‘Service 4WD’ Multiple General Motors SUVs Have Faulty AWD Systems
All-wheel drive system problems are striking just in time for massive winter storms. General Motors SUVs from Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick are frustrating drivers. The three-row family haulers have AWD systems that improperly function.
General Motors SUVs struggle with AWD system problems
Drivers have been complaining about all-wheel drive systems that don’t function properly. General Motors has taken notice of the issues related to an error code that appears on the dash.
In Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, or Buick Enclave SUVs, you may see “Service All Wheel Drive” or “service 4WD” illuminated in the gauge cluster upon starting the engine. This includes 2024 – 2026 Traverse and Acadia models as well as 2025-2026 Enclave model years.
Drivers in various forums complain that the AWD system can’t be engaged. The message seems to randomly go away and return.
General Motors issued a preliminary service bulletin to provide information to dealership technicians. It shares that engineers are investigating the problem.
There is a temporary fix for the problem. It involves disconnecting the 12V battery for 20 minutes to result in the impacted module. Then the vehicle is powered up and down as technicians log into the GDS2 to clear all of the diagnostic trouble codes.
After this process, the SUVs can be driven as normal. However, the error code could strike again. There currently isn’t a permanent solution. But this may lead to a recall and software update.
As the need for AWD amid harsh winter conditions continues, this is pretty inconvenient. How do you reach a dealership for a lengthy restart process if you need AWD to make it to the service center?
