QX4 4WD warning, lighting intermittently

[Lakon]

I'm new to the forum and really enjoy the informed suggestions and advice from all the members.

I just purchased a 1998 QX4 from a family friend. The vehicle is in overall good shape other than an annoying issue with the 4WD warning light.When set on 2WD,most of the time, the green 2/4 wheel drive-indicator lights-up to show the two rear wheels engaged. Sometimes however, the drive-indicator lights turn off and the 4WD warning lights-up (solid not blinking).

The previous owner tells me that he had the problem checked on three occasions and no mechanic found the problem. Someone told me that this could possibly be a transmission issue, so I took the vehicle to a transmission shop. Again, I was told that the transmission was working properly. I had the chance to drive the truck in heavy snow recently and it seemed to me that the 4WD system worked fine.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Could it be some sensor issue or the start of something much more expensive to repair?

[LuxBond]

I'm having the same problem. Thought maybe I wasn't operating the Hi/Lo, 2WD/Auto/Lock, and transmission in the correct order :dunno:

When I set to HI/2WD, the rear lights stay solid and the fronts/center diff lights blink- if they do anything, other times nothing lights up.

Full lock and 4WD/Lo work fine in both operation and dash lights.

Any veterans with input?

Edit* When I switch from AUTO to 2WD, the lights blink for about one minute, then the 4WD warning light pops up. Ideas?
Modified by LuxBond at 1:03 PM 3/13/2008

[bmlawless]

I wonder if the system is confused because it was not shifted into 2WD from 4LO at some point. When I first got mine, I messed it up. You woner's manual outlines the procedure to make the shift. If you don't have it, let me know and I will get it from my manual.

If nothing else, you'll be able to rule it out and start trouble shooting. If everything works as it should, it could just be a sensor that is not reading properly.

[LuxBond]

Never touched 2WD/LO together.

Earlier, I restarted the truck a few times- thinking maybe it needed the power to cycle to read correctly. Didn't help.

Just went out, started her up and it read 2WD correctly & AUTO correctly. No blinking lights, no warning lamps. Don't know if it was a fluke- or if it will go back to acting up again.

And I've got the owner's manual, and the little tip sheets from the visor- reading them didn't really help my situation.

Any other input is appreciated.

I'll post some pics tomorrow probably, 97 QX4 pearl white w/ tow package at 110K for $5000.

[fueler]

is it possible you have different size/brand tires from front to back?

[LuxBond]

4 matching balanced tires, alignment is good, suspension is new.

[fueler]

Im sorry - mismatched tires would have caused a blinking light. Well the Nissan technical manual is vague on solid light. A solid 4WD lamp simply means a problem in 4wd system.

Theres A LOT of things that could have gone bad. You will have to run the 4wd on-board diagnosis. Luckily its not that hard. Heres a little taste

Let me know your email address and ill send you the full PDF with pictures and details.

[LuxBond]

EDIT* Found self-diagnostic procedure for 97-99 models. While appreciated- the above is for 99.5 I believe, or whenever they switched from the Hi/Lo floor mounted shift lever.

To self-diagnose 4WD malfunction lamp on 97-99:

1. Warm up engine to normal temp2. Ignition OFF, then ON/OFF at least twice3. Ensure vehicle is in PARK and HIGH gear4. 4WD to AUTO, ignition ON5. Shift to REVERSE6. 4WD to AUTO, 2WD, AUTO, 2WD, AUTO7. Shift to DRIVE8. 4WD to AUTO, LOCK, AUTO, LOCK, AUTO9. Shift to NEUTRAL, then to PARK10. Read codes11. ?12. Profit
Modified by LuxBond at 2:14 PM 3/16/2008

[bmlawless]

Are you sure this is for 97-99? I don't have a 4WD position for my switch. I have 2WD, AUTO, and LOCK. I have a lever to go from 4HI-4LO.

[LuxBond]

Are you sure this is for 97-99? I don't have a 4WD position for my switch. I have 2WD, AUTO, and LOCK. I have a lever to go from 4HI-4LO.

Not sure what you mean, this is definitely for a 97 QX4- I did it and got code 18. I just used the term "4WD to ..." for the 2WD/AUTO/LOCK switch.

[larrylaroo]

I

Not sure what you mean, this is definitely for a 97 QX4- I did it and got code 18. I just used the term "4WD to ..." for the 2WD/AUTO/LOCK switch.

oqn

I own a 1998 QX4- recently had transmission overhauled. 4 wheel drive warning light ( top left of dashboard) comes on after I drive about 10 miles. It DOES NOT come on every day, any suggestions or has anyone faced same problem?

[fueler]

i suggest you download the FSM for your year vehicle at phatg20 (google it) it will have detailed instructions how to run the onboard diagnostic.

[KoukiS14]

Welcome to NICO, LAKON!

[CarInstructions]

Hi everybody this is my first post and i need some help. I have my 97 QX4 4WD stays on all the time. I followed the instructions and i get the code 15 which is failure in power supply circuit of transfer control unit. Any idea what it is and how it can be fixed.

Thanks in advance.

[JHereth22]

Recently the 4wd light has come on with the check engine light. Along with the overdrive light flashes for a few seconds when i start the SUV.
I thought it was the battery, so i had that replaced today. The lights did go away, but i drove to work and they came back on..
It is a 99 QX4, with 175k on it. This isn't my DD but is my bad weather vehicle... Any ideas? Nissan had it for 5 hours and couldn't find anything wrong expect a bad battery...
HELP ME

[atraudes]

Recently the 4wd light has come on with the check engine light. Along with the overdrive light flashes for a few seconds when i start the SUV.
I thought it was the battery, so i had that replaced today. The lights did go away, but i drove to work and they came back on..
It is a 99 QX4, with 175k on it. This isn't my DD but is my bad weather vehicle... Any ideas? Nissan had it for 5 hours and couldn't find anything wrong expect a bad battery...
HELP ME

Follow and post any updates in the original question.

[JHereth22]

Will do, I'm going to do diagnostics tonight after work

[Buzzman]

I may be over simplifying this, but I had a similar problem a few months ago.
Had to replace the alternator (and battery).
Check the voltage at the battery while it's running. Should be around 14.5 volts.

[JHereth22]

Battery just got replaced yesterday man.. I thought that as well. But it blinked 14 times which means the Throttle Postion Sensor is shorted or open... Idk

[JHereth22]

Update. Got a TPS Sensor off a 97 Pathfinder. Put it on and Check Engine light went away!

[Muso4hire]

I put my 97 qx4 in lock and low(redundant I now know) to pull my brother's Saturn out of the mud. After we detached the rope and while I was backing up and turning the steering wheel I also flipped the switch back to 2 wheel and than slipped the vehicle into neutral to shift the transmission back into 4high... POP/THUD/KERPLUNK! Felt the vehichle give a little jolt. Now my 4WD indicator is out and the 4WD warning light is on. It's in High and I made it to work and back but it feels like the FWD is still engaged, and the switch is on 2 wheel.
Tomorow I a going to run the self diagnosis as posted above by Fueler and LuxBond. Thanks everyone for sharing. This thread was such a helpful read.

[Aviationfl]

I have been having issues with my 4x4 system. all the green lights are off and can't get my 4x4 to work. Any ideas?