P0837 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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Is the car’s transmission continuously slipping along with sluggish acceleration? Is there a problem of decreased fuel economy along with vehicle not shifting into gears? Is the car’s check engine light illuminated on the dashboard? All these are an indication towards a problematic 4WD sensor switch, thus resulting in OBD code P0837 error getting stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).

OBD II fault code P0837 is a generic code that is defined as “Four-wheel drive switch range/performance problem”, or sometimes as “Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Switch Performance / Rationality”. This code is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects an abnormal voltage in the four-wheel drive selector switch or its control system. Note that this code only applies to applications that are equipped with electronically controlled/selectable AWD (All Wheel Drive) or four-wheel drive systems.

In terms of operation, the PCM supplies a 5-volt reference voltage to the switch that has known resistance values for each position. Thus, if the switch is turned to say, the low range gear ratio, the reference voltage is reduced by a predetermined resistance that is built into the switch. The resulting signal voltage is then compared to a pre-programmed value by the PCM, and if the actual and desired signal voltage values do not agree, the PCM will recognize a range/performance problem in the switch or its associated circuit(s), and it will set code P0837 as a result.

What causes this problem with the Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Switch Circuit Range/Performance?

• Defective four-wheel drive selector switch
• Damaged, burnt, shorted, or corroded wiring and/or connectors
• Mechanical failure of drive train components. Note that while this is rare, it is not altogether impossible
• Failed or failing PCM. Note that this is a rare event, and the fault must be sought elsewhere before any control module is replaced

1. Four Wheel Drive Switch - Faulty switch is the most common problem and must be replaced at the first instance. Buy new 4WD switch now!
2. Four Wheel Drive Actuator Cable - 4WD actuator cable, if faulty, must be replaced. Buy new cable now!
3. Four Wheel Drive Switch Connector - Check for corroded or damaged connector and replace it at first instance. Buy new switch connector now!
4. Engine Control Module - Faulty ECM can flash and store wrong OBD error. It’s better to get the faulty electricals replaced as soon as possible.
5. Powertrain Control Module - Damaged PCM hampers the engine timing. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
6. Diagnostic Tool - Find high grade diagnostic tools to detect the OBD error code from us. Visit us today to grab amazing deals.

It is vital to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P0837 here:

Common Symptoms

• Stored trouble code and possibly an illuminated warning light
• One or more drive train modes may fail to engage, or disengage
• On applications with automatic transmissions, shifting may be harsh, erratic, or the transmission may not shift at all
• On automatic applications, the engine may stall when coming to a stop
• In rare cases, mechanical failure of the transfer case may occur

Want to correct the Trouble Code P0837? Read these points mentioned below:

• Damaged or defective wires, connectors or harnesses replacement
• Damaged four-wheel drive switch replacement
• Open, damaged, or shorted circuits repairs
• Defective PCM repair, replace and reprogram

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It is essential to diagnose this fault code. Here are some steps which a mechanic should follow for diagnosing the problem that triggered a P0837 code to be stored:

• Make use of quality OBD-II scanner to check for a stored P0837 trouble code. Freeze data and recheck the vehicle by retesting the vehicle and seeing if the code returns.
• Do a visual inspection of all related wires and connectors for visible signs or damage or corrosions and replace the faulty wiring immediately.
• With the help of digital volt or ohmmeter, the battery voltage in to be checked on input side of four-wheel drive switch.
• Next, Continuity of the clutch position sensor has to be checked between four-wheel drive system fuse and input circuit.
• Check the battery voltage on output side of four-wheel drive switch using a digital volt or ohmmeter.
• Check the continuity and resistance between the four-wheel drive switch and ECM. If the readings are not as per the desired range, suspect for sensor circuit error.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0837 Code

The most common mistake while diagnosing P0837 code is misdiagnosis of an engine misfiring issue or a problem with the vehicle’s driveline. If the system is not thoroughly inspected and diagnosed, it can also look like an internal transmission problem when it’s actually a much simpler and less expensive issue.