What does the AWD system malfunction mean? You must have heard of this part if you are a longtime driver. Or if you didn’t know it before, this article is something you shouldn’t miss!
Because you may face many common errors with this system, which can affect your safety on the trip, jump into the next part to learn more about them and the best solutions.
What Is The AWD System?
AWD system means all-wheel drive, which is available on most modern car models. It gives the front and back wheels power and is essential to improve traction and keep the tire’s grip on the pavement.
Certainly, this part brings you many benefits that not only enhance the performance but also reduce the risk of accidents:
- Driving is possible even when the roads are covered in mud or ice.
- It is an automatic system that is constantly in operation.
- AWD significantly increases your car’s sportiness in several ways.
- General handling has improved. The car’s handling essentially refers to how easily it can be steady when moving down the road.
Some words and phrases related to this part you often come across are “2WD”, “4WD,” “RWD”, or “FWD”. They look complicated, but in fact, you can distinguish them easily:
- 2WD: Two wheels provide the power for a 2WD vehicle. Rear wheel drive (RWD) refers to the use of two rear wheels, whereas front wheel drive (FWD) indicates the use of two front wheels (FWD).
- 4WD: All four wheels are powered by 4WDs, which enhance traction. They are also designed with more durable suspension and higher road clearance, which is appropriate for more challenging driving situations. Until 4WD is explicitly engaged, they usually run in 2WD at all times.
How To Fix The AWD System Malfunction Errors: Causes And Solutions
There are five main reasons that make your vehicle have AWD system malfunction 2WD mode engaged warning.
- Loose gas cap: Tighten it or replacing by the new one
- Transmission, speed sensor issues, ignition on, or a faulty system: Use an OBD-II scanner to identify the fault codes or ask for help from experts.
Loose Gas Cap
When the gas cap is broken or loose, it will let contaminants into your fuel tank, leading to evaporation or poor fuel economy.
It sounds pretty simple and basic, but this is the cause of many problems, including other system warnings; a check engine light is an example.
How to fix AWS system malfunction? If the gas cap is loose, it is preferable to tighten it. And the light should turn off on its own after around 100 miles of driving.
In some more serious situations, when it is badly damaged and cannot keep the fuel tank sealed, the only way is to replace it. This needs to be done by professionals.
Transmission System Issues
The transmission system is crucial to provide the vehicle’s four wheels more grip on the road. When there is a problem with this mechanism, the vehicle’s four wheels cannot advance smoothly.
There are some common problems with this part, such as the fluid gushing out or its leakage, which will also affect the vehicle’s AWD.
For that reason, you sometimes may hear a grinding or clicking sound when driving.
This system also includes the transfer case, which houses the fluid used for gear shifting. However, it is challenging to change gears due to the unclean fluid.
Checking this system regularly is a must. As its fluid plays an important role, change it periodically to ensure the best performance for the engine.
Also, it may sound irrelevant, but make sure you use the correct tires. One that doesn’t fit also affects overall efficiency.
Speed Sensor Errors
The speedometer provides information regarding the vehicle’s speeds. The computer system recognizes this information and uses it to supply the RPMs and aid in gear shifting.
These sensors start to malfunction when driving on a mountainous or uneven surface. The defective sensors disable the traction and stability controls on the car.
After prolonged exposure to the elements of the road outside, the speed sensors on the wheel degrade.
The ineffective speed sensors cannot deliver the correct gear changes and speed maintenance indications.
Due to the loss of traction and stability, you shouldn’t drive it when the AWD is engaged and the sensors malfunction.
Driving in slick conditions that cause traction loss, wheel instability, decreased tire grip, and increased likelihood of accidents.
To solve this, you need to seek help from mechanics because it requires disassembling parts to check, repair, or replace.
Ignition On
Following the correct procedure, the ignition system will immediately turn off after you start the car.
When the AWD warning light is on, the system is working, and it is an error message. The combustion chamber’s overheating can be the reason leading to this situation.
The engine will misfire and suffer component damage if the ignition system is always left on.
Additionally, the malfunctioning transfer pump’s leakage of the air/fuel combination also contributes to the light flashing.
This common issue is brought on by the constant burning of the air/fuel mixture in this chamber due to overheating. Additionally, worn-out and damaged spark plugs contribute to the problems.
In the short term, you need to limit driving the car to rough or hilly areas because it accelerates the breakdown and makes the engine hotter.
Please quickly go to the nearest service center for repair advice.
Faulty System
After activating this feature while driving, the issue arises due to the clutch’s exterior leaking. A defective differential clutch is another factor contributing to this component’s malfunction.
Additionally, the incorrect gasoline loading of the pumps and gaskets during replacement also impacts how well they work.
If your car’s all-wheel drive isn’t functioning, it means that even after applying acceleration, the car isn’t moving forward. This technology has difficulty when used on icy, snowy, or muddy roadways.
Some small errors may cause the system to fail, and you need experts to check to fix them. Replacement is mandatory in some cases, such as a too old system or severe damage.
Is It Safe to Drive With An AWD System Malfunction?
What should you do when you see the message “AWD system malfunction 2wd mode engaged visit your dealer“? Is it safe to continue driving?
AWD caution does not require you to stop driving immediately. In short, you can still safely continue to control the vehicle, but more attention is required during operation.
Even though driving your car with AWD disabled is still safe, you should get the issue identified and corrected right away. Exercise caution because your car will handle it differently than you might expect.
This is riskier while driving in slick weather like rain or snow since the AWD alert means the system is broken and is therefore completely disabled.
As a result, just the front wheels of your car are propelled and used for steering.
FAQs
What Causes AWD Malfunction Toyota Rav4?
What causes the AWD system malfunction Toyota Rav4? Toyota Rav4 is a popular SUV. Its AWD system is also appreciated for its outstanding accuracy and efficiency.
Similar to other car models, the cause of this can be one or several of the five common causes that we have listed above:
- Loose gas cap
- Issues with the transmission system
- Speed sensor errors
- Ignition on
- Faulty system
What Is The AWD System Malfunction 2WD Mode Engaged Toyota Rav4?
In short, when the AWD malfunction Toyota Rav4 turns to 2WD mode, it means your car is having problems and it has switched to 2-wheel drive instead of 4-wheel drive.
When a car is in 2WD mode, it only powers the front or back wheels. Not all four wheels will receive power from it.
In this case, you’ll still be able to operate your car, but you won’t have complete control of AWD mode.
What Happens If I Continue Driving A Car With A Faulty AWD System?
As mentioned above, you can continue when you see the indicator light of this system flashing.
However, you must understand that now only two wheels are driven instead of 4 wheels, the safety is not 100% secured.
If under normal conditions, when the weather is dry, and the surface has no problems, the safety level is still guaranteed. However, it will be a problem when the weather conditions are bad.
AWD decreases wheelspin anytime you try to accelerate in snow, slush, and on icy roads, but it has no impact on a car’s ability to stop or turn in those same hazardous situations.
What Should I Do When The AWD Light On?
Suppose you see the warning light come on while driving; stay calm, as you can continue driving safely. You can check it out on your way to expert help. Start from the most basic cause – a loose gas cap.
After you’re done adjusting it but the indicator light stays on, perhaps the problem is more serious. This is the time when you should go to the service center as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In general, when you see the AWD system malfunction warning, your vehicle has problems. There are five main causes that you should keep in mind:
- Loose gas cap
- Issues with the transmission system
- Speed sensor errors
- Ignition on
- Faulty system
Let’s check the gas cap first, and then you can use a scanner to see where the problem is.
However, it would be better if there were mechanics that thoroughly check the problems and fix them for you.