Chassis, generic

C0094 4WD/AWD Rear Differential Unit Temperature Sensor

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

Covers the temperature sensor of the rear differential unit in an all-wheel-drive system, used to protect the rear drive module and its electronically controlled coupling from overheating. Prolonged torque transfer to the rear axle heats the clutch and fluid; the controller reads this sensor and limits engagement when it gets too hot. This code is set when the sensor signal is out of range, open, shorted or implausible. FCA documents C0094-4B on the Jeep Compass in the rear drive/AWD context. A fault removes thermal protection for the rear unit and can force reduced engagement, setting the AWD/4WD warning lamp; braking and ABS are unaffected. It is the rear-axle counterpart of the power-transfer-unit temperature sensor C0093. The entry follows the SAE J2012 generic definition.

Likely causes

Temperature sensor out of range or failed
Harness or connector fault
Genuine rear unit overheating event

Symptoms

  • AWD/4WD warning lamp on
  • Reduced rear-axle engagement for protection
  • No thermal protection of the rear unit

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€150–1,500
Time1–4 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

rear diff temp sensor

Related codes

C0093C0095C0096

References: static.nhtsa.gov, en.wikipedia.org.