All-wheel Drive Disabled and Fault Indicator Symbols

All Wheel Drive Disabled

These are All-wheel Drive (AWD) Disabled Indicator symbols. The lights, all shown in yellow/amber/orange, flash when the AWD system is disabled temporarily and remains on when there is a malfunction in the system. The open circles indicate that the AWD system has been disconnected.

Note that the first symbol is used in New Zealand and Australia to indicate only that the 4-wheel Drive system has been engaged, and is not used to indicate a problem. Click here for more.

• Before going on, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
• Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

All the symbols, except the text version and the first one here, include a stick figure image meant to look like four wheels with the front wheels turned to the right. The first one here has staggered wheels because the rear wheels are larger than the front wheels.

The symbols may flash if the vehicle is fitted with tires of differing diameters, a spare tire has been mounted, or if the air pressure in any of the tires drops dramatically. The AWD system will also be unavailable if the anti-lock brake system warning light is on or if the rear differential fluid is overheating. In the latter case, the light will go out when the differential fluid cools.

The AWD system will be unavailable, but the main front or wheel drive wheels will operate normally. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light will also very likely be lit, if the vehicle is equipped with the system.

More Versions

If a wrench (or spanner) or exclamation point is shown alongside the caricature of a vehicle’s undercarriage, it indicates a fault and nothing else, as does the text message asking for service. Malfunctions may be indicated by the system before a real problem is obvious, but don’t waste time. See your dealer or authorized service center soon, as AWD repairs are expensive and continued use will increase the likelihood of serious damage.

Related Symbols

The text symbols to the right are very much related. Click here for additional information.

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The information on this website is provided 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.

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.

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.