Generic fault code
C05DC — 4WD/AWD clutch A temperature: too high
The control unit stores code C05DC when it detects this fault: “4WD/AWD clutch A temperature: too high”.
Indicative severity: HighDriveline
Reviewed by Daniel Morales, founder of Reprorace SL, on
What does code C05DC mean?
Four-wheel drive (4WD/AWD): the transfer case, the differentials, the clutches that share the torque between the axles, and their sensors. With a fault here, the car usually falls back to driving one axle only.
- System
- C · Chassis
- Area
- Driveline · Car system: Transmission
- Type
- Generic (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6): the same meaning on every make
- Indicative severity
- High. Diagnose as soon as possible: it may affect safety or cause damage (engine, catalyst, brakes).
What usually causes code C05DC?
- Thermal problem (cooling, thermostat, fan, overheating)
The most likely causes come first. Only a check on the car confirms which one is yours.
What are the symptoms of code C05DC?
- 4WD or driveline warning light on
- The car drives one axle only
- Noises, jerks or vibrations when turning or accelerating
These are the usual symptoms of this kind of fault: not all of them always appear, and sometimes you notice nothing.
Can I keep driving with code C05DC?
Better not, except when you really have to. This fault may affect safety or damage the engine, the catalytic converter or the brakes. See a workshop as soon as possible; if you must move the car, drive gently and only short distances. If the light flashes, the car loses power, makes unusual noises or the brakes or steering feel different, stop somewhere safe and call for assistance.
This is guidance only: only someone who checks the car can say whether it is safe to drive.
An indicative description of the code's generic meaning. Each manufacturer may give it a different meaning, conditions or tests: always follow its service information and your workshop's advice.
What you can do yourself
For this kind of fault
Do not fit tires of different sizes, or very differently worn, on the two axles: they strain the transfer case and the differentials. Until it is checked, avoid mud, snow and towing.
Read the code and keep the report: with an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see it on your phone or computer, with the data captured when the fault happened.
Look for anything obvious: a loose connector, a disconnected hose, a fuel cap not closed properly or a low fluid level. Do not take apart anything you do not know.
Clear the code only after writing it down or after the repair. Clearing turns the light off, but it also deletes the freeze-frame data and the readiness monitors used at the inspection.
Drive normally for a few days and read the codes again. If the code comes back, the fault is still there: book the workshop and bring the report.
Read your car's fault codes on your phone
With an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see the codes in your account, with the data captured when the fault happened, and your workshop can check them remotely, always with your permission.
Related codes
- C05D94WD/AWD clutch A actuator, control circuit: performance
- C05DA4WD/AWD clutch A actuator, control circuit: signal low
- C05DB4WD/AWD clutch A actuator, control circuit: signal high
- C05DD4WD/AWD clutch A: performance or stuck disengaged
- C05DE4WD/AWD clutch A: stuck engaged
- C05DF4WD/AWD clutch A engagement: fault
C05xx codes: wheel, steering and acceleration sensors
In the glossary
Read more: Remote OBD diagnostics: what it is, how it works and what it can't do