Chassis, generic

C05E2 4WD/AWD Clutch A Position Sensor Circuit Low

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

The position signal from the clutch A actuator has dropped below its valid band. On a sensor powered by a reference supply this normally means the signal line is shorted to ground, the supply is missing, or the sensor output is dead. Position sensing on such actuators is described by Bosch (sensor on the worm wheel of a transfer-case clutch drive) and by Dana (Hall sensors or encoders on the motor shaft of a ball ramp actuator). Since a reading stuck at the bottom could be mistaken for an open clutch, the controller stops using it and disables the AWD clutch. No manufacturer publishes C05E2; C05E3 is the high-side counterpart.

Likely causes

Signal wire shorted to ground
Sensor supply open or shorted
Sensor output failed low

Symptoms

  • AWD warning lamp on
  • Vehicle drives with one axle only

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–1,200
Time0.5–3 h

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

Parts involved

awd clutch a pos sensor

Related codes

C05E0C05E1C05E3C05E4

References: patents.google.com, patents.google.com.