GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The transfer case encoder motor is a permanent magnet DC motor and gear reduction assembly. When energized through motor feed A, motor control B provides the ground through the transfer case shift control module ground circuit. The motor, through a series of gears, rotates the sector shaft of the transfer case which applies varying force to a set of clutch plates, controlling the torque applied to the front wheels.

This DTC detects an open, short to voltage or short to ground in the motor feed A or motor control B circuits, an open in the module ground circuit, or an open or short to ground inside the motor.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • System voltage is 9-18 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The system tests the motor circuits by checking for unwanted voltage.
    • Then, the system supplies voltage on each of the motor circuits and reads the voltage back on the other circuit.
    • If the system detects a condition with the circuits, the DTC is logged. The transfer case shift control module senses a low voltage return in the motor feed A or motor control B circuits when a high voltage is expected.
    • The fault must remain current for 30 seconds to set the DTC.
    • The transfer case shift control module provides a reference voltage of 4.5 volts on the motor A/B line for diagnostic purposes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

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

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. This step tests the battery positive and ground circuits for poor connections.

  2. This step tests the encoder motor for an internal short to ground.

  3. This step helps isolate motor malfunctions from the transfer case shift control module and wiring.

  4. This step tests for an open, high resistance, short to ground or short to voltage.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematics Reference: Transfer Case Control Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Transfer Case Control Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Transfer Case?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Transfer Case

2

Check the battery positive and ground circuits for poor connections. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the encoder motor connector.
  3. With a DMM at the encoder motor pigtail connector, test motor control A and motor control B for a short to ground within the encoder motor.

Is motor control A or motor control B shorted to ground?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Important: Use test leads designed for this connector and make firm contact with the leads.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Zero the DMM with Ohms selected, by touching the two leads.
  3. Connect the DMM between motor control A terminal and motor control B terminal and test the resistance in the encoder motor.

Is the encoder motor within the specified values

0.3-35 ohms

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Test the motor A and motor B control circuits for a short to ground, short to voltage, open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the encoder motor. Refer to Transfer Case Motor/Encoder Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7

Important: After transfer case shift control module replacement and reprogramming, ensure all doors are closed and the key is out of the ignition, then open and close the doors again and wait 2 minutes to avoid incomplete programming or false communication DTCs.

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

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8

  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 set?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK