Hi, when I bought my SRX, the dealer told me it was AWD. With the snow now however, I'm having doubts whether it is actually AWD... In the snow today, I was watching the back wheels spinning while the front wheels didn't move at all thoughout the whole time. Just wondering if there is a way for me to find out whether it's AWD or RWD? It was a 4.6 V8 Northstar SFI engine...

Thanks

Look underneath and see if there is half shafts going to the front wheels. Turn your steering wheel hard lock one way or the other. Also the awd has a bump in the driveshaft tunnel on the passenger side....but I'm not sure that if you don't know the difference if it will be telling enough.

I'm not sure if I know what that is, I think i'll have to go get the VIN number checked out tomorrow...

The VIN's certainly the easiest and most authoritative way to tell the difference. My understanding is that the passenger's footwell has a more pronounced bump-out on the AWD version but, having only one SRX, you lack a point of reference.

If your wheels acted as you say, I'd bet that it's an RWD. If you really wanted an AWD, I hope that feature is down in writing somewhere - or that you have a copy of an ad or the salesperson is honest...

Good luck

5th & 6th characters in the VIN tell the tale- they're the line/Chassis identifiers:
- E/2 = SRX RWD V8
- E/4 = SRX AWD V6
- E/5 = SRX AWD V8
- E/6 = SRX RWD V6

5th & 6th characters in the VIN tell the tale- they're the line/Chassis identifiers:
- E/2 = SRX RWD V8
- E/4 = SRX AWD V6
- E/5 = SRX AWD V8
- E/6 = SRX RWD V6


Are u sure about this? I have a -06 awd and my 5th and 6th characters says E6?
Is it different in -05?

same with me, 04 V6 AWD, but vin says E6:suspect:
Something's fishy

Hi, when I bought my SRX, the dealer told me it was AWD. With the snow now however, I'm having doubts whether it is actually AWD... In the snow today, I was watching the back wheels spinning while the front wheels didn't move at all thoughout the whole time. Just wondering if there is a way for me to find out whether it's AWD or RWD? It was a 4.6 V8 Northstar SFI engine...

Thanks

I was concerned about the same thing even though I ordered mine and saw the build sheet. The back end would slide out when I accelerated from a stop. Took it to the dealer and they put it on a lift and confirmed it was AWD. It seems the rear wheels slip sometimes until traction takes hold , then car moves. Since you don't see front wheels slip, you think they are not working. I loved my SRX - reliable - comfortable - fast - fun: but, it was not everything I had hoped for in terms of winter handling. I am pretty sure different tires would have fixed that though. Sorry, I digress.....

Sorry, but you can't tell from the VIN.
RPO code MV3=AWD

caddysrx05, PM me your VIN, and I will more than happy to look it up.

Sorry, but you can't tell from the VIN.
RPO code MV3=AWD



I was told the same thing by several dealers when I was thinking about CPO before I leased my 06.

Woops- my bad.... looked at an 08 Vin identifier not 05. 05 only lists E6 , SRX.

You should be able to find the Service Parts Information label that's in the storage bin in the rear of the vehicle on the passenger side. It lists all the RPO codes for all the options on the particular vehicle (05MY).
M22 = RWD
MV3 = AWD

Incidentally, I just got an 06 AWD this fall, and driving through the snow yesterday I was surprised at how much I could still rotate the rear around given a some throttle (more than you would normally apply going around a snowy corner). I guess I expected it to handle a bit more like FWD, given AWD and stability control. But it was still very controllable (and fun).

Sorry, but you can't tell from the VIN.
RPO code MV3=AWD

caddysrx05, PM me your VIN, and I will more than happy to look it up.


Thanks for all the replies. I actually went to a dealer today and asked for the printout on my VIN number. It's a RWD. Luckily though, it has all the other options it was suppose to have. I'm going to be going down to the dealer to discuss this, not sure what they would do though, since I noticed after such a long time... My fault in a way for not checking, but when they said AWD i didn't think it was something I would have to check.

Thanks for all the replies. I actually went to a dealer today and asked for the printout on my VIN number. It's a RWD. Luckily though, it has all the other options it was suppose to have. I'm going to be going down to the dealer to discuss this, not sure what they would do though, since I noticed after such a long time... My fault in a way for not checking, but when they said AWD i didn't think it was something I would have to check. I would think if you purchased it from a Cadillac dealer they should have known if it was RWD or AWD. They have to know what options a vehicle has to price it. If you did not have an occasion to drive on snow etc. how would you know if AWD or not? However there is always that qualifier they use, "All information provided on this site or in this ad is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified."

At the very least, they owe you a refund of the difference between AWD & RWD.

At the very least, they owe you a refund of the difference between AWD & RWD.

Yes, I'm going to look into that. That's what I'm hoping for.

Did you buy your SRX new or used? From the Cadillac dealer or someone else. If used, was it certified? Do you have a copy of the advertisement or sales contract that says it is an AWD unit? Does the logo on the rear say SRX or SRX 4? (Even if the 4 wasn't used in 05.) Unfortunately, if there is nothing in writing and the dealer wants to be difficult, there's probably little you can do aside from publicize what happened.

Did you buy your SRX new or used? From the Cadillac dealer or someone else. If used, was it certified? Do you have a copy of the advertisement or sales contract that says it is an AWD unit? Does the logo on the rear say SRX or SRX 4? (Even if the 4 wasn't used in 05.) Unfortunately, if there is nothing in writing and the dealer wants to be difficult, there's probably little you can do aside from publicize what happened.

It was used, certified, and imported from GM. I'm trying to find documentation, however I don't think I was given anything stating this. It says SRX on the back, and I probably won't get anything from going there to tell them, however I will be publicizing it, because it is a big deal, the difference between a AWD and RWD. I will be looking into how the vehicle was priced though, because the whole time they said it was an AWD, and so they might have actually though this and priced it an bit higher maybe? I'll give updates upon going to the dealership, most likely next week.

AWD is a $1900.00 option

AWD is a $1900.00 option

Thanks for the info.

Are u sure about this? I have a -06 awd and my 5th and 6th characters says E6?
Is it different in -05?

IS not right ...I have an 2005 - V8 and my code is E6

something is Wrong

Check on RPO - SPID code for " MV3" or/and " MX7 " ( MERCHANDISED TRANS AUTO PROVISIONS, O/D, AWD ALL WHEEL DRIVE )

or

more easy... just Go on a slippery surface (snow or ice) and check if the front wheels will spin...Only AWD will spin front wheels.

Laserguy