Check AWD system malfunction light warning light tracking

Asked by Kailey Oct 01, 2018 at 09:54 AM about the 2013 Toyota RAV4

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

This problem has happened three times first
time on motorway heading home lost speed
when three lights appeared, then again
Friday lights came on but didn’t lose speed
then reset itself Saturday but then again
Sunday and reset itself today. Took it down to
a local garage again they couldn’t find a
problem first time because nothing was
showing on computer but today it’s has
showed the third injector has failed. Has this
happened to anyone else and if so has it
been ok since mines is a RAV4 63 plate.

27 Answers

370

I have had this exact scenario happen to me over the last few weeks. After it was reset for the 3rd time by my local mechanic last Wednesday, he then took it for a drive but it didn't do it for him, until today (following Monday) it happened again. I took it to him to reset, and it did it again on the way home, so I will take it back tomorrow again for them to reset. His machine tells him the same thing about the 3rd injector, but he can't find a problem. I read somewhere last week it could be something as simple as a loose fuel cap, so he has ordered one, as mine it not sealing properly anyway. There are other possible scenarios but as he said, you don't want to spend a fortune replacing unnecessary things to find the problem. So, for the time being it's still a work in progress. Keep us updated if you find a solution!

37 people found this helpful.
410

I have a RAV4 Limited 2016 and this has happened to me three times. This first time this happened at 35,500 miles. First time the dealer reset the codes after refueling, it happened again after about 110 miles. Second time this happened they replaced the charcoal canister. Third time they said the charcoal canister they replaced was defective. When I picked up the car the service mamager stated that if this happens again they will not be able to fix it and it will be a manufacturing issue. I am so frustrated that I don't even want to drive the car. This is my fourth Toyota and the most expensive and I am so disappointed. Hope this doesn't happened again. DIANA, NY

41 people found this helpful.
790

My daughter's '14 RAV just did this last week, the AWD and Check engine lights came on. We took it to a local "Mister" (it was Sunday no garages were open) and they diagnosed it as an exhaust issue, possibly a leak or loose gasket. We came home and I researched it using forums such as this, and discovered some people simply tightened their gas caps. I told her, she checked her gas cap which was loose, tightened it and within a day the lights went off. Problem solved :).

79 people found this helpful.
580

At Grappone Toyota NH NOW Jan2019. 9:15 am Parked car (26000 mi) in my garage -- all OK. This am got message "AWD Malfunction using 2WD" Let's see what they do!

38 people found this helpful.
580

Re "Grappone NH" Gas cap was NOT on properly! MUST click cap once on this model! WELL DONE, Grappone. Toyota -- not so well done - why not send a large card to every dealer for posting in the service area. Too much trouble for ya ? .

20 people found this helpful.
220

Hi. My AWD warning came on along with 2 warning lights. I called my garage who said bring it in to check on their pc. Before i left i checked my filler cap. Removed it and refitted it. Guess what ! Warning went out along with warning lights. Will monitor it and will advise my garage. Thanks for your postings. Geoff 2015 Rav 4 invincible.

22 people found this helpful.
240

Hi. After reading the responses here, I also had the same problem engine check, AWD and Trac on lights were on. I opened the boot and tightened a few loose rings and viola the lights went off. Thank you for the responses, I did not have to go to the mechanic.

24 people found this helpful.
200

I had the same problem as well! Check engine, trac off, and 4WD were all on this morning. I read this thread and decided to just tighten my gas cap and see what happened. They all went off! Going to monitor it but that seems to have done the trick.

20 people found this helpful.
250

Just happended to me. Also you need to check the air filter box. This is what caused my 2018 RAV4 to do this very same thing. Pretty easy fix. Guess the motor is designed to start shutting down systems not needed while the motor is not getting the right amount of air.

25 people found this helpful.
200

I also had the same warning lights come on today. “AWD System malfunction” and check engine. I went to check my fuel cap and discovered that the cap was not screwed on at all. I had gotten my gas in NJ where it’s full service and I guess the attendant didn’t place the fuel cap back on. Unfortunately, we hAd a very heavy rain last nights and I fear that water got in. I will have to wait and see for now.

20 people found this helpful.
370

I received this same Alert last week and found my gas cap was not on tight. I tightened it thinking that would resolve the issue but the alert is still on. Any idea how I can get this to turn off without taking it to the dealership?

37 people found this helpful.
50

Hi I have the same problem on my RAV4 2018. Did the warning light disappeared right after you tighten the cap or you have to drive a little bit? Because I know that's on my hybrid vehicle when there is an issue with the battery it takes time to disappear.

5 people found this helpful.
130

I have a 2009 Toyota Rav4 and had the same three lights on, check engine, 4WD, and traction control lights. I replaced the gas cap, although the old one looked fine and was tight. I got the three lights cleared using the computer I borrowed from Advanced Auto and then after 3 miles of driving all three lights came back on. I brought it to my mechanic and he found a vacuum leak from a hose disconnected from the mass air flow sensor. This can sometimes get disconnected when someone changes the air filter which was recently done on this car by a different auto shop. The hose can become inadvertently disconnected if you are not careful during the changing of the air filte. So that is what it looks like it happened because the lights were cleared and haven't come back on with over 300 miles on the car since the fix.

13 people found this helpful.
30

I have a brad NEW Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited Platinum edition. Check engine light came on after 50 miles. Dealer analyzed and reset - with NO root cause. Now at 150 miles on the car, it came on again. I am on the same tank of gas the dealer filled when I purchased the vehicle. One more event, and in our state it will be the Lemon Law and they need to take the car back and refund 100%. We traded in a Lexus that never had any issues like this.

3 people found this helpful.
110

guys help me out. mt 2015 RAV4 limited just develop these same faults this morning. Engine, AWD and Track light are on and steady on my dashboard. I have no idea what is going on. I collected the car on Tuesday from the Bodyshop FIXAuto Ottawa airport road in Ottawa Ontario after 2 weeks of repairs. If you have any ideal of what the problem is, please kindly email me your opinion at browile80@gmail.com

11 people found this helpful.
100

This has happened on two of my Rav4s, my 2011 and 2018, and the guilty party was always the gas cap either not in place, or not clicked once. By now, you'd think they'd have a gas cap icon, like they do for low fuel, and other non engine related issues.

10 people found this helpful.
500

What a mess. Can anybody tell me if I can keep driving my Toyota RAV4 2017 SE with this message on the panel? I have checked the gas cap and it is closed very well but the warning light is on, engine light is on and the message about AWD and 2WD still on. Check the picture please. Thanks.

39 people found this helpful.
140

GAS CAP GAS CAP GAS CAP !!! It's the 1st thing to check and when tightened correctly with a click at the end, This should solve the AWD and ENGINE LIGHT situation. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND DON'T GO TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR!

14 people found this helpful.
130

I tightened my gap cap but the warning does not go. The car refuses to start and makes a rattling noise when I attempt to start it

13 people found this helpful.
100

I had same problem in 2019 Toyota RAV4 xLE I tried the gas cap many times but it did not work. After I looked at it closely, I figured out that the wire that holds the gas cap was turning the gas cap open when I slammed tht little gas door. so what I did was I made sure the wire stays on the upper part of gas cap, if it’s in lower part it’ll open the gas cap when u slam tht little door. it worked for me. Thanks to this page and other informative pages tht helped me. I hope this helps u guys

10 people found this helpful.
80

2014 RAV4 limited here...the check engine light/ AWD light came on a couple of days ago. Googled symptoms, and yep, it was recommended to check the gas cap. We did, but the lights wouldn't go off. Took it to the dealer, yep, the gas cap was the culprit. Had to buy a new one because the seal on "the cap had dried out excessively". New cap and good to go. Before going to the dealer, take the time and try a new cap and save $$$

8 people found this helpful.
20

Good morning, I got the same message on my highlander 2019. So after contacting the dealer 3 times, the problem persisted. The fix that I’m sharing with you : is to start the car, then open the Gas and close it 2 or 2 times. In the end extend the car and restart it after 30 sec. The message is gone permanently.

2 people found this helpful.
60

My 2013 RAV4 AWD Invincible with less than 80K Miles developed the same issue while driving in 'D' at around 60MPH on a dual carriageway. The car juddered quite heavily then the same 3 lights came on and stayed on but the car was still driveable. On the drive homeward the gear shift from 1st to 2nd came with quite a forward jerk and a thud. With no hint of a cause or fix in the handbook I turned to this forum and my first thoughts were 'Someone is having a laugh. How can a filler cap affect the transmission"? Well I did the filler cap thing twice, the lights don't come on and the gearshift is back to normal. Thanks everyone.

6 people found this helpful.
10

If you're tracking the AWD system malfunction warning light on your vehicle, follow these steps: Read Owner's Manual: Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to understand the meaning of the warning light and any recommended actions. Check for Other Symptoms: Note any changes in vehicle performance or handling. Unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in traction could provide additional clues. Inspect Fluid Levels: Ensure that the AWD system's fluid levels are within the recommended range. Perform Visual Inspection: Inspect the AWD components for visible damage or leaks, including axles, driveshaft, and transfer case. Reset System (if applicable): Some vehicles allow you to reset the AWD system by turning the ignition off and then on again. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions. Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes related to the AWD system. These codes can provide more specific information about the issue. Professional Inspection: If you can't identify or resolve the issue, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or dealership for a thorough inspection. Warranty Coverage: Check if your vehicle is under warranty. If so, consult the manufacturer or dealership for potential coverage of repairs. Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on your vehicle's performance after addressing any identified issues. If the warning light persists, further investigation may be needed. Always prioritize safety and consult with a professional if you're unsure about the severity or resolution of the AWD system malfunction.

1 people found this helpful.

I had the check engine light come on, and the AWD system malfunction message. Checked the gas cap, fine. Checked the tires, fine. Checked the oil, fine. Checked the battery, fine. Took it to a mechanic and learned that rodents had chewed through the wiring on the intake manifold. They replaced the wires and covered them in tape containing capsaicin to deter the rodents. I am no longer leaving the car in the drive overnight, I'm parking it in my garage.

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