GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The front axle control circuit consists of an electric motor actuator which engages and disengages the front axle. The front axle actuator consists of the following components within the actuator assembly:

    • A permanent magnetic motor
    • A worm gear controlled plunger
    • A front axle switch
    • An electronic control circuit

The front axle actuator consists of the following circuits:

    • An ignition 3 voltage circuit
    • A ground circuit
    • An axle actuator control circuit
    • An axle switch signal circuit

Whenever a shift to 4WD is selected, the transfer case switch engages the front axle by grounding the axle actuator control circuit.

Test Description

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

  1. Tests for proper ignition 3 voltage to the front axle actuator.

  2. Tests for proper ground at the front axle actuator.

  3. Tests the axle actuator control circuit and transfer case switch for a short to ground.

  4. Tests the axle actuator control circuit for a short to ground.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Transfer Case Control Schematics

1

Did you perform a Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the front axle actuator.
  3. Ensure the 4-wheel drive (4WD) control lever is in the 2-wheel drive (2WD) position.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. With a DMM, test the ignition 3 voltage circuit for proper voltage.

Does the voltage measure within the specified value?

9-14 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 6

3

  1. Disconnect the front axle actuator.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a DMM, measure the voltage between the ignition 3 voltage circuit and the ground circuit at the front axle actuator.

Does the voltage measure within the specified value?

9-14 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Shift the transfer case into 2HI.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the ignition 3 voltage circuit and the axle actuator control circuit, at the front axle actuator.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 9

5

  1. Disconnect the transfer case switch.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the ignition 3 voltage circuit and the axle actuator control circuit at the front axle actuator.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

6

Repair the open in the ignition 3 voltage circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

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7

Repair the open in the ground circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

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8

Repair the short to ground in the axle actuator control circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

Replace the front axle actuator. Refer to Front Drive Axle Actuator Replacement.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

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10

Replace the transfer case switch. Refer to Transfer Case Gear Indicator Switch Replacement .

Does the scan tool display the status Front Axle Switch Locked?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

Operate the vehicle in order to determine if the symptom has been corrected.

Is the symptom still present?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK