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.
Diagnostic Test
- READ AND RECORD DTCS AND ENVIRONMENTAL DATA - ERASE DTCS AND CHECK FOR THE DTC TO RETURN
- With the scan tool, read DTCs in all Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and record on the repair order.
- With the scan tool, run a Vehicle Scan Report, or record the Environmental Data.
- With the scan tool, erase DTCs.
- Turn the ignition off for at least 10.0 seconds.
- Turn the ignition on.
- Using the recorded Environmental Data and the When Monitored Conditions above, operate the vehicle in the conditions that set the DTC.
- With the scan tool, read DTCs.
Did the DTC return?
Yes
- Go To 4
No
- Perform the TESTING FOR AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION procedure. Refer to TESTING FOR AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION .
- REVIEW FAD SCAN TOOL DATA
- The ignition must be on, with engine off when performing this test.
- Place vehicle in park and 2wd selection.
- Under the DTCM listing, Locate the FAD actuator status under the data tab.
NOTE:Under the conditions listed above the FAD status should show disengaged.
Dose the scan tool show a disengaged status?
Yes
- Go To 3
No
- Go To 4
- FRONT AXLE DISCONNECT ACTUATOR TEST
- The ignition must be on when performing this test.
- Raise the vehicle on a frame lift.
- Locate the FAD actuator wiring connector.
- Back probe the (G304) Circuit at the FAD connector, using a suitable back probing tool connected to a good ground source.
NOTE:You should hear the FAD motor actuate engaging the FAD.
Did you hear the FAD Actuate ?
Yes
- Go To 4
No
- Go To 4
- ISOLATE AND CHECK THE (G304) FRONT AXLE LOCK CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE
- The ignition must be off when checking the continuity of a circuit.
- Isolate the circuit by disconnecting the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the component harness connectors containing the circuit being tested. Note: Use the wiring diagram as a guide to follow the path of the circuit. Check the disconnected connectors and related harnesses for damage, corrosion, and loose fitting terminals.
- Before testing a circuit, measure the resistance between the two leads of the Digital Volt-Ohm Meter (DVOM). Note: Resistance in the meter leads can cause an error in the test results.
- Connect one lead of the DVOM to the circuit being tested at the component harness connector.
- Connect the other lead to the circuit being tested at the ECU harness connector and measure the resistance of the circuit.
NOTE:When back-probing a circuit at a harness connector, always use an appropriate back probing tool to prevent damage to the connector terminals.
Is the resistance below 3.0 Ohms?
Yes
- Go To 5
No
- Repair the circuit for an open or high resistance.
- Perform the DTCM VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- CHECK THE (F946) FUSED IGNITION RUN/START CONTROL OUTPUT CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN OR HIGH RESISTANCE BY LOAD TESTING THE CIRCUIT
- Disconnect the applicable ECU harness connector.
- Connect the positive lead of the load test tool to the 12.0 volt supply circuit at the ECU harness connector. Note: refer to (A) in the diagram below.
- Connect the negative lead of the load test tool to the ground circuit of the Battery or a good chassis ground.
- Make sure that the circuit being tested is being powered on. If the 12.0 volt circuit being tested is an ignition feed for example, the ignition must be on. If testing an output from a relay, verify that the relay is energized and on.
- The bulb on the load test tool should be illuminated and bright if there is no resistance in the circuitry.
NOTE:Why load test a circuit? A load test is used to determine if a circuit is capable of carrying the amperage needed to perform properly. The 3156 bulb in the load tool illustrated, is a simple but effective method of testing circuit functionality. A 3156 Bulb has approximately 6.0 Ohms of resistance when the bulb is powered and draws approximately 2.0 amps of current. Read the LOAD TESTING A BATTERY OR IGNITION FEED CIRCUIT procedure in CIRCUIT VOLTAGE DROP AND LOAD TESTING PROCEDURES for information on building a simple load test tool and for additional load testing information and alternative methods of load testing or voltage drop testing a circuit. Refer to CIRCUIT LOAD TESTING PROCEDURES .
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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.
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