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 rear differential control circuit consists of an actuator which engages and disengages the rear axle differential lock. The rear differential actuator consists of a coil assembly, and a locking assembly with springs and pins to lock the rear differential, all within the rear differential assembly.

The rear axle differential lock actuator consists of the following circuits:

    • The rear differential lock control circuit, which is connected to the transfer case shift control module and supplies battery voltage.
    • The rear differential lock return ground circuit, which is also connected to the transfer case shift control module.

Whenever the rear differential lock has been requested the transfer case shift control module provides battery voltage through the rear differential lock control circuit, and provides ground through the rear differential lock return circuit through a current limiting driver.

Whenever a rear differential lock is requested the transfer case must be in 4 LO and the vehicle speed must be below 5 km/h (3 mph) for the request to be accepted. The rear differential lock will remain locked up to 32 km/h (20 mph) after which the rear differential lock will disengage.

This DTC detects a short to ground, short-to-voltage, or an open circuit.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The system voltage is 9-18 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The transfer case shift control module monitors the state of the rear axle differential lock actuator. The transfer case shift control module reads the rear differential lock control, and the rear differential lock return circuits for a high and low voltage. The DTC will set if these circuits are high when a low voltage is expected or when the circuits are low when a high voltage is expected.
    • The DTC will set if this circuit is high when a low voltage is present or when the circuit is low when a high voltage is present.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • All rear differential lock requests will be disabled. Transfer case mode shifts will not be affected.
    • SERVICE 4WD indicator will be latched 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 is not currently present.
    • A history DTC will clear after 33 consecutive ignition cycles without a fault present.
    • History DTCs can be cleared using a scan tool.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Transfer Case Control Schematics
    •  Differential Lock Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Locking Differential Description and Operation
    •  Rear Drive Axle Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.