The Kia Sportage is a reliable option for winter travel, with the all-wheel-drive model being the best. The Sportage performs admirably in the winter thanks to its traction control, stability control, ABS, and Driver Assist Technology features, but its 6.4-inch ground clearance places some restrictions on it. There are five main reasons that make your vehicle have AWD system malfunction 2WD mode engaged warning. Loose gas cap: Tighten it or replacing by the new one. Transmission, speed sensor issues, ignition on, or a faulty system: Use an OBD-II scanner to identify the fault codes or ask for help from experts. 18,417 satisfied customers. 2001 Kia Sportage EX: 4x4..acts..transmission is slipping..in reverse. I have a 2001 Kia Sportage EX 4x4. It starts up but acts like the transmission is slipping in drive. It will go in reverse. Speedometer don't work … read more. 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine and electric motor. Horsepower. 261 horses. Torque. 258 pound-feet. Transmission. Six-speed automatic. Drivetrain. All-wheel drive. Electric range. 33 miles. 0 This is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission in four wheel drive, and it averages 21/24 miles to the gallon, city/highway. Available in the LX and standard in the EX is a 2.7L V6 delivering 173 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 is paired to a 4-speed automatic in four wheel drive, and it averages 18/23 miles to the gallon. My 1999 Kia sportage has been great except for the four wheel drive issue. It is a manual transmission however when i put it down into 4-Hi or 4-Lo it just simply won't engage the four wheel drive. I'm going to start some research on the vacuum lines first and then the solenoid. kia sportage 2006, v-6, 2.7 when lockingXXXXXin, theXXXXXlight on the dash come on,, but 4 wheel green light isn't engage.the rear end is not locking in, Kia Mechanic: PAULKIATECH , ASE Certified Technician replied 11 years ago Kia Sportage 2000 four wheel drive won' t engage Optional Information: 2000 Kia Sportage Already Tried: TheXXXXXindicator light shows it is on but I don't have use of it. The transfer case looks fine. … The 1998 Kia Sportage has 1 problems reported for 4 wheel drive not working. Average failure mileage is 84,000 miles. On small shift behinde gear lever there is 3 settings. H4 = 4 wheel drive high range, L4 = 4 wheel drive low range, h2 = 2 wheel drive high range. as soon as jou engage to 4 wheel drive a green light on the dash board will appear to indicate that the car is in 4 wheel drive. if not check fuse - check air pipes at front wheels. Enjoy Willem Sa wT00a5.