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Thread: Transfer case actuator bench test - how to??

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
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    Ct
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    2005 x3 3.0

    Transfer case actuator bench test - how to??

    Hi all,

    just bought a 2005 x3 with the triad of lights. I ordered the reinforced t case actuator gear and tonight I took the servo motor out to replace the gear... to my surprise the gear in the actuator was new. So now I’m thinking maybe the actuator itself is dead. Does anyone know how to bench test the actuator to confirm if it’s functional with 12 volts?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
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    Renton, WA
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    03 540i, 04 X3, 00 328i
    I would rather attempt to read the error codes from the VTG control module (and ABS/DSC module). I bet those codes pretty much tell you what the cause of the warning lights are. There are also some external things like the steering angle sensor operation/calibration and tire wear that could be a factor.

  3. #3
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    2005 x3 3.0
    All valid areas to evaluate. I’m specifically looking to bench test the old and new actuators side by side though.

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    In the event anyone else is looking for this process it’s simple...supply a ground wire to pin #8 on the actuator and supply positive 12v to pin #1 on the actuator...the white gear should spin as long as this contact is made...

    polarity did not seem to matter.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
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    03 540i, 04 X3, 00 328i
    My understanding is that it is a DC motor with Hall-sensors, which are used to "monitor" the movement. I think testing the Hall-sensors is the hard part (if needed to be completely sure the actuator works).

    One good way to test would be to detach the actuator but keep the electrical connector plugged in. Then run a diagnostic software on the control module to activate the motor.

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