Generic fault code
C05E7 — 4WD/AWD clutch B actuator, control circuit open
The control unit stores code C05E7 when it detects this fault: “4WD/AWD clutch B actuator, control circuit open”.
Indicative severity: MediumDriveline
Reviewed by Daniel Morales, founder of Reprorace SL, on
What does code C05E7 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
- Medium. Diagnose soon: it may raise emissions or consumption, or trigger limp-home mode.
What usually causes code C05E7?
- Open circuit (broken wire or terminal)
- Loose or corroded connector, backed-out terminals
- Internal fault in the control module or its driver stage
The most likely causes come first. Only a check on the car confirms which one is yours.
What are the symptoms of code C05E7?
- 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 C05E7?
With care, and not for long. You can take the car to a workshop, ideally without long trips or heavy loads, and without putting it off: fuel use or emissions may rise and the car may go into limp-home mode (less power). If the light flashes, a red warning light comes on, the temperature rises or you notice a loss of power, noises or smoke, stop as soon as it is safe.
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
- C05E44WD/AWD clutch A position sensor, circuit: intermittent
- C05E54WD/AWD clutch A position: not learned
- C05E64WD/AWD clutch A position control: error
- C05E84WD/AWD clutch B actuator, control circuit: performance
- C05E94WD/AWD clutch B actuator, control circuit: signal low
- C05EA4WD/AWD clutch B actuator, control circuit: signal high
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