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4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/service light for 4 wheel drive

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Expert: - 6/18/2005


Question
Service light for 4 wheel drive came on.  What could be the problem.  Must it be repaired by the
dealer only.  1998 Olds bravada

Answer
Deanie,

On many vehicles, this light is set to come on at a specific mileage, usually around 60,000 to 70,000 miles.  Some of these can be reset by a switch under the dash, some need to be reset electronically.  Any reputable shop can reset this for you.  

This light is, usually different from the "Check Engine" light, which indicates that there was a fault reading by the internal computer.  This light should not be ignored too long, and should be checked out.

If you wish to check it out yourself, I would suggest that you purchase a repair manual.  A Chilton's or a Hayne's manual can be purchased at most auto parts stores for $20.  They have a lot of information on basic trouble shooting, and repairs, including how to reset many of the error codes.  These manuals are designed for a year or range of years for specific vehicles, and are invaluable if you are planning on doing any repairs, or maintenance yourself.

Carl

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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