GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    â€¢ Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    â€¢ Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    â€¢  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit Description

The transfer case motor is a bi-directional, permanent magnet, D.C. motor. Depending on the command received, the transfer case motor can be energized through either the motor control A or motor control B circuit. The ground circuit for the motor is provided by the motor control circuit that is not energized. The motor, through a series of gears, rotates a shaft which moves the range forks to shift the transfer case between the 2HI, 4HI, 4LO, and Neutral ranges.

Diagnostic Aids

A low battery condition or charging system that is faulty could produce this fault. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test and Charging System Test .

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Transfer Case Control Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Transfer Case Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    â€¢  Circuit Testing
    â€¢  Connector Repairs
    â€¢  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    â€¢  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, with a scan tool command both the motor control A circuit ON and OFF. You should here the encoder motor shifting the transfer case.
  2. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification, then refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the transfer case shift control module electrical connectors C1 and C2.
  2. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and C1, terminal 1.
  3. ⇒If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and C1, terminal 9.
  5. ⇒If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  6. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between C1 terminal 8, and ground.
  7. ⇒If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  8. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between C2 terminal 10 and ground.
  9. ⇒If the test lamp does not illuminate test the ignition 1 voltage circuit for a short to ground.
  10. Ignition OFF, disconnect the transfer case encoder motor electrical connector.
  11. Verify that a test lamp illuminate between B+ and terminal E of the transfer case encoder motor electrical connector.
  12. ⇒If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  13. Ignition OFF, connect C1 and C2 to the transfer case shift control module.
  14. Connect a DMM between terminals B and C of the transfer case encoder motor electrical connector.
  15. Ignition ON, with a scan tool, command the motor control A circuit ON and OFF. The DMM should display B+ and zero voltage when commanded ON and OFF.
  16. ⇒If the DMM displays less than B+ when commanded ON, test both circuits for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If both circuits test normal, replace the transfer case shift control module.
  17. Ignition OFF, remove the transfer case encoder motor. Inspect the shift detent lever shaft for a binding condition.
  18. ⇒If the shift detent lever shaft inspection is normal, replace the transfer case encoder motor.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the transfer case shift control module electrical connector.
  2. With a DMM, measure for 2-100 ohms between motor control A and motor control B terminals on the encoder motor.
  3. ⇒ If not with in the specified range, replace the transfer case encoder motor.
  4. Ignition OFF, with a DMM, test for continuity between motor control A terminal and ground, an also motor control B terminal and ground, on the transfer case encoder motor.
  5. ⇒If continuity is detected, replace the transfer case encoder motor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    â€¢  Control Module References for control module replacement, setup, and programming
    â€¢  Transfer Case Encoder Motor Replacement