Asked by: Jinlan Arpi
automotive auto parts

What does the service 4 wheel drive light mean?

Last Updated: 11th June, 2020

33
If it stays on, or the "Service 4WD System" message is displayed, there is a problem with the 4WD system. The "Service 4WD System" message does not mean it is time for routine maintenance of the 4WD system; rather, it indicates a problem with the 4WD system that should be properly diagnosed and repaired.

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Keeping this in consideration, how do you reset the service light on a 4wd?

To reset the Change Oil light turn the ignition on but do not start and then push the gas pedal 3 times. The Service 4WD light is most likely the 4WD switch on the dashboard. If the lights are acting funny then the switch needs to be replaced. There is a quick fix for it though.

Subsequently, question is, what does a 4x4 service include? Four-wheel drive vehicles demand rugged performance from their transmissions, especially when used for off-road driving or towing. Our 4x4 services include: Draining and refilling the Transfer Case with fresh, clean fluid. Draining and refilling the Front Differential with fresh, clean fluid.

Subsequently, question is, how much does it cost to service 4wd?

On average, a remanufactured transfer case costs depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The cost of labor to install it is in addition to the price of the unit and will typically run between $400 and $800.

Why is my service all wheel drive light on?

The "Service AWD System" light comes on when the computer detects that there is an issue with the AWD system. Also, keep in mind that sometimes this warning will come up for serious issues that can cause damage to the AWD system if the vehicle continues to be driven.

Related Question Answers

Amine Urbino

Professional

How do I know if my transfer case switch is bad?

What are the signs of a bad transfer case?
  1. Strange noises: You may hear one or more odd sounds coming from the transfer case, or from under your vehicle.
  2. Shifting gears becomes difficult: This can happen with both manual and automatic transmissions that work with transfer cases.

Weiling Cartujo

Professional

How does a transfer case switch work?

The transfer case receives power from the transmission and sends it to both the front and rear axles. This can be done with gears, hydraulics, or chain drive. On some vehicles, such as four-wheel-drive trucks or vehicles intended for off-road use, this feature is controlled by the driver.

Mariona Breunig

Explainer

Why is my 4wd flashing?

A lot of the time, a flashing 4WD light is no reason to be alarmed, because it simply means that the system is working as designed. On vehicles where four-wheel drive is only activated on demand — that is to say, when traction conditions require it — this light shows up to tell you that it's been activated.

Maryan Detjen

Explainer

What does Transfer Case Control Module do?

The Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) is a specialty of the General Motor's 4WD operation. It controls the electronically-operated 4-wheel-drive system. All of its functions involve the shift – processing the shift request, executing it, and verifying the completion.

Souhail Ibarmia

Explainer

How do I get my truck out of 4 wheel drive?

How to Disengage a Stuck Four-Wheel Drive Line
  1. Check to see if you have manual hubs and that they are in "free" mode.
  2. Put your vehicle into four-wheel high mode.
  3. Drive forward for about a quarter of a mile.
  4. Stop the vehicle and shift from four-wheel to two-wheel drive.
  5. Place the vehicle in reverse and drive backwards for 15 to 20 feet.

Mihails Santa Engracia

Pundit

How much does it cost to service a transfer case?

Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed.
The average cost for a transfer case fluid replacement is between $60 and $92. Labor costs are estimated between $44 and $56 while parts are priced between $16 and $36. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

Kim Hora

Pundit

How do you check transfer case fluid?

Locate the oil fill plug on the transfer case. Remove the top oil fill plug. Using a flashlight, check for oil at the fill plug hole. When full, the oil should be just below the top hole.

Felisbela Gurruchaga

Pundit

What happens if transfer case is low on fluid?

A transfer case is separate from the transmission case; the transfer case requires its own supply of transmission fluid. If the fluid is low the transfer case can overheat, and cause parts to seize and not actuate properly between two- and four-wheel drive modes.

Cautar Collett

Pundit

How often should you change transfer case oil?

The transfer case fluid should be changed periodically, normally every 30,000 miles, especially in vehicles that tow or use four-wheel-drive often. If the transfer case fluid becomes contaminated or runs low, it can lead to the transfer case burning up.

Rossie Torradinha

Teacher

Is a leaking transfer case bad?

A leaking transfer case could mean that you've had a seal failure but it could also mean that there is an issue inside the transfer case itself. If a bearing goes bad inside a transfer case, it could cause it's output shaft to wobble and thus causing a leak at the oil seal.

Erna Sarricolea

Teacher

Does a transfer case use transmission fluid?

The transfer case is what makes all wheel drive work. Transfer cases are either gear driven or chain driven. In the old days, transfer cases were filled with gear oil or automatic transmission fluid (ATF), but some modern transfer cases take specialty lubricants.

Guo Sforza

Teacher

How do you install a transfer case?

To install:
  1. Install the transfer case and the driveshaft upper dust cover to the transmission with a new gasket, as follows:
  2. Install or connect the following:
  3. Fill the transmission and the transfer case with oil.
  4. Test drive the vehicle and check the abnormal noise and smooth operation.
  5. Recheck the fluid levels.

Xiangyu Friz

Teacher

What type of fluid is in a transfer case?

FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
Conventional transfer cases require SAE 80W or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear lubricant. Full time systems use SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 engine oil. Conventional transfer cases require DEXRON®II transmission fluid. All transfer cases require DEXRON®II transmission fluid.

Marion Zollmann

Reviewer

How do I know if my 4 wheel drive is working?

How to Test a Four-wheel Drive
  1. Locate the four-wheel drive high button on the dash.
  2. Drive the vehicle as normal and press the button or shift into 4Hi.
  3. Turn the vehicle to the left and right while moving.
  4. Locate the four-wheel drive low button on the dash or shifter.
  5. Stop the vehicle.
  6. Engage 4Lo by pressing the button or shifting.

Kym Arentzen

Reviewer

How often should I service my 4wd?

In some cases, no more than 30-36,000 miles. And in some cases it may be as frequently as every 15,000 miles. Also look for any kinds of leaks when you're under it.

Pascuala Cepedal

Reviewer

Are 4wd more expensive to service?

Four-wheel drive vehicles are more expensive to maintain on average than front-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicles because of the additional prop shaft, diff and transfer case as well as the mechanism to engage the 4 wheels.

Daida Trabalon

Supporter

Are 4x4 more expensive to maintain?

More Expensive
Another reason to avoid AWD and 4WD is cost. Most such vehicles are more expensive than their 2WD counterparts; for example, in many modern SUVs, 2WD models can be $2,000 or $3,000 cheaper than AWD or 4WD models.

Sohail Indaberri

Supporter

Does changing differential fluid make a difference?

Front-drivers typically integrate the differential in the transmission housing and share the same fluid. The differential oil lubricates the ring and pinion gears that transfer power from the driveshaft to the wheel axles. Changing this oil is just as important as changing your engine's oil, and for the same reason.

Xinxin Ciagl

Supporter

Is all wheel drive worth it?

Most AWD vehicles offer better resale value than their two-wheel-drive counterparts. There's a reason: AWD costs more up-front, and it makes a vehicle more capable. No, you won't see every penny back if you decide to tick the AWD option box. But your car will be easier to sell when that time comes.

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EveryThingWhat Staff Editor

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