4WD Transfer Case Motor Typical Failures and Prevention

Tech Tip: 4WD Transfer Case Motor Typical Failures And Prevention

This Tech Tip applies to Chevy/GMC, Ford, Mazda and Isuzu 4-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with transfer case motors. Most units fail because of water or mud intrusion. Carefully inspect the motor boot or protective coverings. Be sure the connector seals can keep water and debris out. Check the wiring harness and connector. Replace or repair wiring as necessary. After installation, periodically select 4-wheel-drive mode to ensure operation when needed.

Applies To: Chevy/GMC, Ford, Mazda and Isuzu 4-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with transfer case motors.

Problem: Unable to change to 4-wheel-drive mode. Possible transfer case motor failure.

Solution: Replace defective original motor with a CARDONE remanufactured unit.

Installation Tips:
Most units fail because of water or mud intrusion. Carefully inspect the motor boot or protective coverings. Be sure the connector seals can keep water and debris out. Check the wiring harness and connector.

Replace or repair wiring as necessary. After installation, periodically select 4-wheel-drive mode to ensure operation when needed.

Replacement motors for GM ­vehicles are supplied in 2-wheel-drive ­position. If necessary, select or move the transfer case into ­2-wheel-drive before installation of the replacement motor. GM applications will require a scan tool to clear the codes from the ­transmission control module (refer to the vehicle service ­manual for correct tool and ­procedures).

Ford applications require transfer of wire connector pins. Be sure to record pin location before ­removing the original unit.

Courtesy of CARDONE Industries, Inc

You May Also Like

Toyota Regenerative Braking System

The brake system of a hybrid may have multiple components to perform regenerative braking and pedal simulation.

With conventional friction brakes, the energy of forward motion (kinetic energy) is transformed into heat energy, via friction, and then dissipated into the air. A Toyota hybrid vehicle recharges its high voltage battery through the use of regenerative braking. 

With regenerative braking, instead of just wasting that energy by releasing it into the air, the vehicle takes it and places it in a box in the back of the car to save it as stored energy. Later, that stored energy will be converted back into kinetic energy and poured back into the operation of the car.

Regenerative Braking Service

Regenerative braking takes the forward motion of the vehicle and turns it into electrical energy.

Toyota Prius Battery Codes P0A7F, P2011 and P0A80

A second generation Toyota Prius is at least 12 years old and batteries may need to be replaced. Here’s what the codes mean.

Air Ride Diagnostics: Reservoirs and Compressors

The secret to diagnosing air ride problems is knowing what criteria the system uses to regulate the compressor/reservoir and having the right tool.

Mazda SkyActiv Engine Service Tips

These engines have been reliable, but there are four pattern failures you might see.

Other Posts

Don’t Miss The April Digital Edition of ShopOwner

The April issue includes technical and management content and is free to download.

Mercedes-Benz: Replacing Bolts at Steering Gear

Work procedures vary slightly for certain platforms. This article outlines the different procedures to follow.

Solving Intermittent Overheating

New cooling systems anticipate and influence changes in coolant temperature.

Now Available – March’s Digital Edition of ShopOwner

The March issue includes technical and management content and is free to download.