What causes the AWD system light to come on in a Honda CR-V?
2 Answers
If the warning light appears while the engine is running, it indicates a fault in the vehicle's electronic control system. A diagnostic tool is required to read the fault code before proceeding with repairs. Main functions of AWD in vehicles: Full-time four-wheel drive means the vehicle maintains a four-wheel drive configuration throughout the entire driving process. The engine's output torque is distributed to the front and rear wheels in a fixed ratio. This drive mode ensures excellent off-road and handling performance at all times, but it cannot adjust torque distribution based on road conditions and has relatively high fuel consumption. Dashboard warning indicators: Fault-related warning lights on the vehicle dashboard include the engine (exhaust system) fault light, oil system fault light, battery and charging system fault light, etc.
I just drove my brother’s CR-V and noticed the AWD light was on, so I specifically asked a 4S店 technician about it. He said it’s most likely due to the wheel speed sensor being clogged with mud, which happens often during off-roading. Additionally, worn-out driveshaft bearings can trigger the warning, and you might feel slight vibrations in the rear wheels when driving. Last week, he checked the differential fluid for me and found it dark and murky—replacing it with fresh fluid fixed the issue. For the electrical part, it could be a short circuit in the transfer case control module, especially after driving through water on rainy days. Uneven tire pressure is often overlooked; last time, my right rear tire was underinflated by 2.5 psi, and that triggered the light. His advice was to first read the trouble codes with a diagnostic tool and not rush to replace parts—sometimes a simple restart can resolve it.
