AWD on the Brink!!!

[rlouisa]

Hello All,

Been trying to help others out, now I need some help. First of all I have a Buick Rainier, with the I6, AWD. We just bought this 2004 about two weeks ago and about 6 days ago it started being sluggish while driving. I went on an errand today and the check 4x4 went on I believe. It is 4 wheels with the drive train inbetween with a wrench next to it. At this point I drove it to my dealer that I trust and while driving it was surging?!?!! Keep in mind this is a 2004 with 23k miles on it. Any ideas?

Ryan

[ScarabEpic22]

Interesting man, sorry to hear that. Sounds like an issue with the programming that should hopefully be fixed with a transfer case encoder reflash. If not, then it is probably something expensive.:(

Could you take a pic of the light that came on? It sounds like the light on your Ranier is slightly different than the TB/Voy cluster Service 4WD light.

[rlouisa]

Well, just looked it is the service AWD light. The book states it as this:

The service all wheel drive light comes on to indicate that there may be a problem with the drive system and service is required. Malfunctions can be indicated by the system before any problem is apparent, which may prevent serious damage to the vehicle. This system is also designed to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing a malfunction.

Gives you a nice warm feeling doesn't it?!?!?!

The link to the page is here:

https://www.mygmlink.com/pdf/go2content/manual/US/en/buick/2k04rainier.pdf

And the light is on page 149.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ryan

[TheCreator]

I wouldn't be all that concerend sounds like you are still under manufacturer warranty.

[ScarabEpic22]

I wouldn't be all that concerend sounds like you are still under manufacturer warranty.
Yea, I would just take it into the dealer and have them fix it for you.

[MTPockets]

Could be a wheel speed sensor or one of the other electronic gizmos..:undecided Either way you've got a bit of 3/36 warranty remaining.

Joel

[ghoster]

Yea, I would just take it into the dealer and have them fix it for you.

:iagree: This is a job for the dealer.:cool:

[rlouisa]

Well it has been at the dealer, and they found out it was a bad transfer case sensor. So nothing to be alarmed at. Guess I was putting the cart before the horse. Thanks all.

Ryan

[MTPockets]

For future reference, did they give you a specific name for the sensor?

Joel

[rlouisa]

Thanks all again for your help. I received the car back and the issue was it needed a sensor assembly (transfer case range selector). Without the warranty you would be looking at 206.59 to replace. Just FYI.

Ryan

[MTPockets]

Hmmm... anybody know if the AWD uses the same encoder motor as the 4x4? I thought the encoder motor housed any T case related sensors?!? Transfer case encoder motors are a fairly common failure item on the 4x4 TB's.

G/luck
Joel