GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 1613426  Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The four wheel drive (4WD) low circuit consists of the powertrain control module (PCM), a transfer case control module and the circuit wiring. The transfer case control module controls the 4WD low signal on the low signal circuit. When the operator selects 4WD low, the transfer case control module grounds the signal circuit, 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) sensor signal. The PCM uses the transmission OSS sensor signal to adjust shift points, line pressure and torque converter clutch (TCC) scheduling.

When the PCM detects a continuous open, short to ground or short to voltage in the 4WD low circuit, then DTC P2771 sets. DTC P2771 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P2771 Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Low Switch Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No TP sensor DTCs P0122, or P0123.
    • No VSS DTCs P0502 or P0503.
    • No TCC solenoid valve DTC P0740.
    • No TCC stuck ON DTC P0742.
    • 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 valve DTC P2761.
    • The engine speed is greater than 450 RPM for 5 seconds.
    • The engine is not in fuel cutoff.
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 11 km/h (7 mph).
    • The TP angle is 17-50 percent.
    • The engine torque is 54-542 N·m (40-400 lb ft).
    • The gear range is D4.
    • The shift solenoid performance counters are zero.
    • The TFT is 20-130°C (68-266°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC P2771 sets if one of the following conditions occurs:

Condition 1

    • The 4WD low switch is in 4WD low.
    • The transfer case is not in 4WD low.
    • The TCC slip speed is -3,000 to -50 RPM.
    • The transfer case ratio is 0.08-1.2, the transfer case ratio is the engine speed divided by the transfer case output speed.
    • All conditions are met for 5 seconds.

Condition 2

    • The 4WD low switch is not in 4WD low.
    • The transfer case is in 4WD low.
    • The TCC is commanded ON.
    • The TCC slip speed is 100 to 3,000 RPM.
    • The transfer case ratio is 2.5-2.9.
    • All conditions are met for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.
    • The PCM commands a normal shift pattern, not a 4WD low shift pattern.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
    • The PCM stores DTC P2771 in PCM history during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

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

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 4WD low signal circuit.

  2. This step tests for an open in the 4WD low signal circuit or a faulty transfer case control module.

DTC P2771

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine, parking brake disengaged.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTC, 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 DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
  7. Select 4HI on the transfer case selector.
  8. Important: It may be necessary to drive the vehicle slightly forward to engage 4LO on the transfer case.

  9. Select 4LO on the transfer case selector.

Does the scan tool 4WD Low parameter display Disabled when you select 4HI, then Enabled when you select 4LO?

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the transfer case control module connector C1.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the scan tool 4WD Low indicate Enabled?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper from the 4WD low signal circuit of the transfer case control module harness to ground.
  2. Observe the scan tool 4WD Low parameter.

Does the scan tool 4WD Low parameter indicate Enabled when the 4WD low signal circuit is grounded?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

Replace the transfer case control module. Refer to Transfer Case Shift Control Module Replacement in Transfer Case - BW - 4484.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

6

Test the 4WD low signal circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Test the 4WD low signal circuit for an open. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup and programming.

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. 3.1. Select 4LO on the transfer case selector.
    3.2. Drive the vehicle in D4.
    3.3. Verify that the speed ratio is 2.5-2.9 for 1.5 seconds.
    3.4. Select 2HI or 4HI on the transfer case selector.
    3.5. Drive the vehicle in D4 with the TCC ON.
    3.6. Verify that the speed ratio is 0.8-1.2 for 5 seconds.
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P2771.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 2

10

With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info, and DTC Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK