AutoCodes – Generic – C0309

C0309 Code - Motor A/B Circuit High

Quick Answer

The transfer case motor is a bi-directional, permanent magnet, D.C. Common causes include Faulty Transfer Case Motor, Transfer Case Motor harness is open or shorted, Transfer Case Motor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: C0309 indicates Motor A/B Circuit High.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Transfer Case Motor, Transfer Case Motor harness is open or shorted, Transfer Case Motor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 5,450

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 18, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code C0309 Description

The transfer case motor is a bi-directional, permanent magnet, D.C. motor. When energized, (through Motor Control A or Motor Control B, the ground is provided by the opposing Motor Control circuit and then grounded through the transfer case shift control module ground circuit), the motor, through a series of gears, rotates a shaft which moves the mode and range forks to shift the transfer case between 4H, AUTO 4WD, 2H, N, and 4L ranges. While the transfer case motor is energized the transfer case shift control module also energizes the solenoid for the transfer case lock. The motor lock is disabled (locking action released) and free turning of the transfer case motor and sector shaft is then allowed.
This DTC detects a short to ground in Motor Control A or Motor Control B CKT.

OBDII Code C0309 - Motor A/B Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — C0309 Code - Motor A/B Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C0309?

Faulty Transfer Case Motor
Transfer Case Motor harness is open or shorted
Transfer Case Motor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC C0309?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the C0309 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the C0309 code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

C0309 Buick — Motor A/B Circuit High
C0309 Cadillac — Motor A/B Circuit High
C0309 Chevrolet — Motor A/B Circuit High
C0309 GMC — Motor A/B Circuit High

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.