Hi there! Recently picked up a 2016 Nissan Frontier v6 with 83000 miles on it. I love the truck and very happy for what it does for me. After sometime driving I decided to test the 4 wheel drive on my family farm while hunting and discovered an issue. When switching the vehicle to 4 hi the 4 wheel drive indicator blinks for a long time and never shows it switch and when following the factory instructions for 4 lo the indicator shows the switch and then blanks the indicator screen and throws on the 4 wheel drive warning light. I can hear the transfer case do it’s job and feel 4 wheel drive work but I want to know why this issue is happening and if I need to be concerned. Thank you for the help.
First of all , what does the owner's manual say about a blinking indicator light?
Second, there may be diagnostic warnings stored in the computer which would provide clues where the problem is. Have it professionally scanned.
Hello @MountainManJoe. I went and ran the vehicle for codes and nothing was shown this week or before I bought the vehicle.
Manual say that after traveling 20 ft and meeting criteria for four wheel drive the indicator light will match four wheel drive (by showing all 4 wheels on the picture shaded). I have followed the steps to a tee and have traveled over 20 ft when trying to use four wheel drive on the farm. I have made sure to check my tire pressure and ensure that it is balanced. When testing you can hear the transfer case do it’s job.
I am scheduling an appointment next week with Nissan and have talked the Nissan Frontier subreddit. Some members theories are that there may be a loose connection on the wires causing the computer to not acknowledge the switch and throw the warning light on. I just wanted to come here because I thought some may have more experience and perspective. Thank you again!
Did you read page 5-28, 5-30?
"The 4WD transfer case may not be shifted between 4H and 4LO at low ambient temperatures"
you can hear the transfer case do it’s job.
how do you know it's doing it's job?
I went and ran the vehicle for codes
ran it with what?
@MountainManJoe I did read the manual and thought about the temp but it was being used at 55 degrees Fahrenheit so that shouldn’t be an issue I would imagine. I used an Innova 5410 OBD scanner as it was what I had available. I can hear the transfer case motor whir up is what I should say and the 4 wheel drive does activate it is just the indicator that blanks and throws the warning light (4lo) or does not shade all four tires (4hi) on the indicator.
I also tried it again today on a dirt road that doesn’t have terrible rough terrain and 4hi still did not show on the indicator as it would still blink but I could feel it in 4hi.
I hope that makes sense and thank you for your time!