P1845 – OBD-II DTC

OBD-II DTC P1845 – Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Short Circuit To Battery

DTC P1845 meaning

DTC P1845 refers to a diagnostic trouble code that indicates a short circuit in the transmission transfer case shift motor circuit to the battery. This code is specific to the transfer case system, which is responsible for controlling the distribution of power between the front and rear axles in four-wheel drive vehicles. A short circuit can lead to improper functioning of the transfer case, affecting the vehicle’s ability to switch between drive modes.

DTC P1845 symptoms

Common symptoms associated with DTC P1845 may include:

• Inability to shift into different drive modes (e.g., 4WD, 2WD)
• Warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, such as the check engine light
• Unusual noises from the transfer case area
• Erratic or inconsistent operation of the transfer case
• Transmission slipping or harsh shifting

DTC P1845 causes

Several factors can lead to the occurrence of DTC P1845, including:

• Wiring issues, such as frayed or damaged wires
• Faulty transfer case shift motor
• Corroded or loose electrical connections
• Short circuits in the transfer case control circuit
• Malfunctioning control module or software issues

DTC P1845 seriousness

DTC P1845 is considered a serious issue as it can affect the vehicle’s drivability and safety. If the transfer case cannot shift properly, it may lead to loss of traction in adverse conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. It is important to address this code promptly to ensure the vehicle operates safely and effectively.

How to diagnose DTC P1845

To diagnose DTC P1845, follow these steps:

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the P1845 code.
2. Inspect the wiring and connectors related to the transfer case shift motor for any visible damage or corrosion.
3. Test the transfer case shift motor for proper operation using a multimeter.
4. Check for any additional trouble codes that may provide more context to the issue.
5. Examine the transfer case control module for faults or software issues.

How to fix DTC P1845 step-by-step instructions

To fix DTC P1845, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Repair or replace any damaged wiring or connectors found during the diagnosis.
2. If the transfer case shift motor is faulty, replace it with a new or refurbished unit.
3. Ensure all electrical connections are clean and secure.
4. Reprogram or replace the transfer case control module if necessary.
5. Clear the DTC using an OBD-II scanner and test drive the vehicle to ensure the issue is resolved.

How to erase DTC P1845

To erase DTC P1845, follow these steps:

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
2. Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
3. Navigate to the “Erase Codes” or “Clear DTCs” option on the scanner.
4. Confirm the action to clear the trouble codes.
5. Disconnect the scanner and start the vehicle to verify that the code does not reappear.

Recommended tools for OBD-II diagnostics

Explore our expert picks: The Best OBD2 Scanners for 2025

Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter

Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep our DTC database up to date and provide valuable content for free. We only recommend products that we have tested and believe to be the best in their class.