"Check AWD" Warning dash display

shawmcbigdis · May 14, 2016, 01:53:57 PM

So on my 2013 EcoBoost Flex, twice in the past 3 weeks I've got a "Check AWD" warning on the dash. When I get to my destination and turn off the car, when I turn it back on the warning is gone. I just checked with my OBDII scanner and there is no error saved in the ECU.

Is this a real problem, or maybe something like it just ran over a rough patch of ground and that warning pops up by default. On our old Trailblazer SS, that would happen with the traction control, you'd drive over some rough patch and it would say there was a traction control error. Then on next start it would be fine. I'm hoping thats what it is, and not a real problem with the drive-train. It's only 3 years old, and 42k miles, so engine and trans are still under warranty, but still not something I want to have to deal with. I find even warranty work can be trying to have done most the time.

So is there anything else I can check? Or do I just wait until it happens again, and go straight to the dealership when it come on, or ignore it and move along?

Thanks

AJP turbo · May 14, 2016, 02:01:40 PM

What wheels and tires do you have?

Ptu and rdu filled properly with fresh fluid?

glock-coma · May 14, 2016, 02:16:59 PM

I've had the traction off light come on a few times on my 2010 SHO. It always clears after a restart.
No codes stored.
Not sure what causes it, but it never lead to any issues

L1gerZero · May 14, 2016, 02:35:22 PM

I had the same thing happen with the advancetrac. I was 800 miles from home and it randomly turned on right after i put it in reverse. Turned it off and back on and it was gone. When i got home i took it to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong and not to worry about it unless it pops up again. I've had no issues 4,000 miles later.

It seems that just like with computers, the codes might get mixed up and they just needed a reset.

SHOdded · May 14, 2016, 02:42:12 PM

Check AWD
Displayed in conjunction with the Throttle
Control/Transmission/AWD light when the
AWD system is not operating properly. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.

Possibly the wheel speed sensors need cleaning, but more usual to have the wrench or Service AdvanceTrac lights come on in that case.

Didn't drive the Flex through high water right? Probably not an issue if you have the PTU vent extension into the engine compartment next to the master cylinder/reservoir.

shawmcbigdis · May 14, 2016, 03:07:20 PM

We have the stock black 20" Titanium package wheels. Haven't driven through high water. Only light on is the wrench, with the "Check AWD" pop up error. PTU and RDU have not been touched, by us at least. We've only had the car for about 4-5 months. Will the dealer refresh fluid in there if I tell them the warning has been coming up?

Speaking of dealers, anyone on here in the Oklahoma City area, and know of a good dealer service department?

AJP turbo · May 14, 2016, 03:10:55 PM

What are the tire sizes?

FoMoCoSHO · May 14, 2016, 04:08:55 PM

I'd check for uneven tire wear first.

ZSHO · May 14, 2016, 05:09:19 PM

When did you start using the OBS Scanner? Do you leave it plugged in? Z

SHOdded · May 14, 2016, 06:40:03 PM

Quote from: ZSHO on May 14, 2016, 05:09:19 PM
When did you start using the OBS Scanner? Do you leave it plugged in? Z

Good thought, Z!

shawmcbigdis · May 15, 2016, 10:10:34 AM

Tire size is 245/50R20. I assumed that is the stock size, but I just checked and I guess stock size is 255/45. That makes for a .62 inch smaller tire, or 2%. But its the same all around, so while it may effect speedo/odo, again by 2% which is pretty small, I would assume the drive train would be fine with it. The AWD cars I've had before, just needed same size all around.

The scanner, I do not leave plugged in all the time, only plug it in while using it. In this case I hadn't had it plugged in for a few months.

AJP turbo · May 15, 2016, 10:19:03 AM

Im not positive but that could he a problem because the rpm and signal from the speed sensors at the wheels because things will be out of whack

Output speed shaft vs wheel speed and engine rpm will conflict i think

You can change sizes but the overall OD needs to match closely to the stock size

SHOdded · May 15, 2016, 10:22:17 AM

A tune can adjust the wheel/tire size for you, I think dealerships can do this as well.

shawmcbigdis · May 15, 2016, 10:58:36 AM

Yeah, this thing does have a lot more computers monitoring everything as apposed to my previous AWD cars. It just seems weird that this never happened until recently. We've had the car for 4-5 months, and that never happened until 2 weeks ago.

Still I guess I can contact Livernois and see if they can put the tire size compensation in my tune.

Bigfoot · May 15, 2016, 02:41:03 PM

I've has the AWD OFF message once, but that was when i had to throw the spare on for about 25 miles to limp to a tire shop. new tire back on, message off no issues since.