AutoCodes – Chevrolet – C0379 Chevrolet

C0379 Chevrolet Code - Front Axle Switch Circuit

Quick Answer

The front axle control circuit consists of an electric motor actuator that engages and disengages the front axle. Common causes include Faulty Front Axle Engagement Actuator, Front Axle Engagement Actuator harness is open or shorted, Front Axle Engagement Actuator 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: C0379 Chevrolet indicates Front Axle Switch Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Front Axle Engagement Actuator, Front Axle Engagement Actuator harness is open or shorted, Front Axle Engagement Actuator 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 9,451

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 Jul 11, 2023

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code C0379 Chevrolet Description

The front axle control circuit consists of an electric motor actuator that engages and disengages the front axle. The front axle engagement actuator consists of a permanent magnetic motor, a worm gear-controlled plunger, a front axle switch, and an electronic control circuit within the actuator assembly.
The front axle engagement actuator contains the following circuits: A Run/Crank Ignition 1 Voltage circuit, a Four-Wheel Drive Wheel Lock Indicator circuit, a Front Axle Actuator Control circuit, and a ground circuit.
When a shift to 4WD Auto, 4WD High, or 4WD Low is requested, the Transfer Case Control Module engages the front axle by grounding the front axle actuator control circuit through a current limiting driver.
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when a short to ground, short to voltage, or open circuit is detected.

OBDII Code C0379 Chevrolet - Front Axle Switch Circuit - AutoCodes.com — C0379 Chevrolet Code - Front Axle Switch Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C0379 Chevrolet?

Faulty Front Axle Engagement Actuator
Front Axle Engagement Actuator harness is open or shorted
Front Axle Engagement Actuator circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Transfer Case Control Module

How to Fix the DTC C0379 Chevrolet?

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 C0379 Chevrolet 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 C0379 Chevrolet code?

Need more information on how to fix the C0379 Chevrolet code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the C0379 Chevrolet code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Chevrolet Models

C0379 2014 Chevrolet Silverado — Front Axle Switch Circuit
C0379 2015 Chevrolet Silverado — Front Axle Switch Circuit
C0379 2016 Chevrolet Silverado — Front Axle Switch Circuit
C0379 2017 Chevrolet Silverado — Front Axle Switch Circuit
C0379 2018 Chevrolet Silverado — Front Axle Switch Circuit

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about C0379 Chevrolet Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code C0379 for a Chevrolet Front Axle Switch Circuit issue?

- Common symptoms include the service 4WD light illuminating on the dashboard, difficulty shifting into 4WD, or complete loss of 4WD functionality.

2. What are the possible causes of the C0379 code related to the Front Axle Switch Circuit in a Chevrolet vehicle?

- Possible causes include a faulty front axle switch, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, a malfunctioning transfer case control module, or issues with the front axle actuator.

3. How can I diagnose the C0379 Front Axle Switch Circuit code in my Chevrolet?

- Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, inspecting the front axle switch and related wiring for damage, and testing the transfer case control module and front axle actuator for proper function.

4. What is the typical repair process for resolving the C0379 code in a Chevrolet due to a Front Axle Switch Circuit problem?

- The repair process may involve replacing the front axle switch, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, reprogramming the transfer case control module, or replacing the front axle actuator if necessary.

5. Are there any tips for troubleshooting and fixing the C0379 code in a Chevrolet with a Front Axle Switch Circuit issue?

- Some tips include ensuring all wiring connections are secure and free of corrosion, checking for any related recalls or technical service bulletins from Chevrolet, and consulting a professional mechanic if needed for further assistance.

6. Can the C0379 code for the Front Axle Switch Circuit problem in a Chevrolet be safely ignored?

- Ignoring the C0379 code can lead to a loss of 4WD functionality, potentially causing safety concerns or difficulties driving in certain road conditions. It is recommended to address the issue promptly.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the C0379 Front Axle Switch Circuit issue in a Chevrolet?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but they may range from $200 to $500 or more, including parts and labor.

8. Will driving my Chevrolet with the C0379 code affect the vehicle's overall performance?

- Continuing to drive with the C0379 code may result in limited or loss of 4WD functionality, which can impact the vehicle's performance, especially in off-road or slippery road conditions.

9. Is it possible to reset or clear the C0379 code related to the Front Axle Switch Circuit in a Chevrolet without fixing the underlying issue?

- Clearing the code without addressing the root cause will only temporarily remove the warning light, and the issue will likely reappear once the system detects the problem again.

10. How long does it typically take to repair the C0379 code in a Chevrolet due to a Front Axle Switch Circuit problem?

- The repair time can vary based on the complexity of the issue and the availability of parts, but it may take a few hours to a full day for a mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem properly.