The Chevy Trax, especially models equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offers enhanced traction and improved handling in various driving conditions. It’s important for owners and automotive enthusiasts to understand how the Chevy Trax Awd system operates to properly maintain and diagnose any potential issues. This article delves into the specifics of the Chevy Trax AWD system based on official GM service manual information, providing insights into its functionality and troubleshooting.
Decoding the Chevy Trax AWD System
The All-Wheel Drive system in the Chevy Trax is designed to distribute torque to the rear wheels when needed, thereby enhancing traction and overall vehicle control. This system isn’t a permanent AWD setup, but rather an on-demand system that engages based on driving conditions. At the heart of this system is the AWD clutch assembly, a sophisticated unit comprising several key components:
- Electromagnetic Coil: This coil is crucial for initiating the AWD engagement.
- Primary Clutch & Secondary Clutch: These clutches work in tandem to transfer torque to the rear wheels.
- Ball Cam: This mechanism plays a role in modulating the clutch engagement.
- Rear Differential Clutch Control Module: This module acts as the brain of the AWD system, controlling its operation.
The Rear Differential Clutch Control Module is the key to understanding how the Chevy Trax AWD system intelligently operates. It constantly monitors a variety of sensor inputs to determine the optimal torque distribution. These inputs include:
- Wheel Speeds: Detecting wheel slip is crucial for engaging AWD.
- Steering Angle: Assisting in cornering and stability.
- Lateral Acceleration & Yaw: Monitoring vehicle dynamics for enhanced handling.
- Chassis Control Intervention: Integrating with other vehicle stability systems.
This data is communicated via the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN) from various sensors and modules throughout the car, allowing for a coordinated and responsive AWD performance.
AWD System Messages: “Service AWD” and “AWD Off”
The driver information center (DIC) in the Chevy Trax can display messages related to the AWD system. Two common messages are “Service All Wheel Drive” (often accompanied by code 73) and “AWD Off” (code 173). These messages indicate that the AWD system has been disabled and the vehicle is operating in 2WD.
The “AWD Off” message (code 173) can appear under several conditions:
- Aggressive Driving: Very spirited or harsh driving can trigger the system to temporarily disengage.
- Mismatched Tire Sizes: Using an unexpected tire size, especially a significantly smaller spare tire (minispare), can cause system errors. This is a safety feature and not necessarily indicative of a faulty Rear Differential Clutch Control Module.
It’s important to note that seeing the “AWD Off” message due to a minispare tire does not warrant replacing the rear differential clutch control module. The system is designed to protect itself and alert the driver to potentially problematic situations.
The torque transfer to the rear wheels is precisely managed by the rear differential clutch control module. It achieves this by regulating the current sent to the electromagnetic coil within the clutch assembly. The current applied to the coil dictates the load on the primary clutch, which in turn rotates the ball cam and engages the secondary clutch. This chain of events ultimately transfers torque from the driveshaft to the rear wheels. The safe operating current range for this system is between 0-6.0 Amperes. If the current falls outside this range, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set, and the “Service AWD” message (code 73) will be displayed.
Temperature and Voltage Considerations
The rear differential clutch control module is equipped with an internal temperature sensor. This is critical for maintaining consistent torque transfer across a wide range of operating temperatures, specifically from -40°C to +120°C. If the module’s temperature exceeds these limits, it will temporarily disable the AWD system, and the “AWD Off” message (code 173) will appear. Once the temperature returns to within the acceptable range, the AWD system will automatically re-engage.
Similarly, the module also monitors the outside air temperature to ensure consistent torque transfer, compensating for temperatures ranging from -20°C (-4°F) to 100°C (212°F). Voltage supply to the module is also crucial, with a normal operating range of 9-16 Volts. If the voltage falls outside this range, the module will set DTCs for low or high voltage, indicating a potential electrical system issue.
Conclusion
The Chevy Trax AWD system is a sophisticated, on-demand system designed to enhance traction and handling. It relies on a network of sensors and a dedicated control module to intelligently distribute torque. Understanding its components, operation, and common messages like “Service AWD” and “AWD Off” is crucial for Chevy Trax owners. While “AWD Off” can sometimes indicate a temporary condition like using a spare tire or aggressive driving, “Service AWD” may signal a more serious issue requiring professional diagnosis. By being informed about the intricacies of the Chevy Trax AWD system, owners can better appreciate its capabilities and address any potential problems effectively.
