A Jeep is a reliable vehicle to drive on and off a smooth surface. It’s pretty reliable for durable engines and vehicle parts.
Most Jeeps have 4WD system providing equal power from the engine to the wheels. However, the wheels don’t receive enough power from the machine, which flashes the 4WD light on the Jeep’s dashboard. Do you want to know what the service 4WD light means in a Jeep?
When you notice a flashing 4WD light on your Jeep’s dashboard, it means there’s a problem with the 4WD system. Reasons or symptoms like less engine power, excess fuel consumption, and rattling sound from the engine indicates the 4WD issue. Sometimes the Jeep loses a significant amount of traction on slippery surfaces due to this problem.
Solving the Jeep’s 4WD light issue isn’t tricky when you know why it happens. However, it’s wise to take the Jeep to a mechanic’s shop for a quick and reliable fix.
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Meaning Of 4WD In Jeep
Any light flashing on your Jeep’s dashboard is quite stressful if you don’t know whether it’s crucial or minor. So, you must see these alarm lights to understand the issue thoroughly. An illuminated 4WD light means the issue is severe and should be fixed immediately.
First, you should know the complete form of 4WD. The term “Four Wheel Drive” is referred to as 4WD. Generally, there are four drivetrain types:
These types exhibit how much power wheels receive from the engine. Four-wheel drive means each wheel gets the same power from the motor while running.
The four-wheel drive consumes more gasoline and power but delivers better performance in rough weather and pitch. As a result, drivers have more control over the Jeep, which makes it a driver’s choice.
7 Common Reasons For 4WD Light In A Jeep
The 4WD light on your Jeep’s dashboard is severe and annoying. It’ll give you more headaches if you don’t fix it early. But, sometimes, even experienced drivers fail to repair the 4WD light issue due to blurry knowledge about its symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to learn the 4WD light signs thoroughly.
So, what’re the general signs of a 4WD light? Hop in to discover the unique reasons for this issue.
1) Service 4WD Warning
The 4WD light pops on when there’s an issue with the 4WD system. So, when you notice the 4WD light, it directly indicates the 4WD system. Sometimes, the light gets defective with time, so you won’t be able to detect the issue.
2) Decreased Traction On Mud and Snow
As stated earlier, the light indicates the problems in the 4WD system. So, you won’t have the required traction on slippery surfaces if there’s a problem within the operating system.
3) Engine Rattling Noise
Another reason behind the illuminated 4WD light is the Jeep’s engine will make an ear-piercing rattling sound. Hence, it means there’s an issue with the machine or parts.
4) Less Engine Power
Whenever the engine is affected, it affects the overall performance of the Jeep. So, you’ve guessed it right if you think low engine power is a primary reason for the popped-on 4WD light.
5) Increased Fuel Consumption
The engine needs more fuel than before to provide the same amount of power to the wheels. As a result, the 4WD light flashes and indicates the problems in the Jeep’s engine. With a defective machine and an illuminated 4WD lamp, it’s tough to drive smoothly.
6) Decayed Front Tires
With a defective engine, your Jeep will consume more fuel to travel the same distance. Then, it’ll provide less traction on snowy or muddy surfaces affecting the lifespan of the tires. So, the tires decay faster, which triggers the bad 4WD light.
7) System Malfunction
It’s the most common and super annoying problem. Like other vehicles, a Jeep is equipped with internal computers to regulate the process. But, these computers fail with time, decreasing their efficiency and response.
Sometimes the light stays ON without any reason. So, it would be best to inspect the morning and the internal computers before looking for other reasons.
Should I Drive My Jeep With a 4WD Light ON?
It would be best not to drive your Jeep when the 4WD light is illuminated. The situation gets even worse while driving on dry and rough pavement.
A 4WD delivers superb performance on snow, gravel, and sand, creating some slippage between the front and rear wheels. But on a dry pitch, the 4WD system fails to generate slippage and grips more to the surface, consequently putting too much force on the wheels.
When the 4WD light pops up, you shouldn’t drive your Jeep too harshly. It might affect other engine parts of the Jeep and increase the total repair cost.
Don’t Drive Fast With An Illuminated 4WD Light
If you’re thinking of going on full-speed mode with your Jeep while the 4WD light is ON, avoid it. However, you can accelerate up to 55 mph when the 4WD indicates high. But with a low 4WD, you should maintain your Jeep’s speed at ten mph.
Increasing the Jeep’s velocity can damage various parts since the traction is relatively high on a dry surface. It would be best if you tried to maintain the maximum and minimum speed with an illuminated 4WD light on a low traction pitch. It’ll help you to reach the nearest repair shop with less damage.
Final Words
You shouldn’t ignore any Jeep issues, especially a 4WD light issue. Remember that without a proper functional 4WD system, your Jeep will fail to deliver optimum performance. Also, the engine suffers a heavy blow due to this problem.
I hope the discussion on what service 4WD light means in a Jeep has delivered the right message as accurately as possible. When you regularly check on your Jeep, you can clear service 4WD light or solve at least 50% of problems regarding the engine and other parts.
If you fail to do so, problems like flashing 4WD lights occur over time, affecting the engine’s health and the wheels. So, take your Jeep to the nearest repair shop whenever you notice an illuminating 4WD service light.
