The service 4 wheel drive light comes on in my 05 Chevy Silverado 1500 HD
The service 4 wheel drive indicator keeps coming on and going off again. It appears to only pop up after using the four wheel drive. It disappears again once I turn off the engine and turn it back on. Very rarely does it come on when I'm driving in 2 wheel drive. I've taken the truck to several mechanics to scan for codes but they can't seem to duplicate that error message. my question is is there a common issue with this Vehicles 4 wheel drive that I might address and could this intermittent warning cause any damages to my vehicle or it's drivability? I have had one mechanic t
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
It is not likely that damage will occur or is occurring. Generally, it’s only if the check engine light is actually flashing that you can reasonably expect damage. As far as whether what you are describing is a "known issue" or not, there are many GM Technical Service Bulletins for your year, make and model that refer to the Service 4WD indicator. A brief list of these TSB’s appears below. If you desire that a certified Mechanic inspect your vehicle and determine if any of the below TSB’s are applicable or, if not applicable, simply pinpoint the problem, please request a warning light diagnostic.
GM Manufacturer Communication Number: 05-04-21-003 (TSB)
SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C0374 SET. INSPECT WIRING HARNESS TO TRANSFER CASE SPEED SENSORS, REPLACE WIRING HARNESS.
GM Manufacturer Communication Number: 3137
SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ON AND NO COMMUNICATION WITH TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE.
GM Manufacturer Communication Number: 3134B
SERVICE 4WD INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE CO327.
GM Manufacturer Communication Number: 3352
SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ON WITH EITHER A VARIETY OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES OR NO COMMUNICATION WITH THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE.
GM Manufacturer Communication Number: 3526
INTERMITTENT SERVICE 4WD LIGHT COMES ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C0306 OR C0308 STORED IN TCCM.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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The 4WD transfer case encoder motor position sensor or the selector switch may fail causing the service 4WD message to be displayed. Fault code(s) stored in the transfer case control module will be of assistance in determining the exact fault causing the message to be displayed.
The “Service 4WD System” message does not mean routine maintenance of the 4WD system is required. The “Service 4WD System” message indicates a problem with the 4WD system that should be properly diagnosed and repaired.
When the 4WD light appears, it is letting you know that there is an issue with the 4WD system and it must be handled promptly. Another reason why this light may occur is an incomplete shift in gears. This is confusing and damaging to the engine and could result in your 4WD service light flashing continuously.
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.
You should get in the habit of having regular maintenance checks before and after every off-road trip — as exposure to mud, water, dust and dirt causes parts to wear out faster. Preventative maintenance and routing inspections are the key component to avoiding breakdowns out on the trail.
You don`t need your vehicle very high, just enough to get your tires off the ground. Then hit the gas while someone outside the vehicle checks to see if all the tires move. If they are all moving, your four-wheel drive should be working great.
The Service All-Wheel Drive message can appear in the driver information center (DIC) when your vehicle is having an issue with the all-wheel drive (AWD) system. If the DIC displays this alert, stop your vehicle as soon as possible, turn it off, and turn it back on again.
The “Service AWD System” light comes on when the computer detects that there is an issue with the AWD system. In most cases an issue with the AWD system will disable the system completely in order to protect the system from further damage.
Know how to engage and disengage your 4WD
However, most 4WD systems can now be shifted into or out of 4WD on the fly at the push of a button. The most sophisticated 4WD systems are fully automatic. They shift into and out of 4WD automatically as the system detects the need for more traction.
The 4WD system is engaged or disengaged by rotating the control for both front wheel hub locks from the FREE or LOCK position, then manually engaging or disengaging the transfer case with the floor-mounted shifter. For increased fuel economy in 2WD, rotate both hub locks to the FREE position.
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.
The engine needs regular maintenance and check up to ensure that it`s working properly. This should be checked during a major or minor service, or ideally once a year. Engine failure can cause major damage to the vehicle when not tended to promptly.
Difficulty changing gears – Low or dirty transfer case fluid can affect your transmission`s ability to shift gears. It can also result in your car unexpectedly falling out of four-wheel drive. Loud noises while driving – As the transfer case fluid loses its lubricating properties, friction will occur inside.
Should you drive your car with a bad transfer case? Driving your car with a bad transfer case is a bad idea. If you continue to drive with a transfer case that has a serious mechanical problem, you could destroy it beyond the point of repair, and possibly damage your transmission, driveshafts and axles in the process.
Symptoms of a failing or failed PTU include hearing a grinding, growling, or humming noise that changes with your vehicle`s speed, which can be the result of low fluid from a leak and/or bad bearings, loose chains and damaged gears. If the PTU has gone bad then you will unlikely be able to drive the vehicle.
The best way to differentiate them is knowing that a grinding noise from the transmission will persist while the car is in neutral. Transfer case grinding usually stops and starts based on usage.
These lights will be on when All-Wheel Drive is disengaged and the drive mechanism is switched to Front Wheel Drive for maintenance or if there is a problem with the system. The car can be safely operated in front wheel drive. With the exception of the red symbol below, all these symbols appear as yellow/amber.
Your service traction control system allows your car to “help” you to drive safely during unsafe weather conditions. While you can drive with the light illuminated, it`s best to get a formal diagnostic inspection to determine the root cause of the problem and address it.
The all-wheel-drive malfunction may be caused by something simple as a loose gas cap or dead battery, transmission range sensor, etc. The transmission range sensor is not too difficult to diagnose or replace. But even after dealing with the suspected cause, the annoying malfunction message may still be on.
All-wheel drive, or AWD, refers to a system where all four wheels can gain traction independently of each other. The difference between AWD and 4WD is that AWD is typically always on while you can toggle between having 4WD on and off.
Purely speaking, 4×4 cars have engines that power all 4 wheels. In most cars, as well as crossover SUVs, the 4×4 drivetrain systems are all-wheel drive (AWD), and not four-wheel drive (4WD) as commonly found in trucks and off-road SUVs.
Thankfully, you can change from 2WD to 4WD while driving as long as you`re traveling 60 mph or less. However, avoid switching between low and high 4WD when you`re driving. This can damage your gearbox and differential. In addition, you shouldn`t rely solely on 4WD to keep you safe while driving in snow.
Luckily, resetting your transmission control module is pretty easy. How do you reset the transmission control module in your Chevy Silverado? Turn the key, press the gas, wait, turn the key off, release the gas, wait, and you`re ready to go. More often than not, this procedure is going to do the trick.
The TCM fuse is in the main fuse block and is probably 10 amps. If the fuse is blown, that is confirmation but the faulty fuse means there is a short circuit in the TCM and/or wiring that would have to be traced and repaired.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
The service 4 wheel drive light comes on in my 05 Chevy Silverado 1500 HD
ANSWER : It is not likely that damage will occur or is occurring. Generally, it’s only if the check engine light is actually flashing that you can reasonably expect damage. As far as whether what you are describing is a "known issue" or not, there are many GM Technical Service Bulletins for your year, make and model that refer to the Service 4WD indicator. A brief list of these TSB’s appears below. If you desire that a certified Mechanic inspect your vehicle and determine if any of the below TSB’s are applicable or, if not applicable, simply pinpoint the problem, please request a warning light diagnostic.
GM Manufacturer Communication Number: 05-04-21-003 (TSB)
SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C0374 SET. INSPECT WIRING HARNESS TO TRANSFER CASE SPEED SENSORS, REPLACE WIRING HARNESS.
GM Manufacturer Communication Number: 3137
SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ON AND NO COMMUNICATION WITH TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE.
GM Manufacturer Communication Number: 3134B
SERVICE 4WD INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE CO327.
GM Manufacturer Communication Number: 3352
SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ON WITH EITHER A VARIETY OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES OR NO COMMUNICATION WITH THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE.
GM Manufacturer Communication Number: 3526
INTERMITTENT SERVICE 4WD LIGHT COMES ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C0306 OR C0308 STORED IN TCCM.
Can front wheel drive car engine power rear wheel drive
ANSWER : Anything is possible with enough engineering. The changes you are looking at would take major structural changes and would definitely not be an easy job. You could possibly consult a manufacturing engineer to get more details on how this could actually be carried out and whether it would be feasible.
Loud repetitive noise coming from front tire in 2 wheel drive, goes away when in 4 wheel drive.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Chances are there was an existing issue that was amplified by the tire rotation. There are several parts that will cause similar symptoms. You will want to consider the parts that are under load in 4wd, that are free when in 2wd. This would include the axle and sveral joints. There are a couple of tests that can be done. More damage was likely done driving on dry pavement in 4wd. It was a good step in diagnostics, but should be avoided. For more help with diagnosing the sounds, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
Turn selector switch to 2 Wheel Dr. and it stays in four-wheel-drive and then yellow light comes on on the dash and says service
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is equipped with an electric transfer case, in which something has gone wrong. The fact your are stuck in 4WD, is because the computers programming demands the system shuts down during this time. You will want to have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic codes to find out what about the system is failing. The codes can be removed to try and temporarily switch back to 2WD. Be careful with this, as shutting down the system when there is a fault is a safety matter. For more help with diagnostics, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
I was driving my 2012 Chevy traverse 2 wheel drive… And all of the sudden my check engine light comes on and shorty after that t
ANSWER : Hi there. Unfortunately, this appears to be another auto parts store misdiagnosis issue. The charging system of your vehicle is much more than just the battery. It is likely that a different component such as the battery cables, battery temperature sensor or even the connections to the alternator, main relay or ignition relay itself will need to be replaced. The best way to determine the source of your problem, it is best to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a car is hard to start inspection.
Battery light goes on when I start car then turns off, if I rev engine light comes back until rpms go down. Abs goes comes on/off
ANSWER : Batteries can die due to faults in the charging system so ideally a suspected "faulty" battery should be load tested before a decision is made to condemn it. The only exception to this rule is if the battery is already clearly "old" (greater than 5 years) but even then once you put a new battery in, as a replacement for a "dead" battery, you have to comprehensively check out the charging system. Diagnostic Trouble Code P0460 will result in disruption of the dashboard fuel gauge’s ability to accurately report your tank’s fuel levels. The fuel gauge readings may be erratic, or read somewhere off scale. Vehicles equipped with a low fuel warning light feature may also suffer from erratic low fuel warnings in the event of a code P0460. Unless the P0460 code has been reported alongside other trouble code, all of the vehicle’s essential systems should otherwise function normally. I would recommend that you request a check engine light diagnostic to first resolve the fault causing the P0460 code to set. The check gas cap light warning light could be due a faulty gas cap and/or small leaks in the EVAP system.
While driving on freeway truck goes into a limp mode, and the check engine light, abs light, parking break light, service brake
ANSWER : It is possible that you could be having an issue with your powertrain control module. This is somewhat of a common problem on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by the dealership to determine if the powertrain control module is functioning properly. If not, a reflash of the powertrain control module may resolve the issue but often times it must be replaced.
Can i swap à 4.3 chevy blazer four wheel drive into my 4.3 gmc Jimmy two wheel drive? 1995 Chevy Blazer
ANSWER : Hi – yes, the engine will bolt up, although some swapping of manifolds, accessory mounts, etc. may be required. The bigger issue is compatibility with engine electronics, which will include the transmission controller. Your are best off if you can use the engine and transmission controller off of the donor vehicle if the transmissions are the same. The electronic compatibility will be the most challenging part. Unfortunately, YourMechanic.com does not currently offer engine-swap services at this time. Here are some good technical references for background. Good luck!
