The transfer case encoder is an analog sensor that returns a signal that represents the physical position of the transfer case sector shaft. The signal represents the mode or position that the transfer case is currently in.
This sensor is made up of the following 3 circuits:
• | A 5-volt reference circuit |
• | An encoder signal circuit |
• | An encoder low reference circuit |
This DTC detects an out of range reading from the encoder signal or a short to voltage on the 5-volt reference circuit.
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC C0327 Encoder Circuit Malfunction
The transfer case shift control module has a predefined range in which the encoder feed back should stay within, 0.5-4.5 volts. The DTC sets if the encoder signal feed back falls out of this range.
• | All motor activity stops. |
• | The SERVICE AWD indicator remains illuminated for the remainder of the current ignition cycle. |
• | 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. |
Check the mechanical condition of the shift lever detent shaft connected to the motor. If this shaft has too much mechanical play this can cause an under voltage or over voltage from the encoder causing the DTC to set.
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
This step tests the encoder circuit for a current malfunction.
This step tests for proper reference voltage at the encoder.
This step tests the 5-volt reference encoder circuit for a short to voltage, short to ground, an open or high resistance.
After determining that the reference voltage measured in step 4 was correct, step 6 reviews the reading originally measured in step 3 to see if it was higher or lower than what is expected. This step helps determine whether the encoder signal circuit is being pulled high or low.
This step tests the encoder signal circuit and the encoder low reference circuit for a short to voltage.
This step helps determine a faulty encoder.
This step tests the encoder signal circuit for an open or a short to ground.
This step tests the encoder low reference circuit for an open or high resistance.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Transfer Case Control Schematics Connector End View Reference: Transfer Case Control Connector End Views | ||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
Does the voltage reading stay within the specified range? | 0.5-4.5 V | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections | Go to Step 3 | |
Is the voltage measured within the specified range? | 4.8-5.2 V | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 | |
Test the 5-volt reference encoder circuit for a short to voltage, short to ground, an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Was the condition found and corrected? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 11 | |
Was the voltage reading measured in step 3 greater than the specified value? | 5.2 volts | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7 | |
Test the encoder signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Was the condition found and corrected? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 11 | |
Is the Encoder Return Voltage display within the specified range? | 4.8-5.2 V | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 | |
Test the encoder signal circuit for an open or a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Was the condition found and corrected? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 11 | |
Test the encoder low reference circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 10 | |
10 | Replace the encoder motor. Refer to Transfer Case Motor/Encoder Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 12 | -- |
11 |
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 setting false communication DTCs. Replace the transfer case shift control module. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 12 | -- |
12 |
Does the DTC set? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |