AutoCodes – Chevrolet – C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado

C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Unable to Complete Shift

Quick Answer

The Transfer Case Motor, also known as the transfer case range actuator, is a bi-directional, permanent magnet, DC motor. Common causes include Faulty Transfer Case Motor (Transfer Case Two/Four Wheel Drive Actuator), 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
C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Unable to Complete Shift.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Transfer Case Motor (Transfer Case Two/Four Wheel Drive Actuator), 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 346
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 11, 2023
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Code C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Description

The Transfer Case Motor, also known as the transfer case range actuator, is a bi-directional, permanent magnet, DC motor. When energized, through the transfer case clockwise circuit or transfer case counterclockwise circuit, the ground is provided by the opposing motor control circuit which becomes grounded through the transfer case control module ground circuit. The transfer case range actuator, through a series of gears, rotates the transfer case control actuator shaft which moves the transfer case two/four-wheel drive actuator cam and transfer case high/low shift fork in order to shift the transfer case between the following modes or ranges: 2WD, 4WD/AWD Automatic, 4WD High/Locked, 4WD Low, Neutral.
If the shift lever detent shaft were to bind, or there was a mechanical failure, or the transfer case clockwise circuit and the transfer case counterclockwise circuit were shorted together, the shift would not be completed. This will cause the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) to be set in order to protect system components from damage.
OBDII Code C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado - Unable to Complete Shift - AutoCodes.com
C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Unable to Complete Shift

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

  • Faulty Transfer Case Motor (Transfer Case Two/Four Wheel Drive Actuator)
  • Transfer Case Motor harness is open or shorted
  • Transfer Case Motor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

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 C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 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 C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 C0387 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code C0387 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Common symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, the transmission getting stuck in a particular gear, or the vehicle being unable to complete a shift.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code C0387 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- The code C0387 is often triggered by issues with the transmission shift solenoid, low transmission fluid levels, a faulty transmission control module, or a damaged wiring harness.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code C0387 on my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Diagnosing the cause of C0387 typically requires a professional scan tool to read the trouble codes, checking the transmission fluid level and condition, inspecting the wiring harness for any damage, and testing the transmission shift solenoid.

4. Can I continue driving my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado if OBDII code C0387 is present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving your vehicle if OBDII code C0387 is present, as it can lead to further damage to the transmission and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

5. How can I repair OBDII code C0387 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Repairing code C0387 may involve replacing the transmission shift solenoid, topping up or changing the transmission fluid, repairing any damaged wiring, or reprogramming the transmission control module.

6. Will resetting the OBDII code C0387 on my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado fix the issue?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the code to trigger. It is essential to diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem.

7. Is it safe to ignore OBDII code C0387 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Ignoring OBDII code C0387 can lead to transmission problems and potentially unsafe driving conditions. It is crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.

8. Can low transmission fluid cause OBDII code C0387 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Yes, low transmission fluid levels can cause insufficient hydraulic pressure, leading to trouble shifting gears and triggering code C0387. Checking and topping up the transmission fluid is a crucial step in resolving the issue.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code C0387 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- The cost of repairing code C0387 can vary depending on the root cause of the issue. It may range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to over a thousand dollars for more significant transmission component replacements.

10. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code C0387 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- While some basic diagnostics like checking the transmission fluid level can be done by a DIY enthusiast, diagnosing and repairing the underlying cause of code C0387 often requires specialized tools and expertise, making it more suitable for professional mechanics.

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