You don’t want to see the Service All Wheel Drive System message on your screen because it means there is a problem with the all wheel drive system. This could be caused by several problems, ranging from small sensor issues to major mechanical problems.
The message means that there might be a problem with the all-wheel drive’s fluids, transfer case, wires, or software. Don’t ignore this message; have the store or a nearby mechanic figure out what’s wrong. The problem may not be very important, but ignoring it will have awful results.
What Does “All Wheel Drive” Mean?
An all-wheel drive (AWD) system sends power from the engine to all four wheels at the same time. This differs from front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD), which only send power to the front or back wheels.
AWD systems are often found in off-road and performance cars. Because they help the wheels grip the road better, especially when driving in rough conditions. It has a better grip because when all four wheels are driven, the load and grip are spread out among them. This makes it less likely that the vehicle will slip or lose control.
What makes the Service All Wheel Drive System Message show up?
If the panel says “All Wheel Drive System Message,” it’s almost sure that your all-wheel drive has a problem that will cost a lot to fix.
This message is sent by the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU), which is like the car’s brain and uses sensors to run all the different systems and parts.
Multiple sensors send information to the AWD system so that it can work properly and give the best performance. If a monitor sends data that doesn’t match what should be sent, the ECU knows there is a problem and notifies the Service All Wheel Drive System.
1. Sensors that don’t work or are broken
The wheel speed sensors and transfer case sensors are very important for making sure that the AWD (all-wheel drive) system works well. The first one checks the state of the transfer case and measures how fast each wheel is moving. But if these sensors don’t work right or break down, they could send wrong information to the ECU, which would cause the AWD system to respond in the wrong way.
Sensors can go bad for several reasons, such as normal wear and tear, being in harsh weather or temperatures, or damage from road debris. If these sensors don’t work right, the AWD system might not work right, making driving dangerous.
2. Drivetrain problems that mechanics causes
The Service All Wheel Drive System message could show up if there are issues with the AWD system’s mechanics. Damage to the transfer case (which sends power to all four wheels), the differentials (which change the speed of the wheels when the vehicle turns), or the drive shafts (which send energy from the engine to the wheels) can all lead to this.
Broken parts or not working right can stop the AWD system from working right. Mechanical problems often happen because of accidents, bad driving conditions, normal wear and tear, and not doing maintenance chores like changing fluids when the manual says to.
3. Problems with software or electricity
More and more, modern cars depend on complicated software and electricity systems to do all of their different jobs. Like any other system, the AWD system is controlled by software algorithms and electrical data.
The message can also show up when there are problems with the electricity. Some of these are a wiring short that affects the AWD system, a bug in the ECU’s software, or a weak or failed battery. These kinds of problems can make the ECU get the wrong or mistaken information, which is what causes the message to be shown.
4. Not enough fluid levels
Different kinds of fluids are needed for the AWD system to work right. For example, transmission fluid keeps the transmission gears smooth, and differential fluid keeps the differential gears smooth. If these fluids aren’t in the right amounts, the parts they lubricate could get too hot, damaging them severely.
The Service All Wheel Drive System message could mean insufficient fluid exists. This could be due to a leak or not changing the fluids as often as the manufacturer recommends. The ECU can tell when this happens, so the fluid levels may be too low if it shows this message.
The AWD system may have trouble if your car shows the “All Wheel Drive System Message” sign. Getting a professional to look at it immediately is best so it doesn’t get worse and your car is safe to drive.
How to Make Things Right?
Several things could be done to fix the problem:
1. Check the amount of fluid
Check the Transmission Fluid
- Find the dipstick for the transmission fluid, which has a red handle. If you’re not sure, look at the car’s instructions.
- Take out the dipstick, clean it, and then put it back in all the way.
- Take it out again and check the amount of fluid. It must be in the middle of the “Full” and “Low” marks.
- If the fluid level is low, you’ll need to add the type of transmission oil that comes with the car. Do this slowly, and check the amount to ensure you don’t fill it up too much.
Check the Differential Fluid
- Find the fill plug for the differential. Most of the time, it’s on the side of the differential casing.
- Take the plug out. By putting your finger in and bending it down, you should be able to touch the fluid.
- If you can’t touch the fluid, you’ll need to add more of the right differential fluid until it starts to overflow, then put the plug back in.
- If you see a big fluid leak, you should get help from a professional who can find the cause and fix it properly.
2. Replacements and checks of sensors
Wheel Speed monitors
- Find the speed monitors for the wheels. They are usually near each wheel unit and are linked to the brake lines.
- Check them for any signs of damage or too much dirt, and clean them if needed.
- If cleaning doesn’t help or you can see that the sensors are faulty, you should get new ones. Usually, you must disconnect the wire harness and take off a bolt before pulling the sensor out.
Sensors in the transfer case
- It can be harder to find and get to transfer case sensors because they are usually built into the transfer case system.
- The service instructions for your car will tell you exactly where to find these sensors and how to clean or replace them.
- Remember that working with sensors often means working with your car’s electrical system. Before you start, disconnect the battery to avoid short circuits or shocks.
3. Inspection of Mechanical Parts
Look at the transfer case, differentials, and drive shafts to see if there is any damage or signs of normal wear and tear.
- When you’re moving, listen for strange sounds like grinding or clunking that could mean there is damage inside.
- Check these parts for signs of fluid leaks, which could mean a seal or gasket must be replaced.
For thorough checks or repairs, getting help from a professional mechanic or service shop is best. The drive shaft, differentials, and transfer case are all complicated and important parts of your car. If you handle them wrong, you could do more damage.
4. Look over the IT and electrical system
Check the AWD system’s wires for any damage or signs of wear that you can see. Frayed wires, broken insulation, or links that aren’t tight enough, and fix anything that needs fixing.
Check the battery in the car. It may not give the machine enough power if it is old or weak. Check the battery level with a voltmeter. When the car is off, it should show about 12.6 volts. If the battery’s charge is low, you should get a new one.
If you are having trouble with software, you should get help from a pro. An OBD-II analyzer might work if the person who made the software knows how to fix a problem. Don’t try to do this if you don’t know how.
Sometimes, your car might have problems that are hard to fix. You should talk to a mechanic or take it to a service shop if you don’t know what to do. They know what’s wrong and have the tools to fix it.
Conclusion
Your car’s “All Wheel Drive System Message” sign could show up for several reasons, such as bad sensors, problems with the drivetrain’s mechanics, problems with the software or electrical system, or low fluid levels. You should take care of these issues immediately to keep your vehicle safe and running well.
Fixing some All Wheel Drive System Message issues is pretty straightforward. For example, adding more transmission oil to a car that needs it is easy. Find the fill plug or dipstick and check the amount of the fluid. If it needs more, add it.
