4WD Shift
This is a 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) Shift Indicator symbol. While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indicator will illuminate the position selected by the 4WD shift switch. The indicator light may blink while shifting from one drive mode to the other.
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The indicator is a stick figure of the front and rear axles with wheels or tires. The two front wheels are turned to the right. They are connected in the center by a bell-shape.
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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.
These are 4 Wheel Drive (
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.
These are 4 Wheel Drive Low Indicator 
These two are corresponding 4 Wheel Drive High indicators. The High setting is the default setting in a 4 wheel drive vehicle for normal driving conditions. For this reason, vehicle manufacturers rarely add this indicator. If it is added, High may be spelled out or abbreviated (HI). One manufacturer simply uses a 4×4 Indicator to mean that the vehicle is in 4×4 HIGH.
This indicator, 4WD AUTO, states that the vehicle is in AUTO mode. The vehicle will automatically engage 4 wheel drive when a loss of traction is sensed. Otherwise, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent only to the rear wheels.
These symbols, a 4×2 or 2H Indicator, say that a 4 wheel drive vehicle is supplying power only to the rear wheels. The use of the rear wheels only is the correct choice in typical driving conditions. That is, smooth, dry roads.
The 4A, 4×4 Auto Indicators and the stick figure indicator with 4WD text in the center both say that 4-wheel drive will be available automatically for additional traction. Only electronically-controlled 4-wheel drive systems will have this available. These indicators become 
This symbol with the open circles is used in Australia and New Zealand to indicate only that the 4-wheel Drive system has been engaged. In North America, the same symbol is usually used to indicate a problem with an All-wheel Drive system, although Chevrolet has begun using it to also indicate the system is engaged. 
General Motors uses an indicator for five possible choices. Their system can be set to AUTO (automatic (AUTO), 4 high (HI), 4 LOW, 2 wheel drive (2WD) and finally N (or NEUTRAL in 
In all cases, the various 4-wheel drive systems are choices that can be made by the driver using either a lever or buttons. If the system will allow a different selection, or if a 4×2 indicator remains illuminated, contact your dealer or authorized service center immediately. Driving will be possible, but only at reduced speed.