Ear piercing noise whenever switching to 4WD

Omallyyy · May 17, 2017

Hey, I have been to the dealership twice and I have called GM; however my problem stills persists. They say there is nothing they can do. I have very good ears and can hear high frequencies. My 2015 GMC Sierra makes a very high pitched noise whenever I am switching to and from 4WD. When the truck is in 4WD It continues to make the noise while I'm driving. However, When i put the truck back in 2WD the noise disappears.

Any suggestions? It has almost gotten to the point where I don't want to use 4WD because it is so damn loud.

Thanks guys.

Crafty34 · May 17, 2017

I think there was a thread on this issue. Mine does the same thing. I read that people were wrapping Dynomat around the 4WD module under the steering column to quiet the noise down.

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ShamrockShooter · May 17, 2017

Mine does the same thing too. Drives me nuts. They have a GM bulletin out that says dealers should tell customers this is "normal". I have a sheet of dynamat waiting to get Installed on the TCU.

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newdude · May 17, 2017

Normal but it appears GM may have addressed the issue.

#PIP5261B: Faint High Pitched Whine Noise In Auto 4 Wheel Drive - (Feb 9, 2017)

Equipped with RPO NQH or NP0

Supersession Statement:

This PI was superseded to provide repair direction. Please discard PIP5261A.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern
Some customers may comment on a high pitched whine noise from the vehicle noticed when driving in auto 4wd.

The customer may comment that it is an intermittent noise and no noticeable pattern to when it can be heard.
Recommendation/Instructions
The transfer case control module on these vehicles is located next to the accelerator pedal and is not covered by any close out or hush panels.

When the transfer case control module has to move the transfer case actuator motor the higher current passing through the module causes an "electronic buzz or whine" within some of the capacitors in the module that can be heard by some of our customers.

The latest transfer case control module in service parts has provisions to eliminate this noise. Replace transfer case control module with current part number in the catalog. When programming the module ensure that the description for the calibration installed states the following "New software (Version 9.2) to address field issue of setting DTC C0398 while being driven in AUTO mode for 1 hour due to the IPS sensor drifting."

Sierra706 · May 17, 2017

My truck has this also. I wouldn't describe it as ear piercing, but it is annoying. However with the radio on, tire noise at speed,

or my exhaust noise all drown it out.

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SilveradoSaver · May 17, 2017

Normal but it appears GM may have addressed the issue.

Pardon my ignorance, but what make/model/year is this notice for and is it something that should be covered under warranty?

I have the same issue on my 2015 Silverado 1500. I rarely need to engage 4WD, but when I do it is a bit annoying. Nothing turning the radio up can't fix, but would nice to have a permanent solution.

Thanks.

dasimmon · May 17, 2017

these are the little things that drive me crazy

newdude · May 17, 2017

Pardon my ignorance, but what make/model/year is this notice for and is it something that should be covered under warranty?

I have the same issue on my 2015 Silverado 1500. I rarely need to engage 4WD, but when I do it is a bit annoying. Nothing turning the radio up can't fix, but would nice to have a permanent solution.

Thanks.

If you are still under, there is a labor op for a dealer to use on vehicles under warranty.

Omallyyy · May 17, 2017

Pardon my ignorance, but what make/model/year is this notice for and is it something that should be covered under warranty?

I have the same issue on my 2015 Silverado 1500. I rarely need to engage 4WD, but when I do it is a bit annoying. Nothing turning the radio up can't fix, but would nice to have a permanent solution.

Thanks.

Hey, sorry it is a 2015 GMC Sierra All Terrain.

ShamrockShooter · May 18, 2017

Normal but it appears GM may have addressed the issue.

Nice find. So GM went from saying sorry it's a normal noise live with it, to "yeah we fixed it". I guess I will take the outcome though. Did it list 2014 to 2016 models as applicable?

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WesternMike · May 18, 2017

Going to call the dealer today to see if this will fix the noise.

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newdude · May 18, 2017

Nice find. So GM went from saying sorry it's a normal noise live with it, to "yeah we fixed it". I guess I will take the outcome though. Did it list 2014 to 2016 models as applicable?

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2014-2017 if I recall.

Omallyyy · May 18, 2017

Any luck?

Going to call the dealer today to see if this will fix the noise.

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Any luck?

WesternMike · May 18, 2017

It's not covered unless you have electrical warranty left but I'm at 90000 and this is an issue I've been talking to them about since day one.

Since I gave them the PI# they now know about it and will bring this to the manager who they said will ok the replacement for me.

This will come down to the mangers of the dealerships. Be very nice when asking and just state you've talked about this to the advisors since you bought the truck.

Everyone call their service departments and see what they say. Let's see which dealers have good management guys.

Best of luck!!

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