C0327 code meaning
Encoder Motor
What C0327 means
C0327 has no entry in the published J2012 tables, but GM documents it: the transfer case control module (TCCM) of 4WD trucks and SUVs uses it for the encoder that tells the module where the motor has turned the shift shaft. Dorman's instruction sheets for GM pickups and SUVs from 1998 to 2009, the Saab 9-7X included, describe it as a voltage outside the expected window on the encoder circuit; play in a worn shift shaft can also make the encoder report a false position. GM bulletin PIP5098 for the 2004–12 Colorado and Canyon links it to a Service 4WD message after cold or damp standing and points to ground circuit 550 of the encoder motor channels, terminal F7 of connector 2 in the underhood fuse block. PIP5094 lists the number among GM chassis codes.
C0327 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0327
- Service 4WD message or flashing 4WD switch lamps
- Transfer case does not shift or shifts only intermittently
- Fault appears mainly on the first drive after cold or damp standing
Common causes of C0327
- Most likelyLoose or corroded ground terminal for the encoder channels (GM circuit 550)
- PossibleDamaged encoder harness or water in the motor connector
- PossibleEncoder in the shift motor assembly defective
- Less likelyWorn shift shaft lets the encoder read a false position
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Encoder motorTransfer case control moduleEncoder position switch
What each part of C0327 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 27 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0327 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about C0327
What does C0327 mean?
C0327 means "Encoder Motor". C0327 has no entry in the published J2012 tables, but GM documents it: the transfer case control module (TCCM) of 4WD trucks and SUVs uses it for the encoder that tells the module where the motor has turned the shift shaft. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0327?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0327 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0327 fail an emissions test?
C0327 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is C0327 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will C0327 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.