Chassis, generic

C05F7 4WD/AWD Range Actuator Control Circuit Low

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

A range actuator drive line sits below its expected voltage, typically because a motor lead is shorted to ground or the driver pulls it down when it should not. In a reversing gear motor each terminal is alternately the high and the low side, so a ground short on either lead shows up depending on shift direction. The TI DRV8873-Q1 is an example of a driver that reports a short to ground separately from overcurrent and open load and shuts the affected half-bridge off. Ford advises in SSM 48300 to inspect Super Duty transfer case connectors for damaged wires before condemning the motor; Magna's patent shows the motor turning a screw and sector shaft to move the range fork, so without drive the fork stays put. No maker documents C05F7; C05F8 is the high-side fault.

Likely causes

Motor lead chafed through and shorted to the body or transfer case
Water or corrosion in the shift motor connector
Internal short in the shift motor
Faulty low-side driver in the control module

Symptoms

  • 4WD service message, range change refused
  • Fault may appear only when shifting in one direction
  • Blown fuse for the transfer case motor possible

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–900
Time0.5–3 h

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

Parts involved

range actuatortransfer case control module

Related codes

C05F5C05F6C05F8

References: ti.com, static.nhtsa.gov, patents.google.com.