The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a versatile SUV that can tackle just about any terrain. However, if you don’t maintain it properly, you may find yourself stuck in the mud—literally. One of the most important maintenance items on your Jeep Grand Cherokee is the warning service 4WD system.
This system is designed to notify you when it’s time to take your Jeep in for service. However, if you don’t reset the system after each service, you’ll continue to see the warning light on your dash. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to reset the warning service 4WD system on your Jeep Grand Cherokee so you can avoid costly repairs down the road.
What's in this post?
What is the Warning Service 4WD System?
The warning service 4WD system is a sensor that monitors the health of your Jeep’s four-wheel drive system. If the sensor detects a problem, it will illuminate a warning light on your dashboard. This light looks like a picture of a car with four squiggly lines underneath it.
Should I Be Concerned If My Jeep Says “Service 4 Wheel Drive?”
If your Jeep is displaying the “Service 4 Wheel Drive” message, it’s important to have it checked out by a qualified technician as soon as possible. In some cases, this message may be caused by a simple sensor issue that can be easily fixed. However, in other cases, it may be indicative of a more serious problem that could cause extensive damage to your Jeep’s four-wheel drive system if left unaddressed.
What Causes the Jeep Grand Cherokee Service 4 Wheel Drive Light?
You’re driving down the highway and you notice a light on your dash has lit up. It’s the service 4 wheel drive light. Let’s find out why!
Overheated Transfer Case
The transfer case is what provides power to the front and rear wheels of your 4×4. If this overheats, it can cause the service 4 wheel drive light to come on. To fix this, you’ll need to take your vehicle to a mechanic who can check the fluid levels and make sure everything is in working order.
Sensor Failure
Another possible reason for the service 4 wheel drive light coming on is sensor failure. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as dirt and debris buildup or a faulty connection. If you suspect this is the problem, again, you’ll need to take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection. They’ll be able to tell you for sure and make any necessary repairs.
The System Is Working Normally
In some cases, the service 4 wheel drive light may come on even though there’s nothing wrong with the system. This is usually due to changes in temperature or terrain. If you’re driving in cold weather or off-road, for example, the light may come on as a warning that the system is being used more than usual and could overheat if not used properly. In these cases, there’s no need to worry; once you return to normal driving conditions, the light will turn off on its own.
The service 4 wheel drive light is designed to let you know when there’s an issue with your vehicle’s four-wheel-drive system. While it can be alarming to see this light come on, in most cases it’s nothing to worry about.
However, if the light stays on after returning to normal driving conditions or if it comes on frequently, it’s a good idea to take your vehicle in for an inspection by a professional mechanic just to be safe.
Symptoms of 4WD Problems
If you drive a 4WD vehicle, it’s important to be aware of the most common symptoms of 4WD problems. By knowing what to look for, you can catch issues early and avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are four of the most common symptoms of 4WD problems:
- Your vehicle shakes or vibrates when you turn on the 4WD.
- Your vehicle makes strange noises when you turn on the 4WD.
- Your vehicle’s 4WD system seems to be engaging and disengaging on its own.
- Your vehicle gets stuck in mud or sand more easily than it used to.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your vehicle checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse and could eventually lead to permanent damage to your vehicle’s 4WD system.
How to check if 4WD is Working Normal
Before taking your truck off-roading, you’ll want to make sure that your 4WD is in good working condition. Luckily, there’s a quick and easy way to test if all 4 wheels are engaging properly. Follow the steps below to ensure that your 4WD is working as it should.
- Park your truck on level ground and engage the parking brake.
- Start the engine and shift into neutral.
- Press the 4WD button on your dash (this will engage the front axle).
- Slowly let off of the brake pedal while applying gentle pressure to the accelerator. If all 4 wheels are working properly, your truck should move forward smoothly without any issues.
- If you feel a jerking motion or one of the wheels seems to be slipping, then something is definitely not right and you’ll need to have your truck inspected by a mechanic before taking it off-roading.
Testing your 4WD before heading out on an adventure is a crucial step to take in order to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can rest assured knowing that all 4 of your tires are gripping properly and you’re good to go!
Why You Need to Reset the Service 4WD System
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a Service 4WD system that helps to keep the vehicle stable while driving on unstable or uneven surfaces. The system uses sensors to monitor the traction of the wheels and adjust the power accordingly. Over time, these sensors can become covered in dirt and debris, which can cause them to malfunction.
That’s why it’s important to reset the Service 4WD system after every oil change. By resetting the system, you’re giving the sensors a chance to “start fresh” and function properly again. In addition, resetting the system also helps to prolong its life span.
How to Reset the Service 4WD System in 3 Easy Steps
Now that you know why it’s important to reset the service 4WD system in your Jeep Grand Cherokee, let’s go over how to do it. The process is pretty simple and only takes a few minutes. Here’s what you need to do:
- Step 1: Drive your Jeep Grand Cherokee onto a level surface such as a driveway or parking lot. Once you’re in place, turn off the engine and engage the parking brake.
- Step 2: Press and hold the “4WD” button on the dash for approximately five seconds. You should see a message on the instrument panel that says “Service 4WD System Reset.”
- Step 3: Start the engine and press the “4WD” button again. You should see another message that says “4WD Disabled.” This indicates that the Service 4WD system has been successfully reset and is now working properly again.
And that’s all there is to it! By following these three simple steps, you can easily reset the Service 4WD system in your Jeep Grand Cherokee—no mechanic required.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Jeep Grand Cherokee running properly for years to come. One of the most important things you can do is reset the Service 4WD system after every oil change. Fortunately, this process is quick and easy to do yourself—simply follow the three steps laid out in this blog post and you’ll be good to go!
