These days, many four-wheel-drive systems are electronically controlled - a button is pushed to engage four-wheel-drive, which activates a solenoid in the transfer case, shifting it into gear. What happens when yours stops working? Motorworks Northwest, Inc in Mt Vernon, WA has the answers.

It’s frustrating when a four-wheel-drive system stops working. Most likely, you won’t notice until you really need it, and you won’t get any explanation as to why it won't engage. You push the button, and nothing happens. Here are some common causes of a four-wheel-drive system failing to engage.

Shift Solenoid - There’s a solenoid at the transfer case that shifts the vehicle in and out of four-wheel-drive. If the solenoid fails, it won’t shift, and you’ll be stuck with half your wheels doing all the work. If a solenoid goes out, it needs to be replaced - but the rest of the transfer case is probably still fine. Have a technician diagnose the solenoid and replace it with a new one.

Fuse/Bad Wiring - If the electrical current between the switch and the solenoid is interrupted, the solenoid can’t shift and won’t get any input from the driver. It could be as simple as a fuse, or there may be a broken wire somewhere down the line. Whether your fuse is messed up or your wiring has issues, our technicians at Motorworks Northwest, Inc can get the problem taken care of. 

Faulty Switch - If the switch itself is bad, it won’t let current flow from the battery to the solenoid, and won’t allow the transfer case to engage four-wheel-drive. Even if the switch feels fine, it could be corroded, dirty, or broken internally. It’ll need to be replaced with a new one to get the vehicle operating properly again.

The good news here is that none of these issues require replacing a transfer case, or anything too labor-intensive and time-consuming. Most likely, we’ll be able to have all your wheels turning again in no time.

No matter your repair or maintenance needs, we’ve got you covered. For the best transmission service shop in Mt Vernon, WA call or stop by Motorworks Northwest, Inc today.

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Thank you for visiting Motorworks Northwest, Inc in Mt Vernon, WA. Count on our automotive repair technicians to keep your car, truck, suv, or van on the roads longer and safer.

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