How to tell if car is AWD?

[rony_espana]

Hey Guys, I know this might be a stupid question for most of you, but I don't know much (actually anything) about cars, just bought a 2001 rav4 and I don't know if its awd. I assumed they all were until I saw a few 2wd for sale in the trader. I'm sure theres gotta be something I can check in the car to find out.

[PINOY-X]

look for a differential .. i guess?...front ... transfercase...rear .... or if there is a badge dat says AWD?

[rony_espana]

no badges, it was all repainted.....I actually don't even know if these things are fwd or rwd?

[benyl]

The Rav4 is normally FWD. Look for CV axles and a diff in the back. If you only have hubs, it is FWD.

[PINOY-X]

[edit] ^^^then i was wrong haha

pretty sure ALL the rav4 came with AWD .....

[97'Scort]

Put it up on jack stands and hit the gas :D

(please don't actually do that...)

[bobby_lu]

Get your VIN number, carfax it or call the dealer and ask them. Or even Toyota Canada.

[KRyn]

If it's a manual rev it up to about 7grand and then let the clutch go and see which tires spin! :burnout:

[benyl]

Go to a gravel parking lot and see if you can peel out... hahha

[QuasarCav]

So many stupid posts. As mentioned above check the rear for a driveshaft and CV joints going to the rear wheels. It will say it somewhere on the vehicle and if all else fails than phone the dealer with your VIN.

[Raven_R1]

Try to DRIFT

[PINOY-X]

if these vehicles only came with FWD or AWD ... just check if u have a rear differential or driveshaft ///

no rear differential or drive shaft = FWD

rear differential and driveshaft = AWD

[Crow]

I would say look for a drive shaft

[rony_espana]

Well I tried flooring it on gravel, but these things got no power, so even if it was 2wd I don't think it would burn out hehe!

I'll look for the driveshaft.....just got to google what that is frist:D

[IRL]

I find it funny that the guy says he knows nothing about cars, yet you guys give him descriptions like, "heck if u have a rear differential or driveshaft", and "CV joints going to the rear wheels"... lol

To someone who knows nothing about cars, that shit is pig latin.

Best and easiest bet, take VIN to any Toyota dealership.

[rony_espana]

Thanks guys, appreciate your help!!!!

[BrknFngrs]

if there is nothing mechanical looking between your back wheels then its not awd/4wd, excluding exhaust i mean. Think of what the back of a civic looks like, if it looks like that then its fwd, not awd/4wd

[rony_espana]

Well to be honest, I compared it with my avalanche, and they both have similar parts, so I'm assuming it is....but I'm not 100% sure.

[tentacles]

Now you just have to find a Civic to jack up.......

[arian_ma]

Is "AWD" the same thing as "Locking Differential"? Our 06 has a button that says "Diff Lock" on it, and it "becomes" 4WD until 30 KM/h and then the light goes off and it is 2WD again. I don't know if that is any help, or if I am just completely clueless.

[clem24]

Rav4s are easy. Just look for a shaft in the rear that connects both wheels to the centre of the car. If shaft, AWD. If no shaft (just suspension bits), then FWD.

So you bought a car without even knowing...? :banghead: What else is wrong with it?!?

[RaptorGJC]

My mom has one and it's "smart" 4wd, it only kicks in when it needs to, i.e. stuck in snow. Basically it's 2wd with an advantage

[Mangina]

Originally posted by arian_ma
Is "AWD" the same thing as "Locking Differential"? Our 06 has a button that says "Diff Lock" on it, and it "becomes" 4WD until 30 KM/h and then the light goes off and it is 2WD again. I don't know if that is any help, or if I am just completely clueless.

The diff unlocks at 30 or the awd shuts off? The awd shutting off then would suck. The diff lock just locks both of your back tires together.

[dreamchaser]

check the 4th letter of the vin

http://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/VIN/toyota.html

[ga16i]

take a pic of the underside of the car, and post it here :)

[CelicaST-162]

It's AWD:thumbsup:

[dooman24]

your old rav4 is all wheel drive
the new ones not
meaning it's Front wheel drive till the wheel slips
that way it saves move gas.

[rony_espana]

Originally posted by dreamchaser
check the 4th letter of the vin

http://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/VIN/toyota.html

Thanks man! 4th letter is H so I guess it is!