GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The transfer case motor is a bi-directional, permanent magnet, D.C. motor. When energized, (through Motor Control A or Motor Control B, the ground is provided by the opposing motor control circuit and 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, 2H, N, and 4L ranges.

This DTC detects an open in the module ground circuit.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The system test the motor circuits:

  1. The system checks for unwanted voltage.
  2. The system supplies voltage on each of the motor circuits and reads the voltage back on the other circuit.
  3. After the system checks for opens and shorts on the motor circuits, the system applies voltage through the motor and back to the module to ground.
  4. If the system detects a high voltage on the ground circuit, the DTC is logged.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • All shifting will be disabled.
    • The SERVICE 4WD indicator lamp will be commanded on for the remainder of the current ignition cycle.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The transfer case shift control module will clear the DTC if the condition for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear 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. Listen for an audible motor noise when the transfer case encoder motor operates. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.

  2. This step tests the motor ground circuit for an open.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Transfer Case Control Schematics

1

Was the Transfer Case Diagnostic System Check performed?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Transfer Case

2

  1. Start the vehicle.
  2. Put the vehicle in NEUTRAL.
  3. Using the transfer case control switches, attempt to shift through all modes and ranges.

Does the transfer case encoder motor turn ON and OFF?

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

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the transfer case shift control module.
  3. Test the motor ground circuit for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 5

--

5

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

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK