underlying cause of the AWD light.
- Inspect the AWD system: Visually inspect the AWD components, such as the transfer case, differential, and driveshaft, for any signs of damage or leaks. Check the fluid levels and top them up if necessary.
- Replace faulty parts: If the diagnosis reveals a specific component failure, such as a sensor or a mechanical issue, you'll need to have the faulty part replaced by a qualified mechanic.
- Ensure proper tire size and tread depth: If the AWD light is related to mismatched tires, replace the tires with the correct size and ensure they have similar tread depths.
Addressing the AWD light promptly and addressing the underlying cause is essential to maintaining the proper functioning of your vehicle's all-wheel drive system and preventing further damage.
Why is my AWD system warning light on?
When this warning light comes on it indicates a fault within the abs / traction control / awd system on the car. This light is not specific and is only intended to inform the driver that a fault is present.
What is an AWD problem?
If you notice your vehicle becoming increasingly difficult to steer or if it feels less stable on the road, it could indicate a problem with the AWD system. Issues such as tire misalignment, uneven tire wear, or problems with the system's sensors can affect handling.
How to reset service all-wheel drive light?
Think of it as hitting the reset button on your 4WD system. You might start by disconnecting the battery or giving the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) a little time off. This can sometimes shake loose any gremlins causing the light to come on. Next, engage the 4WD system and see if it's responding correctly.
Why is my car telling me to service all-wheel-drive?
Uh oh, did your All-Wheel Drive warning light come on? This light flashes if the vehicle is driven with tires of differing diameters fitted on the wheels or with an excessively low air pressure in any of the tires.
How much does it cost to service an AWD?
The cost of servicing a 4-wheel-drive system can range from $80 to $300, depending on the specific service components and requirements.
Is it safe to drive with AWD on?
On icy or snowy roads, AWD cars had a 13-15% higher impact severity than 2WD cars, which corresponded to an 8-10% increase of impact speed for AWD cars. On dry or wet roads, no differences were found between AWD and 2WD.
Can you drive with an AWD light on?
it is not recommended to drive your vehicle when it's letting you know there's a problem with the AWD system. Continuing to drive your vehicle with the AWD light on can cause further damage to your vehicle and potentially put you and your passengers at risk.
Is it expensive to fix AWD?
All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) systems are more complex and costly to repair than standard front-wheel drive systems. That means your auto insurance rate may be higher for an AWD or 4WD vehicle.
At what speed does AWD turn off?
around 20 miles-per-hour
However, it typically only works at low speeds and is meant for situations like getting out when parked in the snow. The lock will usually deactivate when a speed of around 20 miles-per-hour is exceeded.
Why does my AWD keep turning on?
This light will usually come on when the car is first started or after the car is shifted into reverse, and it will stay on until the car is shifted into a forward gear. However, if the light stays on continuously, it means that there is a problem with the AWD system that needs to be fixed.
