AWD working?

[skoot]

This might seem a bit stupid to ask but we finally have enough snow to test out the AWD of my 2009 SF. Question is, how can I tell if it's in AWD or 2WD? Haven't noticed the symbol light on or does that only come on when you use the switch for permanent AWD? I have snow tires on if that makes any difference. Is this system that good that I can't feel the change
? I'm loving this vehicle (how have I lived through Canadian winters without heated seats and mirrors!) This forum has been a great source of information for me even if some of you more mechanically inclined have me in awe. Thanks!

[AlpineRyder]

no light comes on mine either. just notice a lot of grip an no slip. the change over from 2wd to awd Is very very smooth.

[Montreal300]

No light on mine either and I was playing on sheet ice yesterday. These things are amazing little tanks.

[phillyguy]

Best thing would be to get a same model year Santa FE w/o AWD with same brand tires of similar mileage and take them to the same spot and try them out side by side. Unfortunately this isn't a realistic option for most of us. If anyone ever gets a chance to run this experiment please record it and post it to the internet for us to watch.

[TomcatVet]

In my 2011, the light comes on any time it goes to AWD, either automatically or by my pressing the button. I can also hear/feel the change. Usually only happens on an uphill grade when I try to accelerate, or start out in the snow.

[phillyguy]

Originally Posted by TomcatVet

In my 2011, the light comes on any time it goes to AWD, either automatically or by my pressing the button. I can also hear/feel the change. Usually only happens on an uphill grade when I try to accelerate, or start out in the snow.

In my 2011 the light only comes on when it is locked. And I can't recall the stability control light ever lighting up either. Can any other 2011 owners chime in and let us know how there's works. I would like to know which one is not working properly so it can be taken into the the shop.

[Ruperts Trooper]

When I activate 4x4 Lock, the button lights up. The ABS/ESP light in the dash display only lights up when activated, ie has detected a major loss of traction or major stability problem - not a normal event !

[phillyguy]

Originally Posted by Ruperts Trooper

When I activate 4x4 Lock, the button lights up. The ABS/ESP light in the dash display only lights up when activated, ie has detected a major loss of traction or major stability problem - not a normal event !

Have you ever had times when you have heard a bit of wheel spin, then felt a strong "push" and things got going? I have had this happen on several occasions and have interpreted this as the AWD kicking in. I have certainly never seen a 4x4 light on the dash in any of these instances though, I have only ever seen it light up when I push the lock button. I am just checking to make sure that what I have experienced is "normal", and if not I can take it in to get checked out.

[Ruperts Trooper]

When I'm towing in cooler conditions, the front tyres don't grip well (a separate issue with Kumho's) when I'm starting from a standstill so they scrabble until, I assume, the torque is shared with the rear tyres but no dashboard lights come on to indicate this.

I came to Santa Fe from a Subaru Outback which was imperceptible in it's torque variation front front to rear and I've put the difference down to a cheaper system and 4wd heritage.