"Check AWD System" Warning Message (merged threads)
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Quebec
Thanks for all the info. As you suspected… the stater is the confirmed bad boy. Who taught AWD would light up because a faulty stater… a new unit is being installed as we speak. For the general knowledge, I will report if it was anything else.
cheers!
cheers!
Other than the brake [circuit completion-recognition] the other item in the safety interlock is the infamous "PRND" switch. This is on the transmission and the safety circuit is completed when the shifter is in "P" or "N". If you look at the display just make sure the sector indicator is in "P" or "N". Once a child in our family was doing fake driving and when I tried to start at a later time .. I experience an silence ... I failed to confirm the location of shifter ... and by habit touched the shifter ... low and behold the PRND switch just moved enough to light up "P".
Salim
PS: I think a safety interlock is preventing you from starting. Check voltages at the starter solenoid. A mechanic can bridge the relay or bypass the safety to confirm. Again use caution if you intend to tinker as the starter draws 100s of Amp [not lethal but substantial arcing happens]. And when some one bypasses the safety, they need to make sure that no harm can happen.
Salim
PS: I think a safety interlock is preventing you from starting. Check voltages at the starter solenoid. A mechanic can bridge the relay or bypass the safety to confirm. Again use caution if you intend to tinker as the starter draws 100s of Amp [not lethal but substantial arcing happens]. And when some one bypasses the safety, they need to make sure that no harm can happen.
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,196
Likes: 1,729
From: VA
If any other lights come in it could be a failing battery as low voltage makes random lights come on.
Or your ABS system is failing or your brake fluid is low. Check your brake fluid level.
Next have a shop check for codes and do other diagnosis and possibly perform a brake fluid flush and hope that resolves your problem.
However the expensive Electronic Brake Force Distribution Module is a known failure item on older cars and is very expensive to replace. The ABS module fails less often.
Both failures are related to infrequent brake fluid changes causing wear and corrosion on their internal components over time and mileage.
Or your ABS system is failing or your brake fluid is low. Check your brake fluid level.
Next have a shop check for codes and do other diagnosis and possibly perform a brake fluid flush and hope that resolves your problem.
However the expensive Electronic Brake Force Distribution Module is a known failure item on older cars and is very expensive to replace. The ABS module fails less often.
Both failures are related to infrequent brake fluid changes causing wear and corrosion on their internal components over time and mileage.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 328
Likes: 44
From: NH
Last month I was on a 1500 mile trip from FL to NH.
Somewhere in NC my Trac light came on and a few others.
Found an Autozone still open and had the code read, (P0015) DVVT System Retard Malfunction.
I open/closed the gas cap and went thru the code reset procedure.
Lights came back at start up.
The vehicle didn't behave any differently so I decided to proceed.
Instead of driving 75 in a 65 I backed off to 60mph and set the cruise.
It was dark, traffic was light plenty of room to go around me when some headlights behind starting tailgating me.
This went on for a minute or so and I'm thinking "really guy?".
Finally the vehicle passes and I was surprised it was a NC State Trooper.
Ten years ago I would have brake checked him and have to call RX in NC to get me out of the hoosegow.
Anyway, had to get gas in VA and upon fill-up all the lights went away and before I got out of VA I was speeding again.
Somewhere in NC my Trac light came on and a few others.
Found an Autozone still open and had the code read, (P0015) DVVT System Retard Malfunction.
I open/closed the gas cap and went thru the code reset procedure.
Lights came back at start up.
The vehicle didn't behave any differently so I decided to proceed.
Instead of driving 75 in a 65 I backed off to 60mph and set the cruise.
It was dark, traffic was light plenty of room to go around me when some headlights behind starting tailgating me.
This went on for a minute or so and I'm thinking "really guy?".
Finally the vehicle passes and I was surprised it was a NC State Trooper.
Ten years ago I would have brake checked him and have to call RX in NC to get me out of the hoosegow.
Anyway, had to get gas in VA and upon fill-up all the lights went away and before I got out of VA I was speeding again.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Can one out of 4 wornout tire also triggers illuminating the CEL + CheckAWD light. The reason that I am thinking about this is because I change my winter tire to summer tire yesterday and today I have the error light illuminated. During the whole time from Nov to April there with winter tire there were no error lights on my dash and it only showed up once I changed my tires to summer. Also my mechanic last year told me to change one of the summer tire because it was worn and they could not balance the tire
I have not changed the summer tire after I bought this vehicle and I am not sure how the previous owner would have handled the tire that I am using currently for summer tire.
@Clutchless Do you think tire imbalance due to low tread on one or more wheel illuminates the CEL + check AWD light?
I have not changed the summer tire after I bought this vehicle and I am not sure how the previous owner would have handled the tire that I am using currently for summer tire.
@Clutchless Do you think tire imbalance due to low tread on one or more wheel illuminates the CEL + check AWD light?
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,196
Likes: 1,729
From: VA
That is a possibility, but probably unlikely.. Also get someone to check for stored codes as it could be something else and just a coincidence.
You should replace the bad summer tire. Good Tires are very important for your safety and you can have an accident if a known bad tire fails.
An economical way is to find a used one of the same brand & model on ebay with similar treadwear so it is the same size as your other tires. I have done this a couple of times to replace damaged tires with some wear on them when I only needed one tire. Although I have bought 2 used tires one time and 4 new tires another time on ebay. There is a huge supply of used tires on ebay mostly from dealers.
Otherwise depending on how much wear is on the tires it may be best to get 2 or 4 new tires.
You should replace the bad summer tire. Good Tires are very important for your safety and you can have an accident if a known bad tire fails.
An economical way is to find a used one of the same brand & model on ebay with similar treadwear so it is the same size as your other tires. I have done this a couple of times to replace damaged tires with some wear on them when I only needed one tire. Although I have bought 2 used tires one time and 4 new tires another time on ebay. There is a huge supply of used tires on ebay mostly from dealers.
Otherwise depending on how much wear is on the tires it may be best to get 2 or 4 new tires.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Thank you @Clutchless , I checked the code yesterday and it was P0348 which seems like for camshaft. I am also planning to change the tire with 4 brand new one or 1 of the same brand because I got this vehicle 2 years ago and have not changed the summer tire yet and with all 4 change, It might go a long way.
Appreciate your suggestion Clutchless.
Appreciate your suggestion Clutchless.
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,196
Likes: 1,729
From: VA
My only advice is to read through this thread from the begining. There are a few possible causes for that code and some good advice for furher diagnosis. It is probably a coincidence and nothing to do with the tires. It is likely an O2 sensor or some other sensor or a bad gas cap, or internal engine issues, or wiring damage from rodents etc.
You may need to find a good independent Toyota specialist for diagnosis, depending on your mechanic skills. Don't just start throwing parts at it, that is a waste of money.
You may need to find a good independent Toyota specialist for diagnosis, depending on your mechanic skills. Don't just start throwing parts at it, that is a waste of money.
Last edited by Clutchless; Apr 16, 2023 at 06:07 AM.
2nd gear
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: WA
I had this same message followed by ABS SYSTEM failure and some other random but major messages that are very alarming followed by complete power loss. Turns out it was the alternator failing. Had to replace it at 35 k on a 2013. Seemed insanely early to have to do so already but after doing so no Leda since and runs prefect.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 504
Likes: 54
From: wa
Over the weekend, I DIY spark plugs replacement and after that, I got check engine light, traction control light, check AWD light...
Traced back and found one of the connector to the coil pack was not fully inserted. Reconnected it and restarted the car but warning lights didn't go away. I used Bluedrive BT (OBD2 connector) to clear the code. Will do some test drive to see if code will come back. Wonder if anyone has experience after their spark plugs replacement. Thanks
Traced back and found one of the connector to the coil pack was not fully inserted. Reconnected it and restarted the car but warning lights didn't go away. I used Bluedrive BT (OBD2 connector) to clear the code. Will do some test drive to see if code will come back. Wonder if anyone has experience after their spark plugs replacement. Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 504
Likes: 54
From: wa
At first it took some time but now I can do it in last than 30 minutes (with the right tools)
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,196
Likes: 1,729
From: VA
There are youtube videos (and maybe some older threads here or at ToyotaNation - Highlander 2nd gen forum) showing this alternate method to get at the rear spark plugs by removing the wiper assembly etc.
It can be faster and you do not have to deal with removing the intake manifold and draining the coolant a bit.
This is one older thread about replacing the plugs -see post 3 which links to videos of the wiper removal method plus the thread itself has more info.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ug-change.html
It can be faster and you do not have to deal with removing the intake manifold and draining the coolant a bit.
This is one older thread about replacing the plugs -see post 3 which links to videos of the wiper removal method plus the thread itself has more info.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ug-change.html
Last edited by Clutchless; Jun 14, 2023 at 06:02 AM.