GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 508790  Size: MF
Automatic Transmission Components
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

Vehicles equipped with an active transfer case have a four-wheel drive (4WD) low circuit consisting of a powertrain control module (PCM) , an active transfer case control module, and the circuit wiring. The active transfer case control module controls the 4WD low signal on circuit 1694. When the operator selects 4WD low, the active transfer case control module grounds circuit 1694, and the 4WD low signal voltage on the circuit changes from ignition voltage to zero volts. The PCM then compensates for transfer case gear reduction in the transmission output shaft speed (OSS) signal. The PCM uses the transmission OSS signal to adjust shift points, line pressure and torque converter clutch (TCC) scheduling.

Vehicles not equipped with an active transfer case have a 4WD low circuit consisting of a PCM, transfer case switch and the circuit wiring. The transfer case switch is used to control the 4WD low signal on circuit 1694. When the operator moves the 4WD selector lever to 4WD low, the transfer case switch closes, and the 4WD low signal voltage on circuit 1694 changes from B+ voltage to zero volts. The PCM then compensates for transfer case gear reduction in the transmission output (shaft) speed sensor (OSS) readings. The PCM uses the transmission OSS signal in order to adjust shift points, line pressure and TCC scheduling.

If the PCM detects a continuous open or short to ground in the 4WD low signal circuit, then DTC P1875 sets. DTC P1875 is a type C DTC. For California emissions vehicles DTC P1875 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No MAP sensor DTCs P0106, P0107 or P0108.
    • No TP sensor DTCs P0121, P0122 or P0123.
    • No OSS DTCs P0502 or P0503.
    • No ISS DTCs P0716 or P0717.
    • No 1-2 SS valve DTCs P0751 or P0753.
    • No 2-3 SS valve DTCs P0756 or P0758.
    • No TFP manual valve position switch DTC P1810.
    • No TCC PWM solenoid DTC P1860.
    • The engine is running at least 300 RPM for 7 seconds.
    • The TFP manual valve position switch is D4.
    • The TP sensor is 10-100%.
    • The TFT is 20-132°C (68-266°F).
    • The system voltage is 8.0-18.0 volts.
    • Engine torque is 68 N·m (55 lb ft) to 540 N·m (400 lb ft).
    • Vehicle speed is greater than 1.0 mph.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

All conditions for running the DTC are met, and one of the following conditions occur:

    • The four-wheel drive low circuit is closed (grounded) for more than 7 seconds with a transfer case ratio of 0.95-1.05:1, for 1 occurrence.
    • The four-wheel drive low circuit is open for 2 seconds, with a transfer case ratio of 2.68-2.76:1 in two different commanded gears for 2 occurrences.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM assumes a 4WD low state for transmission shift patterns when stuck OFF.
    • The PCM assumes a non 4WD low state for transmission shift patterns, when stuck ON.
    • The PCM freezes shift adapts from being updated.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Freeze Frame (Calif. only) and Failure Records (Calif. and Federal).
    • The PCM stores the DTC P1875 in PCM history during the second consecutive trip (Calif.) or the first trip (Federal) in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • For California emissions, the PCM 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.
    • For California emissions, the PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without an emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • For Federal emissions, the PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or TP sensor codes that are present. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset.
    • Inspect the connectors at the PCM, the Transfer Case Control Module/Transfer Case Switch and all other circuit connecting points for an intermittent condition. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • Inspect the circuit wiring for an intermittent condition. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Wiring Systems.
    • Low pump pressure and a slipping trans can cause DTC P1875 to set.
    • Transfer case gear ratio is calculated by dividing the ISS by the OSS.

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 signal circuit (CKT 1694).

  2. This step tests for an open in the signal circuit (CKT 1694), a faulty transfer case control module (active transfer case vehicles) or transfer case switch (non-active transfer case vehicles).

DTC P1875

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Install a Scan Tool .
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, 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 Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTCs.
  6. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
  7. Select 4WD, then 4WD Low on the transfer case selector lever.

Does the 4WD Low on the scan tool display Disabled when 4WD is selected, then Enabled when 4WD Low is selected?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the active transfer case control module connector (active transfer case vehicles) or the transfer case switch connector (non-active transfer case vehicles).
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the 4WD Low on the scan tool indicate Enabled?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Ground C1-F7 of the active transfer case control module connector (active transfer case vehicles) or terminal B of the transfer case switch connector (non-active transfer case vehicles) to ground.
  2. Ensure that the scan tool displays 4WD Low.

Does 4WD Low on the Scan Tool indicate Enabled when the signal circuit (CKT 1694) is grounded?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

Replace the active transfer case control module (active transfer case vehicles) or the transfer case switch (non-active transfer case vehicles).

Refer to Transfer Case Shift Control Module Replacement in Transfer Case (active transfer case vehicles) or Transfer Case Switch Replacement (non-active transfer case vehicles).

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

6

  1. Test the signal circuit (CKT 1694) for a short to ground.
  2. Repair the circuit if necessary.

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

  1. Test the signal circuit (CKT 1694) for an open.
  2. Repair the circuit if necessary.

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the PCM.

Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls.

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. • Select 4WD Low on the 4WD selector and drive the vehicle. The transfer case gear ratio must be 2.68-2.76 for 1 second in 4th gear with the TCC locked.
    • Select 4WD on the selector and drive the vehicle. The gear ratio must be 0.95-1.05 for 0.5 second in any one gear.
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P1875.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1