What does it mean when the 4WD warning light comes on?
2 Answers
The advantage of 4WD is that all four wheels are driven. For example, when driving on muddy roads, if one wheel or the front two wheels get stuck, the rear two wheels can still drive, allowing the vehicle to pass smoothly. Due to better tire traction and steering force, 4WD is classified as an active safety system. Active safety systems include ABS, ESP, etc. 4WD includes three types: on-demand four-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and full-time four-wheel drive. The 4WD warning light is a four-wheel drive fault indicator, which usually comes on due to the following situations: 1. Abnormal speed ratio of the four wheels: Abnormal speed ratio of the four wheels. Switching the four-wheel drive can solve the problem. 2. Open circuit in the four-wheel drive system: Open circuit in the four-wheel drive system. Disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery can restore normal operation. 3. Oxidation of the four-wheel drive switch connector: Oxidation of the four-wheel drive switch connector. Go to a 4S shop or a professional auto repair shop and have a professional use a computer to eliminate the fault.
I've been driving off-road vehicles for over a decade and have encountered the 4WD light coming on several times. Usually, it's due to sensor issues like wheel speed sensors or gear position sensors. A simple check is to use a flashlight to see if there's mud clogging the wheel sensors. Last time, my light came on after driving in the rain, and cleaning it off fixed the problem. Alternatively, it could be loose or broken wiring connections. If you continue driving in 4WD mode with the light on, it might damage the transfer case, causing gear issues and squeaking noises, which would be even more troublesome. So, when this happens, I recommend immediately stopping in a safe place, turning off the engine, waiting a few minutes, and then restarting to see if the light goes off. If it doesn't, head to a repair shop for diagnostics—it's best to bring your car's model information for the mechanic's reference. During regular maintenance, pay attention to cleaning the undercarriage to prevent water accumulation from corroding the wiring, which can help prevent such faults.
