Amber light
Four-wheel Drive Warning
The four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system has a fault or is overheated, so the car may drive with only two driven wheels.
High risk
Drive carefully, especially on slippery roads. Have the system checked soon.
Short answer · Can I drive with the four-wheel drive warning on?
Usually yes, carefully. The car often switches to two-wheel drive. Grip on snow, mud or wet roads is reduced. If the warning shows overheating, let the system cool down.
What to do
- Drive carefullyExpect less grip, especially when pulling away.
- Let it coolAfter heavy use in sand, snow or towing, stop and let the system cool.
- Check tyre sizesDifferent tyre sizes or wear can strain the system.
- Have it checkedA workshop reads the codes and checks the coupling, transfer case and fluids.
How is the light behaving?
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Steady | Four-wheel drive fault | Drive carefully and have it checked |
| Flashing | System overheating | Stop and let it cool |
Possible causes
- Overheated couplingLong wheel spin or heavy towing.
- Different tyre sizesUneven tyres strain the system.
- Coupling or transfer case faultActuator, fluid or internal fault.
- Sensor or communication faultThe control unit lacks a signal.
Don't confuse it with
Questions about Four-wheel Drive Warning
Do I need to replace all tyres together?
On many four-wheel drive cars it is recommended, because big differences in tread can strain the system.