GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

These diagnostic procedures will help you to find and repair automatic transfer case (ATC) system malfunctions. This service category also contains information for repairing ATC system malfunctions. For best results, use the diagnostic tables, and follow the sequence listed below:

  1. Perform the Transfer Case Diagnostic System Check. All ATC diagnostics must begin with the Transfer Case Diagnostic System Check. The Transfer Case Diagnostic System Check determines the following:
  2. • Proper SERVICE 4WD indicator operation.
    • Ability of the transfer case shift control module to communicate through the Data Link Connector (DLC)
    • Existence of ATC DTCs
  3. Refer to the diagnostic table as directed by the Transfer Case Diagnostic System Check. The diagnostic tables will help enable you to diagnose any ATC system malfunction. Bypassing these procedures may result in the following:
  4. • Extended Diagnostic Time
    • Incorrect Diagnosis
    • Incorrect Parts Replacement
  5. Repeat the Transfer Case Diagnostic System Check after you perform any repair or diagnostic procedures. This will verify that you correctly performed the repair. This will also ensure that other malfunctions do not exist.

Test Description

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

  1. Lack of communication may be due to a partial malfunction of the Class 2 serial data circuit or due to a total malfunction of the Class 2 serial data circuit. The specified procedure will determine the particular condition.

  2. A fuse failure will cause no communication this step has you check for this condition.

  3. This step determines if the fuse blows when the ignition is turned on.

  4. This step determines if there is a short to ground in the battery positive circuit causing the fuse to blow.

  5. This step refers to the table for C0306 for further diagnosis if a transfer case mode change is causing the fuse to blow.

  6. The presence of DTCs indicates that the transfer case shift control module has detected a fault. Go to symptoms for other concerns.

  7. The presence of DTCs which begin with "U" indicate some other module is not communicating. The specified procedure will compile all the available information before tests are performed.

  8. Vehicle speed is provided to the transfer case shift control module via Class 2 and can effect the setting of DTC C0300. Perform the diagnostics for powertrain DTCs P0502 and P0503 first.

  9. Perform diagnostics for DTC C0300 and C0305 first before addressing other DTCs. DTC C0300 and C0305 can be responsible for setting other DTCs.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Important: If the transfer case shift control switch is left between the 4HI and 4LO mode detents the transfer case will default to the AWD mode. This is considered a characteristic of the system, make sure the switch is within the proper detents.

Install a scan tool.

Does the scan tool power up?

Go to Step 2

Go to Scan Tool Does Not Power Up

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Attempt to establish communication with the transfer case shift control module.

Does the scan tool communicate with the transfer case shift control module?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn off the ignition.
  2. Check the underhood ATC fuse.

Did the ATC fuse blow?

Go to Step 4

Go to Scan Tool Does Not Communicate with Class 2 Device

4

  1. Replace the ATC fuse.
  2. Turn on the ignition.

Does the ATC fuse blow?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Check the battery positive circuit for a short to ground.

Was the condition found and corrected?

Go to Step 2

Go to Transfer Case Shift Control Module Replacement and Transfer Case Shift Control Module Reprogramming

6

  1. Start the Engine
  2. Attempt to shift the transfer case to different modes.
  3. Check the underhood ATC fuse.

Did the ATC fuse blow?

Go to DTC C0306

Go to Step 2

7

Select the transfer case shift control module display DTCs function on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs?

Go to Step 8

Go to Symptoms - Transfer Case

8

Does the scan tool display any DTCs which begin with a "U"?

Go to Scan Tool Does Not Communicate with Class 2 Device

Go to Step 9

9

Does the scan tool display DTC P0502 or P0503?

Go to Applicable Powertrain OBD Diagnostic System Check

Go to Step 10

10

Does the scan tool display DTC C0300 or C0305?

Go to DTC C0300 or DTC C0305

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List