GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 1746381  Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The four wheel drive (4WD) low circuit consists of the engine control module (ECM), a transfer case control module and the circuit wiring. The transfer case control module controls the 4WD low signal circuit. When the operator selects 4WD low, the transfer case control module grounds the signal circuit, and the 4WD low signal voltage on the circuit changes from ignition voltage to zero volts. The ECM then compensates for transfer case gear reduction in the transmission output shaft speed (OSS) sensor signal. The ECM uses the transmission OSS sensor signal to adjust shift points, line pressure and torque converter clutch (TCC) scheduling.

When the ECM detects an incorrect Transfer Case Ratio for the 4WD mode selected, then DTC P2771 sets. DTC P2771 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P2771 Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Low Switch Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No TP sensor DTCs P0122, or P0123.
    • No VSS assembly DTCs P0502 or P0503.
    • No cam or crank sensor DTCs.
    • The system voltage is 9-18 volts.
    • The engine speed is 1000-4500 RPM for at least 30 seconds.
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 11 km/h (7 mph).
    • The TP angle is 10-99 percent.
    • The gear range is not PARK, NEUTRAL or REVERSE.
    • The TFT is 20-130°C (68-266°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC P2771 sets if one of the following conditions occurs:

Condition 1

    • The 4WD low switch is not in 4WD low, open/12 volts.
    • The Transfer Case Ratio is 2.39-2.9 for 1.1 seconds.
    • All conditions are met twice.

Condition 2

    • The 4WD low switch is in 4WD low.
    • The Transfer Case Ratio is 0.8-1.75 for 7 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ECM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.
    • The ECM commands a normal shift pattern, not a 4WD low shift pattern.
    • The ECM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The ECM stores this information as Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
    • The ECM stores DTC P2771 in ECM history during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The ECM turns OFF the MIL during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test runs and passes.
    • A scan tool can clear the MIL/DTC.
    • The ECM clears the DTC from ECM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The ECM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the ECM.

Diagnostic Aids

A malfunctioning speed sensor could cause DTC P2771 to set.

    • Verify that the input speed sensor (ISS) and the output speed sensor (OSS) are functioning properly.
    • In 3rd gear at approximately 64 km/h (40 mph), command TCC ON. If functioning properly the OSS will track ISS and the engine RPM.
    • If not, refer to DTC P0716 for the ISS and DTC P0723 for the OSS.
    • If the speed sensors pass testing, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for a short to ground in the 4WD low signal circuit.

  2. This step tests for an open in the 4WD low signal circuit or a faulty transfer case control module.

DTC P2771

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine, parking brake disengaged.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the PCM.

  4. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
  7. Select 4HI on the transfer case selector.
  8. Important: It may be necessary to drive the vehicle slightly forward to engage 4LO on the transfer case.

  9. Select 4LO on the transfer case selector.

Does the scan tool 4WD Low display Disabled when you select 4HI, then Enabled when you select 4LO?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the transfer case control module connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the scan tool 4WD Low indicate Enabled?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Connect a fused jumper between the harness side of the 4WD low signal circuit and ground at the transfer case control module connector.
  2. Observe the scan tool 4WD Low parameter.

Does the scan tool 4WD Low parameter indicate Enabled when the 4WD low signal circuit, is grounded?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

Replace the transfer case control module.

Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

6

Test the 4WD low signal circuit for a short to ground.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Test the 4WD low signal circuit for an open.

Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the ECM.

Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
  4. 3.1. Select 4LO on the transfer case selector.
    3.2. Drive the vehicle in D4.
    3.3. Verify that the speed ratio is 2.5-2.9 for 1.5 seconds.
    3.4. Select 2HI or 4HI on the transfer case selector.
    3.5. Drive the vehicle in D4 with the TCC ON.
    3.6. Verify that the speed ratio is 0.8-1.2 for 5 seconds.
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P2771.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 2

10

With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info, and DTC Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK