View Full Version : AWD issues?
hockeytown9
04-06-08, 10:41 PM
We just bought a used 9-7X, and an issue has arisen with it. There is a rhythmic jolt and noise (quiet knock) when the vehicle is first driven. At first I thought it was road bumps, but then it became apparent that it was too rhythmic and lasted too long for that to be the case. My next thought was that it was the tranny, but the tac never changed, and it felt different than that. Then it hit me...the AWD system. I only drive manuals, and this is my girlfriend’s car, so I didn't think of it until the next day. If I remember right the AWD system transfers most power to the rear wheels on take off and then transfers more power forward as you get up to speed. So this is my best guess. As the vehicle is driven, the jolting and noise fade slowly. Any thoughts as to what the issue might be? Also how might this be covered warranty wise? It is a '05 w/ 21,000 miles on it. Any thoughts/advice/information would be greatly appreciated, thanks so much!
the biggest thing to look out for with a power on demand transfer unit is to make sure all the tyres are evenly worn and all the same make and size also that the tyre pressures are all the same, as the control unit can see an uneven tyre as a tyre that is slipping, therefor, it will lock up the centre diff in the transfer unit, this can cause noises, axle hopping and allsorts of problems, eventually leading to a failing of the transfer unit.
hows the transmission fluid level looking? what do the jolts feel like, engine surges? misfiring? how old are the spark plugs? And it goes away as the vehicle warms up?
Have the same issue...apparently the transfer case eminates the noise (even still with 56K) but the dealer can't figure it out. Original tires had equal pressure and then changed brands, kept the same psi in all tires, the same persists. Try driving the vehicle with the windows down in an alley, fence or barrier on one/both sides and youll really notice "the rhythmic jolt and noise" before hitting 20 m.p/h (before the AWD system activates)... Wonder why people stop and look at the vehicle, not for the looks, but for the noise!! Taken it to SAAB and of course "cannot duplicate the problem" or "unfamiliar with the vehicle" response with the dealer. Changed out the transmission and problem still persists. Trans fluid level fine as well boon94.
mohooba93
19-06-08, 06:55 AM
Have the same issue...apparently the transfer case eminates the noise (even still with 56K) but the dealer can't figure it out. Original tires had equal pressure and then changed brands, kept the same psi in all tires, the same persists. Try driving the vehicle with the windows down in an alley, fence or barrier on one/both sides and youll really notice "the rhythmic jolt and noise" before hitting 20 m.p/h (before the AWD system activates)... Wonder why people stop and look at the vehicle, not for the looks, but for the noise!! Taken it to SAAB and of course "cannot duplicate the problem" or "unfamiliar with the vehicle" response with the dealer. Changed out the transmission and problem still persists. Trans fluid level fine as well boon94.
if the dealer doesnt understand it try taking it to a chevrolet dealership or a gmc dealership to see if they can figure out the problem.
if the dealer doesnt understand it try taking it to a chevrolet dealership or a gmc dealership to see if they can figure out the problem.
Did that originally before taking it over to SAAB - knowing it was a GMT360 platform vehicle and possible getting some resolution since they knew the vehicle....was told by chevy/gmc to take it to SAAB
My wife is having the same issue with her 9.7x. It will completely lock up at times when making a turn into a driveway or parking lot etc. We've had it at the dealer for a week or so now. They worked on the rear differential and replaced the transmission today. They called about 30 minutes ago to say the problem hasn't gone away and they are now progressing to replacing the transfer case. At least they are now trying. At first, they pulled the old "can't duplicate the problem". They were finally able to realize we had a problem and are attempting to help us. Although, in the beginning, they blew us off when we told them we thought it had to do with the AWD. Thank God for the warranty.
On another note. WE bought this last spring with 25,000 miles, certified. I would like for someone to explain to me how this could be certified with this sort of problem?