Top 4 Things to Know About Chevy 4-Wheel Drive Switch Problems

Did you know that General Motors’ revenue last year was almost $130 billion? GM is known for producing a range of popular car brands, including Chevrolet.

If you’ve purchased a Chevy recently, you may be surprised to learn that there have been issues with a broken chevy 4-wheel selection. What customers are most shocked about are the 4-wheel drive switch issues that continue to crop up.

Are you wondering what kind of issues, in particular, you could run into? Keep reading to learn all about the top 4 things relating to Chevy 4-wheel drive switch problems.

1. Selector Switch or 4WD Transfer Case Encoder Motor Position Issues

If you’ve had your Chevy for quite some time, it’s possible that the Chevy drive problems are only just now occurring. One of the most common issues doesn’t occur until you’ve driven around 150,000 miles or so. At this point, you may discover issues in either the selector switch or the 4-wheel drive transfer case encoder motor position.

In scenarios where this issue does crop up, you’ll notice that the 4WD service message will pop up on your instrument panel. Before you start worrying, it may be of some comfort to learn that this issue is most common with the 2008 Chevy Silverado, in particular. If you have a different model, then you may not have to worry about this specific issue.

Are you wondering how this issue happens in so many models, to begin with? Due to a faulty design, moisture, dirt, and debris can negatively affect the vehicle’s bolts. Not just any bolts but the ones attached to the frame’s ground wires.

All that combined with corrosion, it’s no wonder the selector switch and similar problems occur. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only 4WD switch issue that can come from buying a Chevy.

2. A Stuck 4-Wheel Drive System

Yet another common Chevy 4×4 issue involves the entire 4-wheel drive getting stuck. If your switch is defective, then you could have a vehicle that’s either stuck in 4-wheel drive or one that can’t switch into 4WD.

It may seem like a minor problem to have the car engaged in 4-wheel drive at all times but it’s actually more serious than some people realize. By leaving the system engaged, the parts associated with a 4-wheel drive will wear out sooner than if you were able to use your car in a normal fashion.

It shouldn’t fall on the customer to deal with this common problem and pay for the switch fix, as well as the replacement of any parts that wore out too soon. Are you unsure whether or not your vehicle is experiencing this specific issue? You should check the appropriate indicator on the instrument panel because it’s supposed to let you know by flashing.

Some troubleshooting solutions involve cutting the engine. This should disengage your 4WD system. If not, you can try reversing your Chevy for a brief while, but no longer than the length of the vehicle itself.

After reversing it, put the vehicle back into drive. At this point, the 4-wheel drive system should be off. If this fails too, then the last troubleshooting trick involves switching the 4WD to low mode and then putting it to 2-wheel mode before turning it off completely.

If the problem is still persisting, then you should consult with both a reliable mechanic and a knowledgeable lawyer.

3. 4WD Not Working at All

It’s an unfortunate fact that a stuck 4WD is not the worst of the Chevy 4×4 problems. It’s possible that you have a faulty model which can’t get into 4-wheel drive at all. Again, this is an issue that is often traced back to the front axle engagement switch.

When it comes to troubleshooting, you can try pressing the switch again and again in a short period of time. Jostling the switch can also sometimes help with solving the issue, at least on a temporary basis so that you can use the vehicle. However, it’s possible that the 4WD won’t stay engaged even after it got started up from pressing the button over and over again.

It’s not hard to see how this can take a toll on the vehicle and also pose a danger to yourself and your passengers. This is yet another reason to visit a mechanic and schedule a consultation with a lawyer who you can trust.

4. An Inaccurate 4WD Indicator

As if the Chevy FWD problems mentioned above weren’t enough, there’s also the possibility of having a 4WD indicator that isn’t accurate at all. For example, the 4WD light can be on even when the system itself isn’t engaged. It’s also possible to have the system engaged even though the light has failed to turn on.

Before you start to worry too much, the issue could be that the light in the instrument panels needs replacing. This is only true if the light doesn’t come on even though the vehicle is in 4-wheel drive. If the reverse is true, then you’ll have to check to see if the 4WD system is engaging as it should.

The quickest and easiest way to check this is by putting the vehicle on a lift and seeing if all four tires turn when stepping on the gas.

Are You Ready to Get Justice for Chevy 4-Wheel Drive Switch Problems?

Now that you’ve learned all about the top 4 things relating to Chevy 4-wheel drive switch problems, you can get rid of your lemon car and upgrade to something reliable. However, the company shouldn’t get away with selling you a faulty product.

Robison Lemon Law Group LLC is ready to represent your case in a court of law. Our team knows the ins and outs of the PA Lemon Law, NJ Lemon Law, and NY Lemon Law, as well as the lemon laws of other states. Whether you bought a lemon Chevy or a different manufacturer, you can have peace of mind when seeking our services.

Get free lemon lawyer help by contacting us now.

Scroll to Top