GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The transfer case motor is a bi-directional, permanent magnet, DC motor. When energized through motor control A or motor control B, the ground is provided by the opposing motor control circuit, then grounded through the transfer case shift control module ground circuit. The motor, through a series of gears, rotates a shaft which moves the mode and range forks to shift the transfer case between 4H, AUTO 4WD, 2H, N, and 4L ranges.

This DTC detects a short to voltage in the motor control A or motor control B circuits, or a shorted motor.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC C0309 Motor A/B Circuit High

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition in ON.
    • The system voltage is 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The system tests the motor circuits by reading the voltage on each circuit.
    • If the system detects a condition with the circuits, the DTC is logged.
    • The transfer case shift control module senses a high voltage in the motor control A or motor control B circuits when a low voltage is expected.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The SERVICE 4WD indicator remains illuminated for the remainder of the current ignition cycle.
    • All shifting is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The transfer case shift control module clears the DTC if the condition for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC clears after 100 consecutive ignition cycles without a fault present.
    • History DTCs can be cleared using a scan tool.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests for proper voltage and grounds.

  2. Listen for an audible motor noise when the encoder motor operates. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.

  3. Tests Motor Feed A or the transfer case shift control module for a short to voltage.

  4. Tests Motor Feed B or the transfer case shift control module for a short to voltage.

  5. Tests Motor Feed A circuit for a short to voltage.

  6. Tests Motor Feed B circuit for a short to voltage.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Transfer Case Control Schematics

1

Was the Diagnostic System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Check the transfer Case shift control module for faulty power or grounds. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was the condition found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, command the Motor A/B control ON and OFF.

Does the encoder motor turn ON and OFF?

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the four wire connector at the transfer case.
  3. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a DMM between the Motor Control A circuit harness connector and ground at the transfer case.

Is the voltage reading within the specified value?

0-0.2 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Connect a DMM between the Motor Control B circuit harness connector and ground at the transfer case.

Is the voltage reading within the specified value?

0-0.2 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

6

  1. Disconnect the transfer case shift control module.
  2. Test the Motor Control A circuit harness connector for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was the condition found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

  1. Disconnect the transfer case shift control module.
  2. Test the Motor Control B circuit harness connector for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was the condition found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the transfer case shift control module. Refer to Transfer Case Shift Control Module Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK