I used 4WD Low in a snow storm and now it won't switch off to any other setting. The light stays on for FWD Low but the little drive indicator is not showing. Any ideas?
The 1st time my 04 Sorento got stuck in 4WD low it was towed to dealership & they claimed it was the switch. Six months later, while on a camping trip, got stuck again. The local tow truck driver saved me hundreds of dollars in towing costs. Put it in reverse for at least 10-20 feet. That's it! He said that he found this to be a common problem. I later asked my dealership why they failed to mention this solution to me. They replied that they thought I knew! Spread to word!
Usually the vehicle needs to be stopped and in Nuetral. Flip switch to 4X4 HIGH firts. It should come off. If it does not, put in drive and start moving slowly. Once in 4X4 HIGH you should have no problems going back and forth from 4X2 and 4X4 HIGH.
It's not necessary to use the 4X4 LOW setting in a snow storm in my opinion. I only use it if I'm off road going up a really steep grade or if I'm hauling something heavy up a hill. I only used it once because I was hauling a 26 foot pontoon boat out of the water. I strongly recommend using 4X4 in a snow storm or on slippery surfaces since you will get much better traction.
Good luck.
Pulling up on the emergency brake with the button held in worked for me. But in nuetral, not reverse, it didn't work in reverse. Who knows, different vehicles may be different. Car running, but stopped, knob point to 2wd. Yea!
I'm so thankful that I came across dac157's and little potter's answers. I had the same problem, stuck in 4WD Low, after being stuck in a snowbank, just about to call the mechanic to make an appointment, and looked here as a last effort. I started the engine, popped it down into Neutral with emergency brake on, revved the engine, and heard the 4WD disengage. Thank you so much for saving me $ and time!! I am so thankful!
thank you so much for this info dac157 ! i was just getting ready to take kia in for repair. i did what you suggested and it worked ! awesome !!
×
What worked for me was the turn the car on, pull the emergency break, put in neutral and rev the engine a bit. Kicked it back down to 2wd low. Thanks everyone! Saved me $$$
I think you also need to make sure your wheels are relatively straight when you try to switch back.
What worked for me was the turn the car on, pull the emergency break, put in neutral and rev the engine a bit. Kicked it back down to 2wd low. Thanks everyone!
Thank you so #3. Been trying to figure out problem for 10 days. Putting neutral and putting emergency brake on did it immediately. Be sure in neutral not park. Tried that before.
This is not answer....I got the same problem with my sorento. I try solution as advised by Answer no.3.....thank you so much. Problem solved n my weekend is saved.
If its real cold out put the car in a warm place let it sit 4 6 to 10 hrs to see if its just froozen it happened 2 me before n this worked
10,671 views
Usually answered in minutes!
funny I just logged on with the same problem.....I am stuck in low 4wd and the light isn't wrong
I found the solution. With the motor running hold foot on brake. Put it in reverse and pull up the E-brake wih your thumb on the release button.
stuck in 4 low
My kia is still stuck after trying the suggestion on this page. I appreciate the help, but it didn't work when I tried backing up and holding my thumb on ebrake with the motor running.
It has been extremely cold and another suggestion was place the vehicle in
a warm area for 6 - 10 hrs, which I don't have that option since my vehicle is always outside.
Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks everyone :)
I have an 03 and it is currently stuck in 4 low. I was stuck so I put it in low and now it won't switch out. A couple of years ago this happened and the woman from Kia roadside said to put it in reverse get it going put it in neutral and turn it back to 2wd. My problem is I cannot find anywhere around here to get it going fast enough in reverse to try it. Theres snow everywhere and my driveway is steep and ice/snow covered.
What has worked for everyone else?
Ok, this has happened a couple of times since my original post. although a lot of the solutions posted here are legit fixes I found the emergency brake fixes the problem. I think the reverse part though is wrong. Leave it in either park or neural, switch out of FWD LOW and pull up the E-Brake. This has worked.
I have an 55 plate kia soronto and it is currently stuck in 4 low and wont come out any idea plz
Mine is stuck in 4low and now when put into gear it doesn't take no forward no reverse?
×