4x4 inactive warning

[Clownshoe]

4x4 inactive warning is showing on the dash.

It first appeared last week-end while maneuvering on gravel to hook up the caravan. The 4x4 was used as we did some (hectic for the X5) offroad with the offroad caravan. Light was on for 30 seconds maybe.

Now a week later it is on permanently and as soon as you start the car.

Any ideas?

 

[Blue Shirt]

I normally see the 4x4 inactive warning light if the battery has been disconnected, this happens because the steering angle sensor then gives invalid inputs.

If you are seeing the warning light during normal driving, it can be due to a number of factors:

• Broken steering angle sensor
• Broken transfer case - $$$$ for replacement or $$ if its only the actuator needing replacement
• Loose / damaged / dirty wheel speed (ABS) sensor on one or more of the wheels
• Faulty alternator/battery

Can you get diagnostics scanned on the car? That should report the real error code causing the 4x4 warning light.

 

[Clownshoe]

I normally see the 4x4 inactive warning light if the battery has been disconnected, this happens because the steering angle sensor then gives invalid inputs.

If you are seeing the warning light during normal driving, it can be due to a number of factors:

• Broken steering angle sensor
• Broken transfer case - $$$$ for replacement or $$ if its only the actuator needing replacement
• Loose / damaged / dirty wheel speed (ABS) sensor on one or more of the wheels
• Faulty alternator/battery

Can you get diagnostics scanned on the car? That should report the real error code causing the 4x4 warning light.

Which one of these fault only have the 4x4 illuminated? From what I have read this fault is usually accompanied by ABS brake aswell as the 4x4 coming on.

For example the ABS light would come on for a faulty ABS sensor?

 

[Blue Shirt]

I normally see the 4x4 inactive warning light if the battery has been disconnected, this happens because the steering angle sensor then gives invalid inputs.

If you are seeing the warning light during normal driving, it can be due to a number of factors:

• Broken steering angle sensor
• Broken transfer case - $$$$ for replacement or $$ if its only the actuator needing replacement
• Loose / damaged / dirty wheel speed (ABS) sensor on one or more of the wheels
• Faulty alternator/battery

Can you get diagnostics scanned on the car? That should report the real error code causing the 4x4 warning light.

Which one of these fault only have the 4x4 illuminated? From what I have read this fault is usually accompanied by ABS brake aswell as the 4x4 coming on.

For example the ABS light would come on for a faulty ABS sensor?

My guess would be that the first two faults would throw the 4x4 light only.

 

[Clownshoe]

Missus reports the light is off now. Maybe just some dirt in a sensor.

 

[Solo Man]

Did you not have some trouble a while back as well with the battery/charging or something to that effect?