Home ReviewsRefund
Home/Mazda/Tribute/Mazda Tribute II (2007-2011)/Repair manual/Transfer Case/Symptom Troubleshooting (Transfer Case): Overview
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Transfer Case All sections

Symptom Troubleshooting (Transfer Case): Overview Mazda Tribute II

Transfer Case ~1392 words

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) SYSTEMS - PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

The vehicle is equipped with a four wheel drive (4WD) system, also referred to as Active Torque Coupling (ATC) , that is always active and requires no driver input. The system has no Mode Select Switch (MSS).

The system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. During normal operation, most of the torque is sent to the front wheels. If wheel slip between the front and rear wheels is detected or the vehicle is under heavy acceleration (high throttle position), AWD system increases torque to the rear wheels to prevent or control wheel slip.

The system consists of a power transfer unit (PTU), 4X4 control module, rear axle and a solenoid actuated ATC device. Based on the amount of current sent to the clutch, the module varies the torque sent to the rear wheels by sending a duty cycle based on the amount of current sent to the ATC device located inside the rear axle.

The 4X4 control module also provides the brake system with its current clutch duty cycle and whether or not the brake system may take command of the clutch duty cycle.

Note. PTU repair is limited to seals. If any of the geared components, bearings, case cover or internal shafts fail, a new PTU must be installed.

The 4X4 control module also provides the brake system with its current clutch duty cycle and determines whether or not the brake system may take command of the clutch duty cycle.

Note. The ATC is not repairable. If a new component is required, the active torque coupling and rear axle are installed as an assembly. See AXLE ASSEMBLY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .

The active, on-demand 4WD system uses data from other systems as inputs to the 4X4 control module. The 4X4 control module uses the inputs to send to the ATC solenoid that delivers the desired torque to the rear wheels. Specific inputs to the 4X4 control module are

  1. Accelerator pedal position via the high speed controller area network (HS-CAN)
  2. Transaxle range from the transmission control module (TCM) via the HS-CAN
  3. Brake system status from the ABS module via the HS-CAN
  4. Wheel speed from all 4 wheels from the ABS module via the HS-CAN

The 4X4 control module outputs are

  1. Solid-state clutch PWM signal to the ATC solenoid
  2. Percent of torque transfer commanded signal to the ABS module via the HS-CAN
  3. Torque request available signal to the ABS module via the HS-CAN

Normal Operation

Note. This test must be carried out on a hard surface in a vacant area without traffic.

Note. Carry out Steps 1 through 7 outlined in Inspection and Verification before carrying out this pinpoint test. See FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) SYSTEM INSPECTION/VERIFICATION.

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. During normal operation, most of the torque is delivered at the front wheels. If wheel slip between the front and rear wheels is detected, or if the vehicle is under heavy acceleration, the AWD system increases torque to the rear wheels to prevent or control wheel slip.

If the 4X4 control module observes an overpower of underpower voltage condition, DTCs are set and the 4X4 control module may not allow 4X4 operation.

  1. DTC B1317 (Battery Voltage High) - sets when the 4X4 control module detects battery voltage greater than 16 volts for at least 10 seconds.
  2. DTC B1318 Battery Voltage Low - sets when the 4X4 control module detects battery voltage less than 9 volts for at least 10 seconds, with the engine running at 1,500 RPM or greater. Possible Causes
  3. Fuses
  4. 4X4 control module
  5. Wiring, terminals or connectors

The on-demand four wheel drive (4WD) system uses data from other systems as inputs to the 4X4 control module. The 4X4 control module uses the inputs to determine the appropriate duty cycle to send to the active torque coupling (ATC) solenoid (part of the rear axle) that delivers the desired torque to the rear wheels. Specific inputs to the 4X4 control module are: accelerator pedal position output from the PCM, transmission range from the PCM, brake system status and all 4 wheel speeds from the ABS module. Communication between the 4X4 control module and other modules is obtained through the high-speed controller area network (HS-CAN). If the 4X4 control module loses communication with, or receives invalid data from any of the necessary modules, DTCs are set and the 4X4 control module may not allow 4WD operation.

  1. DTC U0415 (Invalid Data Received from Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module) - sets when the 4X4 control module receives invalid HS-CAN bus data or invalid wheel speed(s) from the ABS module for more than 5 seconds. Possible Causes
  2. ABS module

The on-demand four wheel drive (4WD) system uses data from other systems as inputs to the 4X4 control module. The 4X4 control module uses the inputs to determine the appropriate duty cycle to send to the active torque coupling that delivers the desired torque to the rear wheels. Specific inputs to the 4X4 control module are: throttle position output from the PCM, transmission range from the PCM, brake system status and all 4 wheel speeds from the ABS module. Communication between the 4X4 control module and other modules is obtained through the high-speed controller area network (HS-CAN). If the 4X4 control module loses communication with, or receives invalid data from any of the necessary modules, DTCs are set and the 4X4 control module may not allow 4WD operation.

  1. DTC U0100 (Lost Communication with PCM) - sets when the 4X4 control module detects a missing HS-CAN bus message from the PCM for at least 5 seconds.
  2. DTC U0121 (Lost Communication with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)) - sets when the 4X4 control module detects a missing HS-CAN bus message from the ABS module for at least 5 seconds.
  3. DTC U1900 (CAN Communication Bus Fault) - sets when the 4X4 control module does not receive ABS module or PCM HS-CAN bus messages. Possible Causes
  4. 4X4 control module
  5. PCM
  6. ABS module
  7. Wiring, terminals or connectors
  8. HS-CAN bus fault

The on-demand four wheel drive (4WD) system uses data from other systems as inputs to the 4X4 control module. The 4X4 control module uses the inputs to determine the appropriate duty cycle to send to the active torque coupling (ATC) solenoid (part or rear axle) that delivers the desired torque to the rear wheels. If the 4X4 control module loses communication with, or receives invalid data from any of the necessary modules, DTCs are set and the 4X4 control module may not allow 4WD operation.

  1. DTC P1824 (4WD Clutch Relay Circuit Failure) - sets when the 4X4 control module detects a short to ground on the active torque coupling (ATC) solenoid feedback circuit.
  2. DTC P1825 (4WD Clutch Relay Open Circuit) - sets when the 4X4 control module detects an open or a short to ground on the ATC solenoid command or feedback circuit for more than 2 seconds. Possible Causes
  3. Tire(s)/axle out-of-range
  4. ATC solenoid (part of rear axle)
  5. 4X4 control module
  6. Power transfer unit (PTU)
  7. Wiring, terminals or connectors

The four wheel drive (4WD) system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. During normal operation, most of the torque is sent to the front wheels. If wheel slip between the front and rear wheels is detected, or the vehicle is under heavy acceleration, the 4WD system increases torque to the rear wheels.

The four wheel drive (4WD) system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. During normal operation, most of the torque is sent to the front wheels. If wheel slip between the front and rear wheels is detected or the vehicle is under heavy acceleration, the 4WD system increases the torque to the rear wheels.

  1. DTC P1635 (Tire/Axle Out of Acceptable Range) - sets when the 4X4 control module detects inappropriate mini spare or road wheels/tires (greater than 7% across the front and rear axle or 14% at one wheel) installed. Possible Causes
  2. Wheels/tires
  3. Wheel speed sensors
  4. ABS module
  5. 4X4 control module

More articles — Symptom Troubleshooting (Transfer Case)