Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Pinpoint Test AK: U0138:00
- Refer to TWO WHEEL DRIVE/FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEMS
for schematic and connector information.
Normal Operation and Fault Conditions
The AWD module sets the DTC U0138:00 when key messages are not received for longer than 5 seconds. This loss of key messages degrades the transmission functionality. Other modules that require data from the ATCM module all set communication DTCs and may also exhibit system function concerns.
DTC Fault Trigger Conditions
DTC Description Fault Trigger Condition IPMA U0138:00 Lost Communication with All Terrain Control Module: No Sub Type Information Sets in continuous memory in the IPMA if data messages received from the ATCM through GWM are missing for 5 seconds or longer. Possible Sources
- Communication concern
- ATCM concern
- IPMA concern
- GWM
- AK1 VERIFY THE CUSTOMER CONCERN
- Ignition ON. Verify there is an observable symptom present.
Is an observable symptom present?
Yes GO to AK2 No Clear the DTC. The system is operating normally at this time. The DTC may have been set due to high network traffic, or an intermittent fault condition. - AK2 CHECK THE COMMUNICATION NETWORK
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, perform the network test.
Does the ATCM pass the network test?
Yes GO to AK3 No REFER to: Controller Area Network (CAN) Module Communications Network . REFER to: Ethernet Module Communications Network . - AK3 PERFORM THE ALL TERRAIN CONTROL MODULE (ATCM) SELF-TEST
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, perform the ATCM module self-test.
Are any DTCs recorded?
Yes DIAGNOSE all non-network Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). REFER to the DTC Chart: Terrain Control Module. REFER to: Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Vehicles With: 2-Speed Torque On Demand Transfer Case . REFER to: Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Vehicles With: Electronic Shift Transfer Case . No GO to AK4 - AK4 CHECK THE GWM (GATEWAY MODULE A) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, check the GWM Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (CMDTCs).
Are any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) recorded?
Yes REFER to: Controller Area Network (CAN) Module Communications Network . REFER to: Ethernet Module Communications Network . No GO to AK5 - AK5 PERFORM THE ATCM (ALL TERRAIN CONTROL MODULE) SELF-TEST
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, clear all DTCs.
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, perform the ATCM self-test.
Are any non-network Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present?
Yes REFER to: FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEMS - VEHICLES WITH: ELECTRONIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE . REFER to: FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEMS - VEHICLES WITH: 2-SPEED TORQUE ON DEMAND TRANSFER CASE . No GO to AK6 - AK6 RECHECK THE IPMA (IMAGE PROCESSING MODULE A) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, clear the IPMA Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
- Ignition OFF.
- Ignition ON.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, perform the IPMA continuous memory self-test.
- Check the IPMA Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (CMDTCs).
Is DTC U0138:00 present?
Yes GO to AK7 No The system is operating correctly at this time. The DTC may have been set due to high network traffic, or an intermittent fault condition. - AK7 CHECK FOR OTHER CAUSES OF COMMUNICATION NETWORK CONCERNNOTE: If new modules were installed prior to the DTC being set, the module configuration can be incorrectly set during the PMI, or the PMI may not have been carried out.
- CHECK the vehicle service history for recent service actions related to the ATCM module, GWM or IPMA. If recent service history is found:
- verify correct replacement module was installed
- vehicle parts build may be used to verify correct part fitment
- verify the configuration of replacement module was correct
- re-configure module using as-built data if prior configuration is suspect
- verify the module was not obtained from a like vehicle and installed into customer vehicle
- return the swapped module to source vehicle and obtain new replacement module
- if a new replacement module is installed, PERFORM PMI using as-built data
- verify correct replacement module was installed
- Operate the system and determine if the observable symptom is still present.
Is the observable symptom still present?
Yes GO to AK8 No The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been due to incorrect parts replacement procedures or incorrect module configuration. - CHECK the vehicle service history for recent service actions related to the ATCM module, GWM or IPMA. If recent service history is found:
- AK8 CHECK FOR CORRECT ATCM (ALL TERRAIN CONTROL MODULE) OPERATION
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect and inspect the ATCM connector.
- Repair:
- corrosion (install new connector or terminals - clean module pins)
- damaged or bent pins - install new terminals/pins
- pushed-out pins - install new pins as necessary
- Reconnect the ATCM connector. Make sure it seats and latches correctly.
- Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.
Is the concern still present?
Yes CHECK OASIS for any applicable service articles: TSB, GSB, SSM or FSA. If a service article exists for this concern, DISCONTINUE this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions. If no service articles address this concern, INSTALL a new ATCM. REFER to: All Terrain Control Module (ATCM) - Vehicles With: Center Console . No The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. ADDRESS the root cause of any connector or pin issues.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.