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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Isuzu 🢒 2009 🢒 Ascender - 4WD 🢒 Diagnostic Navigation 🢒 Vehicle Diagnostic Information 🢒 Transfer Case Shift Control Switch Indicators Flash Continuously 15 Seconds or More

Circuit Description

This symptom is usually the result of actions expected to take place during the transition of a transfer case mode change which has not happened. When the transfer case changes from 2WD to 4WD, for example, the front axle is Locked by the transfer case shift control module. If the transfer case shift control module does not sense that the front axle is applied, the module waits for the action to take place before the gear change is made. While waiting, the mode switch lamp continues to flash for a period of time, at which time all other mode requests are ignored for the duration of the ignition cycle.

The front axle control circuit consists of an electric motor actuator, which engages and disengages the front axle. The front axle actuator motor consists of a permanent magnetic motor, a worm gear controlled plunger, a front axle switch and an electronic control circuit all within the actuator assembly.

The front axle actuator consists of the following circuits:

    • The front axle control circuit, which is also connected to the transfer case shift control module
    • The front axle switch circuit, which is also connected to the transfer case shift control module
    • A battery feed circuit
    • A ground circuit

When a shift to AUTO 4WD, 4HI, or 4LO is requested, the transfer case shift control module engages the front axle by grounding the front axle control circuit through a current limiting driver.

Test Description

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

  1. This step determines the position of the front axle switch.

    2.

  2. This step helps determine if the front axle will not engage.

    3.

  3. This step helps determine if the front axle will not disengage.

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 defaults to AWD mode. This is considered a characteristic of the system. Ensure the switch is within the proper detents.

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Install a scan tool.
  3. Using a scan tool, observe the Front Axle Switch Status.

Does the scan tool display the Front Axle Switch Status as Locked?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

Using a scan tool, observe the Commanded Mode Indicator Status.

Is the transfer case in Auto 4WD, 4WD HI, 4WD Low mode?

Go to Front Axle Will Not Engage

Go to Step 5

4

Using a scan tool, observe the Encoder Gear Position Status.

Is the transfer case in 2WD mode?

Go to Front Axle Will Not Disengage

Go to Step 5

5

Important: After transfer case shift control module replacement and reprogramming, ensure all doors are closed and the key is out of the ignition, then open and close the doors again and wait 2 minutes to avoid incomplete programming or false communications DTCs.

Replace the transfer case shift control module. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 6

--

6
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle in order to determine if the symptom has been corrected.

Is the symptom still present?

Go to Step 2

System OK