Fixing 4WD Light Flashing in Suzuki Grand Vitara

Air actuator pump is located here - i.imgur.com/QK...
I found my newly purchased 2003 SQ625 Grand Vitara was not selecting 4WD mode when shifted to 4H, 4WD light would flash rapidly. The air pump for the air actuator in the front diff was not sealing correctly and it's quite an easy fix.

[@andrewhill7734]

Had the same problem. Did exactly what you advised. Worked perfect thanks for the helpful advice. Saved me loads of cash.

[@MikhailSkulls]

Just want to stop by and say Thank You for making this video. I followed what you did and it fixed my blinking 4wd light.

[@trinifirst6702]

Very much appreciate this video. There are so few videos of this model of Vitara. I figured this out a few years ago. I couldn't get the exact O-rings, so I put some silicone in first to build up the thickness of the O ring. It's been working great since!

[@gregl7597]

You don't even need to put it on a gauge to test this issue. Once your 4WD is blinking, it means it's not getting enough vacuum to activate it. Simplest method is to just replace the O rings, but if you can't find the size, remove the O ring, use some silicone where the O rings rest to build up the seal, then you can put back the old O ring. I've done that, and it's working several years now.

[@XerxesTheGreatOne]

Thank you so much. I have this same issue on my 03 Chevy tracker but my mechanic, who checked all vaccum lines, couldnt find any issues. The 4 wheel drive still engages for me, just that the light flashes continuously. He thought maybe there is something in the circuitry which he couldnt identify. But like I said the 4 wheel drive does engage. Next time I'm there ill show him your video and see if he can give it another whirl.

[@trinifirst6702]

The 03 Tracker is the same as the Grand Vitara maybe different engine. It's engaging because it's getting some vacuum but eventually it will go. This is an excellent video. The pump is very accessible, and the repair straight-forward.

[@PeterAcrat]

When my 4x4 light began to flicker I first replaced the hoses, but then like you, I found my problem was within the air-activated 4x4 actuator itself. I suggest a small amount of butle tape will work well [it's like industrial blu-tack], but have gotten myself out of a bog by using my girlfriend's lip balm grease! I also relocated the actuator from behind the bumper, to below the air filter for easy future access.

[@mr.a5147]

Yeah, frankly it's in a terrible spot from factory. the wring and hoses get submerged in water and mud from pretty average bog holes.

[@tylerking62]

Thanks works like a charm now! No more flashing 4x4 light! I also decided to mount it up higher behind the grill to keep it out of water and potentially getting damaged when off-roading. 👍

[@mr.a5147]

Great to hear! I have to agree, why Suzuki engineers thought that was the best spot for the air pump (and the associated wiring) I can't understand.. even the little rubber hose that makes up the final part or the air circuit into the front diff seems like a potential problem when smashing into some mud and unknown water crossings. Moving the pump higher will be better in the long run.

[@douglastinoco9443]

Hi mate I from Ecuador and I was having trouble with my 4wd ligth, thanks to this video I was able to fix it my self and it's working properly now, thank you and good luck! 🙌

[@rzkarlos]

Mismo problema, y es bastante comun pornlo que veo. Los mecanicos no saben arreglarlo pero

[@paulbarksby6113]

Worked for me. Just to add the pump is mounted on a metal bracket. 2 bolts to remove the bracket the 3 screws to remove pump from the bracket. If you don't have a vacuum gauge just put your finger over the nozzles where the pipes fit and see if the pump 'cycles'

[@DChris63]

Merci pour la vidéo, après avoir débranché les durites d'air sur cette petite pompe, j'ai bien vu qu'elle fonctionnait toujours par intermittence, alors que normalement si vous bouchez le tuyau de sortie d'air , la pompe devrait s'arrêter...j'ai nettoyé comme sur la vidéo et changer les deux joints toriques. Le voyant 4wd arrête de clignoter, et la pompe s'arrête de pomper pour rien. Parfait. Grand vitara de 2003.

[@SylviePrevot]

salut dit moi c est quoi la taille des joints torique stp? en te remerciant

[@andrewm2199]

That worked perfectly! Thank you so much for the great video. My 4x4 light was flashing before and now is staying on !

[@thijstersteeg6802]

Awesome video, I have the exact same problem with my 2003 GV. Gonna make it work again, thank you!

[@gorjosfam]

Thank you very much for this. Worked for me too! I didn't have any grease on hand, doesn't seem to matter. I replaced the o ring with one from a packet of mixed o rings from Bunnings.

[@ShapesMario]

many thanks for sharing this. I fixed my car using your video. Best regards from Brazil!

[@mr.a5147]

No problem, glad it helped.

[@davidknight4473]

Mate you’re a legend thanks so much for this vid 👍

[@mr.a5147]

No problem, I hope it helped

[@teedee5503]

Same issue on my '03 Chev Tracker. After fixing the o-ring issue I reinstalled the valve to the top of the radiator on the passenger side. Zip tties to hold it in place. Doing this keeps the valveup high and out of the salted road slop in the winter which leads to corrosion.

[@konradhughes6312]

Thanks for this guide. My 2003 appears to have had this exact same issue. Fixed- hopefully- using this guide. Cheers 🍻

[@TheUntraveledPath]

It definately works! Can't thank you enough mate!

[@Mikkel-Hansen]

This helped with the pump on my grand vitara 2005, thank you.

[@joelgalvez2130]

Very helpful video. Fixed the same issue on my GV. Thank you!

[@gabrielarancibia3153]

Exelente aporte !!! Con tu experiencia reparando pude solucionar la avería de mi GN. Muchisimas gracias por compartir!!

[@keithevans4643]

Thanks fixed mine today

[@jpcounty69]

Thank you for the video! I rebuilt my pump following your steps as I was hearing it cycle on/off every second with ignition on and in 4wd. Before I installed the pump I connected it to the vehicle and monitored with a pressure gauge. It now pumps instantly up to 6lbs and stops but slowly leaks pressure and will run for a single split second about every 15 seconds or more. Can you clarify if I should try rebuilding again or if this is normal operation? Thank you!

[@mr.a5147]

First make sure it isn't leaking at the hose connected to your pressure gauge, or the gauge itself isn't leaking internally. To test this, plug the hose on the air pump outlet and secure it with a couple of cable ties so you can be sure it's air tight, run the pump again like this. Now you can confirm it is leaking internally (in which case have you might need to try rebuilding it again making sure it's nice and clean in there) or if the leak was external to the pump. A thin coating of rubber grease on the o-rings will help it seal if there is heavy pitting from rust.

[@Pawaritb]

Nice work thank you

[@juanhidgo]

Same issue here in Costa Rica!....im fixing that as soon as possible and then comment the results.

[@dennismendozaobando7966]

Buenas tardes soy de Costa Rica y tengo un Suuki Grand Vitara con la falla que comenzó a destellar la luz indicadora del 4WD y despues no volvio a activarla, alguna solucion que conozca amigo?

[@clgoose1646]

Great video! Thank you!

[@robertopolizzi2684]

My grand vitara hace a same problem,thanks for your video

[@dinushan_w7770]

Thank you so much! I have the same Grand vitara J20A 2003 model vehicle with the same issue. Pump keep working continuously on 4H and also 4WD bulb keeps blinking on the dashboard. :( I have no idea where is the air leak 🤔

[@mr.a5147]

No worries, sounds like it could be leaking st the o-ring then.

[@dinushan_w7770]

@@mr.a5147 yes, o-ring was the issue due to corrosion. I cleaned with a sand paper and wd-40 and applied rubber grease. Now the air pump works perfectly without blinking the 4WD indicator on dashboard. Thanks 🥂

[@mr.a5147]

@@dinushan_w7770 Glad you got it sorted mate. Pretty reliable cars I think, easy to work on too!

[@SergTheGreat]

So i have a problem as well the air pump is like sputtering air like not enough air is coming out of it

[@brtsimpson]

Excellent. Is this the same 4x4 actuator as on my 2005 Suzuki Jimny? I'm having the same issue.

[@kholdphewzion4859]

Many thanks to you for your very informative video. I have a GV with G16B engine and whenever I engaged 4wd, I always saw the light blinking. Did what you recommend and my problem was solved today. However, when I engaged in 4L there is no light at all. Is that ok? Thanks a million!

[@aeteddy1]

Thank you very much for the video.

[@jamilpardo4109]

Hello, the front axle of the tires does not drive me. It will be that if I do this it will solve that?

[@reedcshafer]

I’ve got a 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 4x4. Recently 4x4 stopped working. 4x4 light still works. Any thoughts help! Should I try what you did?

[@joharitabrani7723]

4wd lamp automatic flash when on the ac and headlamp...why?

[@michaelw7677]

Where is the actuator pump located? I have the same issue on a 2006 model.

[@mr.a5147]

i.imgur.com/QK0cKj7.png - here is the location for for 1998-2005 model.

[@user-ue4vl1sh3g]

What is the cause of damage to the air sensor several times. Three 3 have already been changed Grand Vitara V 2000 What's the solution . Can I create another car air sensor?

[@edmanuelfuentes6210]

Hi. Where is that vacuum located I have a 2004 xl7 4x4 and the 4x4L is stuck will not disengage to 2wd

[@isotrop5699]

Hi. I have the problem, that when I engage 4WD while the engine is running I get the blinking 4WD light when accelerating and driving. If i engage 4WD while the ignition is on (engine not running) and then crank up the engine everything works as it should. Have you any ideas? I have no idea where I should look at... Thank you.

[@user-mq5dq9pg5r]

Just did one at my shop M.C.L AUTO

[@dunbett4024]

Where is the location for 2006 model?

[@wesschimpf5155]

In my 03 Grand Vitara the 4wd light comes on but the 4 wheel drive doesn't engage. I see with this video the light should be flashing. My light stays on all the time. Where would you start to look for possible issues if you're presented with this problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks. CHEERS from Canada!

[@mr.a5147]

Next thing I'd check is the air line that runs from the air pump to the actuator. If it's blocked the pump will still be able to build pressure but the actuator in the front diff won't engage. To test this quickly, remove the rubber air hose that goes into the front diff, then try and engage 4wd. The light should not come on, if it does there is a blockage somewhere.

[@wesschimpf5155]

@@mr.a5147 Sweet, thank-you!

[@finnarvesten4341]

Hi, I have a grand Vitara from 2010 and I hade it in 4L lock when I removed my battery. Now when I turned it on the car just says service esp. The car is still in 4L lock and there is no lamp lit on the instrument panel showing its in 4wd or lock diff. Do you now what might have happened? I've tried reversing and lifting the front wheel but it feels like the car doesn't know how to switch from 4L lock. Any help is much appreciated 🙂

[@mr.a5147]

Sorry, I don't have any experience with the newer GV, but I'd try putting the hand brake on, gear selector in neutral, the drive switch on N. Then disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes, reconnecting it and starting the vehicle.

[@finnarvesten4341]

@@mr.a5147 I tried it but it didn't help. Thanks anyway for the tip :)

[@gutolima7399]

Top 🇧🇷💪🏻

[@trinifirst6702]

Do you have more videos of this model of Vitara?

[@mr.a5147]

I do have more stuff filmed, just go have to get around to editing it

[@ernestopalacios7950]

Quiero escucharlo en español

[@mr.a5147]

Puede probar los subtítulos de 'traducción automática' presionando 'CC'