OBD Guide
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C0090

4WD/AWD Power Transfer Unit Actuator

C0090 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: 4WD/AWD Power Transfer Unit Actuator. Common causes: ptu drive motor fault, problems with wiring harness or contacts. Estimated repair cost: $167–556.

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Limited driving only, diagnose soon
Approx. repair cost
$167–556 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Unstable all-wheel drive operation
  • Check engine light comes on
  • The car can switch to rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive only
  • Jerks are possible when switching drive modes

Causes

  • PTU drive motor fault
  • Problems with wiring harness or contacts
  • Transfer case control module failure
  • Mechanical damage to the PTU clutch or gears
  • Low oil level in transfer case

How to Fix

  1. Check the level and condition of the oil in the transfer case
  2. Diagnose PTU drive control circuit (resistance, voltage)
  3. Check the condition of the wiring harness and connectors
  4. Test the operation of the electric motor or drive solenoid
  5. Replacement of faulty components (drive, control module)
  6. Resetting the error and checking for reoccurrence

Related codes

C0091C0092P1890P1891

Error C0090 by Vehicle Brand

AcuraAudiBAICBMWBYDBuickCadillacChanganCheryChevroletChryslerCitroenDodgeDongfengExeedFAWFordForthingFotonGACGMGMCGeelyGreat WallHavalHondaHongqiHyundaiInfinitiJACJaecooJaguarJeepJetourKaiyiKiaLadaLexusLi AutoLifanLincolnLivanMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMitsubishiNIONissanOldsmobileOmodaOpelPeugeotPlymouthPontiacRenaultSWMSaturnSkodaSkywellSubaruSuzukiTankToyotaVolkswagenVolvoVoyahXPengZeekrZotye

FAQ

What does the C0090 code mean?

C0090 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: 4WD/AWD Power Transfer Unit Actuator

What causes a C0090 error code?

The most common causes of C0090 include: PTU drive motor fault; Problems with wiring harness or contacts; Transfer case control module failure; Mechanical damage to the PTU clutch or gears.

How do I fix a C0090 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix C0090: Check the level and condition of the oil in the transfer case. Diagnose PTU drive control circuit (resistance, voltage). Check the condition of the wiring harness and connectors. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with C0090?

Limited driving only, diagnose soon

How much does it cost to fix C0090?

The estimated repair cost for C0090 is $167–556. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

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See also: Russian version · NationStat