Be Smart With Cars

The option of four-wheel-drive power at the push of a button is definitely a convenient feature to have. Most vehicles that have this type of drive train control will give you the option of driving in regular two-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive high range, or four-wheel-drive low range. Even though it is convenient to be able to make traction changes inside of the cab by just making your selection on the dash, there are a few things that can go wrong that will land you in an automotive repair shop. Here are a few of the most likely issues that can come up with your push-button four-wheel-drive system. 

Problem: The lights on the button panel will not illuminate and your vehicle will not shift into four-wheel-drive. 

Cause and Solution: Your four-wheel-drive system in a modern car is highly electronic, and, therefore, has many different fuses. Some fuses are located under the hood, but the fuse that controls the switch itself will be inside of your vehicle. If your switch seems to be not functioning at all, you may have a blown fuse, but it could also be that your switch is going bad as well. Check your owner's manual for a fuse diagram and pull the correct fuse to see if it is indeed blown. If it is not, you will need to order a new switch panel or have one installed by an auto repair shop.

Problem: Your vehicle will shift into either four-wheel-drive high or low range, but will not turn off when you push the button. 

Cause and Solution: Connected to the drive train controller of the transmission is the transfer case motor, which turns a cog with your command to put the vehicle in the selected range. If you constantly see your vehicle stuck in four-wheel-drive, there is a good chance that the motor is starting to fail. Fixing the transfer case motor is simple. This involves removing a few bolts and slipping the motor from its seated position. However, after replacement, the system will have to be reset, which does get pretty complicated and may be best left to a mechanic.

Problem: The four-wheel-drive system kicks in without any command from you at all. 

Cause and Solution: The transfer case control module, which is located just beneath the kick panel on the passenger side of most vehicles, is responsible for sending signals to the transfer case. If your four-wheel-drive system is kicking on without you doing anything at all, there is a good chance that the module is failing or defective. In some cases, you can rectify this problem by disconnecting the cable connectors and cleaning any visible corrosion, but usually the module will have to be replaced. 

By getting to know some of the most prevailing issues of the push-button four-wheel-drive system you have in your vehicle, you will not feel so lost when you start seeing signs that there is a problem. If you have additional symptoms not listed here, be sure to talk to a technician from an automotive repair service like Ericson Automotive for advice.