2003 Oldsmobile Bravada Problems with 4WD

Z BARB GO

MEMBER
2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
10,200 MILES

Dealership Service Dept. Told me that the front wheels are not engaging. Back wheels are fine. Thus, my 4WD is not functioning as such. What could cause this? All maintenance service has been done diligently. Does this have to do with the front differential? Transfer case? Just had the front differential service done in Nov, 2009. They are telling me it could cost upwards of $1500, including cost to rip apart and find out what the problem is. I have not noticed any problems with tires slipping, etc. I hope you can help me understand what is happening, or what might be happening. I know very little about cars, but it seems since the 96,000 miles mark, every time I take the car in for an oil change, I come away with more problems.

5 Replies

FACTORYJACK

MECHANIC
4,159 POSTS

You could have a couple conditions that can cause something like this. Did you take it in for this complaint, or was this suggested. First, is the service AWD/FWD light coming on, or does it come on at key on. It should come on at key on, but it may not be. Next, were there any diagnostic trouble codes that they referred to in accordance with this concern?

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Thursday, February 25th, 2010 AT 12:41 AM

Z BARB GO

MEMBER
4 POSTS

[quote="barb"] I did not take the car in for this complaint. It was discovered by the dealership during an oil change. The car was hoisted. There was no diagnostic test done. The AWD service button lights up when car is first turned on, but does not stay lit.

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Thursday, February 25th, 2010 AT 11:26 AM

FACTORYJACK

MECHANIC
4,159 POSTS

Usually, this would fall under a customer complaint, and not be sought after and recommended during an oil change. How is it determined that the vehicle is not driving the front wheels, and how would you know there is actually a problem? The scenario that I have seen, usually ends up with someone in loose traction, or stuck, when they determine the front is not driving. It could be true, but that is a pretty thorough inspection that determined a fault. There could be a code stored, or an override that could be performed with a scan tool to determine if there is a fault. Otherwise, you would have to be in a situation where there is poor traction and spin the wheels, if the front locks and drives, there is no problem. This could also be determined on a hoist I suppose. If your too skeptical, it may be worth a second opinion.

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Thursday, February 25th, 2010 AT 10:05 PM

Z BARB GO

MEMBER
4 POSTS

[quote Z Barb go] Thank you for your input. I have scheduled another second opinion and will see what the verdict is. I am having a hard time thinking that the dealership wants to "rip apart" my automobile to find out what the problem is with my 4WD. Since I have had no indication there is a problem, and cannot see myself driving my car into a snowpile or mud to see if the 4WD is not working, I will consider what the second opinion has to say. Thank you again for your input.

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Friday, February 26th, 2010 AT 9:52 AM

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