You can switch between 2WD and 4WD while driving in a straight line at a speed no higher than 100km/h. You must stop the vehicle to switch between 4WD and 4WD-L.
1. 2WD: for normal on-road driving, with all engine torque going to the rear wheels.
2. 4WD: front axle is engaged and locked, there is no center differential. Can be used on loose surface only.
3. 4WD-L: front axle is engaged with low ratio gears
You can switch between 2WD and 4WD while driving in a straight line at a speed no higher than 100km/h. You must stop the vehicle to switch between 4WD and 4WD-L.
1. 2WD: for normal on-road driving, with all engine torque going to the rear wheels.
2. 4WD: front axle is engaged and locked, there is no center differential. Can be used on loose surface only.
3. 4WD-L: front axle is engaged with low ratio gears
Have you seen a better description of Suzuki Jimny (2018 - ...) on the web? Please send us the link to or post it in a comment below!
Automatic all wheel drive. Normally a front-wheel drive vehicle. Rear axle engaged automatically via a multiplate wet clutch when front wheels slip. 2wd or 4wd modes can be forced by a button on the console.
Figure: Suzuki SX4 four wheel drive mode switch (source:autoreview.ru) (36KB)
The SX4 has the EMCD coupling by GKN. Dacia Duster, Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail, and Mini All4 use the same coupling. The unit is activated from a dedicated control unit and is supposed to react quickly. The switch is 2WD, AUTO, LOCK. LOCK disengages at around 60 km/h and it goes to AUTO again. The electromagnet twists a cam plate which causes steel balls to roll uphill between the roller surfaces thereby pressing them apart and this produces the force that presses the multi plate clutch together.
The clutch can become overheated if offroading or the car is deeply stuck in snow, which is indicated by a flashing AUTO light.
Figure: Electro-magnetic control device by GKN (257KB)
Do you think this information about Suzuki Sx4 (2006-2012) is incorrect? Please send us what you know to or leave a comment below.
Also known as Asüna Sunrunner, Chevrolet Tracker, Chevrolet Vitara, Geo Tracker, GMC Tracker, Mazda Proceed Levante, Pontiac Sunrunner, Santana 300/350, Suzuki Escudo, Suzuki Sidekick.
Part-time all wheel drive. Lever-operated two-speed part-time transfer case. 1.82:1 low gear. From 1999- new vacuum-actuated front axle disconnect, which eliminates the need of backing-up to disengage the the front hubs.
Corporate IFS open differential axle up front, corporate rear live axle equipped with limited slip (open differential rear on Chevrolet Tracker).
You have better pictures or videos of Suzuki Vitara 1988-2006 that you can contribute? Please send them to !
Last changed: 2024/01/01 00:00
1-15 of 46 Comments
Craig
December 19, 2024 - 23:54
getting the SX4 drive system explained to me, now makes sense.
i have just helped in the purchase of a 2nd hand 2013 SX4. and i reckon that i will advise her to leave it in 2WD until required
Steve
November 14, 2024 - 05:27
What about the Kizashi? Does it have front or rear-biased AWD?
thx
Steve
July 03, 2024 - 16:08
Do the Grand Vitara I, and the Vitara 1988-2006, both really have a limited slip diff on the rear from factory?
Thanks!
Reply to Steve
awdwiki
July 03, 2024 - 19:14
From what people are saying on the Internet - not from the factory, was not even available as an option. If it was, then, maybe, in some markets, and that's very rare.
Aftermarket LSDs can still be found on ebay for this very reason, I think.
Vag
September 09, 2022 - 14:19
What about Suzuki Samurai? Anybody knows what AWD system it uses?
M.Ivanov
January 27, 2020 - 22:50
Hello,
I have XL7 3.6 - it says it's AWD - how exactly does it work (I know it is not the same as on the GM siblings) ?
Johnny Miera
April 26, 2019 - 10:26
Can someone please explain the 2007-2009 XL7 AWD system. Does it compare to any other AWD CUV?
Gerd
March 15, 2019 - 08:57
You show a figure in "Grand Vitara II"-chapter and Name it "Suzuki Grand Vitara limited slip rear differential".
Let me tell you that this figure shows the front differential with the axle lock hub.
When the 4WD switch is turned ON by shifting the transfer shift lever, the 4WD controller actuates { energizes) the air pump assembly. Then positive pressure is sent from the air pump assembly to the actuator installed to the differ ential case and causes the axle lock clutch and the free axle hub in the differential case to be engaged, resulting in the 4WD mode. Only when running in the 4WD mode, front axles are joined to differential case, and they become free when 2WD mode is used (orwhen transter shift lever is shifted to N position) there by reducing the power loss.
lemmon j dishong
January 25, 2019 - 23:47
I have a 2007 suzuki sx4. The rear wheels will not engage when in awd or 4x4 lock. The lights for each come on in the dash like it is engaged but it isn't.
beverly may
December 06, 2017 - 02:43
I've had a 2008 Suzuki Gr Vitara that I bought new. No issues until last night I was making a Right turn at a corner slowly and reached down in the dark to turn on the heater dial and accidentally turned the Transfer Switch from 4H to 4HLOCK. Now the light on the dash shows it's stuck there and the vehicle doesn't act right at all. I can successfully move the selector through all settings, (N, 4H, 4H LOCK, and 4L LOCK), however it just doesn't remove the dashboard indicator showing 4HLOCK, and the vehicle doesn't act like the right front tire is engaged.
Please help.
Viktor
September 22, 2017 - 23:10
All 3 versions of the Swift are also available with 4WD
Robert Rodgers
September 07, 2017 - 21:50
The Jimny does have a transfer box which is chain driven. At least the 2010 model is.
Colin
August 04, 2017 - 13:11
I have an Ignis 4grip and 2013 SX4 4x4, neither have the systems as described above.
The Ignis has permanent AWD.
The SX4 doesn't automatically switch from 2wd to 4wd, it is either 2wd, auto when it has 80/20 split which can vary to 50/50 if wheels slip, or 50/50 locked.
Reply to Colin
Colin
August 04, 2017 - 21:26
Further to my post should point out my 2013 SX4 is the older model, not latest s cross.
wilko
July 26, 2017 - 17:53
Can anyone tell if any Vitara models have locking differentials? Front/rear/both?
You have better pictures or videos of Suzuki Grand Vitara I that you can contribute? Please send them to 
!
