4 Wheel, All Wheel Drive Trouble Indicators

4 Wheel Drive

These are 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) Trouble Indicator symbols. This first light will be seen under conditions specified by the manufacturer. For some, it will only be illuminated if there is a malfunction in the 4WD system. The light will also come on if the front wheel or tire diameters are different from those on the rear. In either case, the vehicles speed should be reduced immediately and taken to your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible for servicing.

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For others, the same indicator will be seen simply as an alert that the vehicle is in the four-wheel drive mode, which means that the front and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked together. The front and rear wheels will then be rotating at the same speed. This mode should only be used in slippery conditions, such as snow or loose gravel, etc.

These symbols, Drive Mode Overheat, appear if the drive train temperature rises too high. It includes the image of a thermometer along with the 4WD acronym or image. There will also likely be a text message in the center of the instrument with a recommendation to either pull over or slow down. The light will remain on so long as the system remains overheated.

This is a trouble light for what one manufacturer calls its Super Handling (SH) All Wheel Drive (AWD). The vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. If the light comes on while driving, the differential temperature is too high and the vehicle should be pulled over to allow it to cool. The light will then go out.

This light, 4A, illuminates when the 4×4 Automatic drive system is engaged. However, it indicates a system problem if it is on but the system is not engaged. A visit to an qualified service shop will be needed.

Finally, this one uses a shorthand for the word Service, SERV. The SERV 4WD Indicator is stating that a fault exists in the 4 wheel drive system and that a qualified service shop will be needed soon. The vehicle will continue to operate in 2 wheel drive normally.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.