GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category

Circuit/System Description

The 4WD indicator lamp is located in the instrument cluster. Ignition 3 voltage is supplied to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) when the ignition switch is in the START or RUN position. When the vehicle is in START or RUN and the Engine control module (ECM) receives the axle switch signal from the front axle actuator, the ECM sends a CAN signal to the instrument cluster turning on the 4WD indicator. The 4WD indicator will stay on as long as the axle switch signal input is present.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Transfer Case Control Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Transfer Case Control Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Place the vehicle in 4WD install a scan tool and using engine data 2 look at the display for 4WD signal.
  2. Verify that the scan tool indicates that the vehicle is in 4WD.
  3. If the scan tool indicates that the vehicle is in 2WD go to circuit system testing.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Check the axle switch signal circuit for an open or high resistance.
  2. If everything checks normal then go to the next step.
  3. Check the front axle actuator control circuit pin B at the front axle actuator connector or pin C at the transfer case shift control switch for an open or high resistance.
  4. If everything checks normal then short the axle actuator control circuit to ground this should cause the actuator to engage. Remove the short to ground and then short the circuit to ground again, this should cause the actuator to disengage. If the actuator does not operate properly then refer to front axle will not engage or front axle will not disengage. If everything checks normal go to ECM and IPC functionality check.

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and Engine Control Module (ECM) Functionality

If all circuits referenced above check good use the scan tool under engine data 2 to see if the scan tool still indicates the vehicle is still in 2WD.

If the scan tool indicates the vehicle is in 2WD then replace the engine control module, if not then replace the IPC.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Instrument Cluster Replacement
    •  Engine Control Module Replacement for the 4.3L engine
    •  Engine Control Module Replacement for the 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L engine
    •  Engine Control Module Replacement for the 6.6L engine
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming
    •  Four-Wheel Drive Does Not Disengage
    •  Four-Wheel Drive Does Not Engage