How to Resolve AWD System Failure Leading to 2WD Operation
2 Answers
Solution for AWD system failure leading to 2WD operation: It is necessary to visit a repair shop to inspect the vehicle's transmission brake priority system and promptly address any issues found. Below are relevant details: 1. Definition: AWD refers to four-wheel drive. AWD system failure leading to 2WD operation means the vehicle's four-wheel drive system has malfunctioned, causing it to operate in two-wheel drive. 2. Symptoms: Typically, such failures are caused by issues in the engine control system, and the anti-skid light will illuminate. 3. Types of four-wheel drive systems: Full-time four-wheel drive system, on-demand four-wheel drive system, part-time four-wheel drive system.
I encountered this situation last time on a mountain road—the AWD warning light suddenly came on, and the car clearly struggled to move. In most cases, this happens because the sensors got clogged with mud, especially if the wheel speed sensor or transfer case position sensor was splashed with muddy water, triggering a false alarm. I found a safe spot to pull over, removed all the mud chunks around the wheel arch liner and sensors, turned off the engine, waited ten minutes, and restarted—then it was back to normal. If that doesn’t work, check if a fuse is blown. I always keep a few spare fuses and needle-nose pliers in the spare tire well. Remember, if the warning light comes on, don’t force it—especially in rain or snow. Safety first. Shift to manual mode and drive slowly at low speed, and crack the windows to listen for any unusual sounds.