When the AWD kicks in on my g35x, it makes a strange clicking sound similar to gears grinding but not as loud/violent. Sometimes I get a burning smell coming through the air vents as well. I know the burning isn't normal, but is the clicking sound?

thanks

 

When do you mean "when the AWD kicks in?" The AWD is always active from a stop, so if you mean the VDC light, then that's not really the AWD system.

As for the burning smell, it's common. There is a thread on the first page about it. Some have traced it down to the VDC/ABS system but not 100% what it is exactly.

 

The AWD not ABS. All Wheel Drive

 

you are probably hearing VDC/ABS systems kicking in to correct the car when slippage is sensed. It makes somewhat of a grinding sound, almost like a marble being rolled across a floor, its normal. The burning rubber smell may also be related to the systems kicking in or the brakes being applied. I started a thread about it last year and seems to be very common as Mustang5L5 pointed out.

https://g35driver.com/forums/g35-sed...nside-out.html

 

OP -don't worry both happenings no matter how unpleasant are "normal". I have also recently discovered both the smell and noise; and after much thread searching and ?asking I have satisfied my worries.

 

i don't think awd kicks in anything. Either you have awd turn on or its off period.

 

Sorry, i meant to type AWD not ABS

 

You are hearing the electromagnetic clutch of the transfer case. It can transfer anywhere between 0 and 50% of the power to the front wheels. It is NOT an on-off only type AWD system like azzkikr is implying. One way to see if your noise is VDC or AWD, turn VDC off. The AWD is still active even if you turn off VDC. This would be hard to test unless you're on ice, because there isn't enough power to break the wheels loose on dry pavement You could also turn on snow mode and hear the same type of noise.

 

Ok thanks. I would always hear that grinding sound when it was real slippery so thats why i thought the AWD is on/off.

 

yeah you are definitely hearing VDC at work then, it is a normal sound.