AWD disable light?

DOOFUS

MEMBER
2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS

My dash is telling me "AWD disable". I checked on my gravel driveway it is front wheel drive only (only the front wheels are spinning). What would cause this and how can I fix it? I recently put new brake pads and rotors on so maybe that has something to do with it. I have a scanner but this is not an error code or check engine light code. Does the AWD system use the same sensors to detect spin as the ABS brake system? The ABS seems to be working okay.

Thanks, Doofus (I know just enough to be dangerous)

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

If this just started after the brakes were replaced then the likely thing is a wheel speed sensor was left unplugged. The AWD system is disabled if the ABS and traction control do not know how fast each tire is spinning.

So we need to start with scanning for ABS codes as that will tell us quickly what the issue could be.

Here are a couple guides that will help with this issue if I am correct:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTtAnsOlZU4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANWVTh2RQoQ

If this is a wheel speed circuit issue then here is a guide that will help with replacing or reinstalling it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-abs-wheel-speed-sensor

However, let's start with getting codes and go from there because that will tell us if the speed sensor circuit it open. Which would indicate the connector is unplugged.

Otherwise we have another system that is causing the AWD to be disabled.

Thanks