Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM CHART - ELECTRONIC SHIFT

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
No communication with the 4WD control module	Diagnostic tool Data link connector (DLC) 4WD control module Circuitry	GO to PINPOINT TEST G .
The instrument cluster 4x4 and Low Range indicators do not operate correctly/do not operate	Instrument cluster Circuitry 4WD control module	GO to PINPOINT TEST H .
The vehicle does not shift between 2H and 4H modes correctly	Mode select switch (MSS) Transfer case Transfer case clutch Pulse vacuum hublocks (PVH) 4WD control module Circuitry	GO to PINPOINT TEST J .
The vehicle does not shift between 4H and 4L modes correctly	Transfer case Mode select switch 4WD control module Transmission drag	GO to PINPOINT TEST L .
4WD does not engage at speed correctly	Transfer case synchronizer 4WD control module Pulse vacuum hublocks (PVH)	GO to PINPOINT TEST M .
The front axle does not engage/disengage correctly	Pulse vacuum hublocks (PVH) PVH solenoid assembly Circuitry Vacuum leaks 4WD control module Front axle assembly	GO to PINPOINT TEST I .
The 4x4 system jumps out of gear	Transfer case PVH system Mode select switch	GO to PINPOINT TEST N .
Straightline driveline wind-up	Tire inflation pressure Tire and wheel size Tire wear Axle ratio	GO to PINPOINT TEST O .
Clunking noise during 4WD engagement, especially at high speeds	Vehicle speed Torque to the front axle	GO to PINPOINT TEST M
The transfer case makes noise	Tire inflation pressure Tire and wheel size	MAKE SURE that all tires and wheels are the same size and that the inflation pressures are correct.
	Tire tread wear	CHECK tire tread wear to see if there is more than 0.15 mm (0.06 in) difference in tread wear between front and rear. INTERCHANGE one front wheel and one rear wheel. ROAD TEST again
	Internal components	OPERATE the vehicle in all transmission gears. If there is noise in the transmission in NEUTRAL, or in some gears and not in others, REMOVE and REPAIR the transmission. REFER to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION - TORQSHIFT . If there is noise in all gears, DISASSEMBLE the transfer case. REFER to TRANSFER CASE . CHECK the planetary gears, the bearings, the upper and lower drive sprockets and drive chain for damage. INSTALL new parts as necessary.
	Fluid level	FILL with automatic transmission fluid. REFER to TRANSFER CASE .
Unable to duplicate customer concern	4x4 system and/or related components	Carry out the Electronic Shift on the Fly (ESOF) Functional Test. GO to PINPOINT TEST P .

4x4 Module (GEM) C281a

Fig 1: Identifying 4X4 Module (GEM) C281A Connector Terminals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

4X4 MODULE (GEM) C281A REFERENCE TABLE

Pin Number(s)	Circuit Designation/Description	Normal Condition/Measurement
1	4x4 module (GEM) power circuit 1306 (PK/WH)	Main power connection to the 4x4 module (GEM), shared with pin No. 2. Hot at all times, 9 volts or greater between 4x4 module (GEM) and ground. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected.
2	4x4 module (GEM) power circuit 1306 (PK/WH)	Main power connection to the 4x4 module (GEM), shared with pin No. 1. Hot at all times, 9 volts or greater between 4x4 module (GEM)) and ground. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected.
3	4x4 module (GEM) ground circuit 57 (BK)	Main ground connection to the 4x4 module (GEM). 1 volt or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected.
4	Brake on/off input (BOO) circuit 810 (RD/LG)	Circuit required for shifting to low range (4L). 9 volts or greater when brake pedal is depressed. ≤1 volt when brake is not applied. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and brake ON/OFF (BOO) switch.
5	Ignition RUN/START circuit 640 (RD/YE)	Hot when in RUN/START. 9 volts or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected.
6	Ignition RUN/ACC circuit 1002 (BK/PK)	Hot when in RUN/ACC. 9 volts or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected.
7	Transfer case shift motor encoder power circuit 976 (OG)	Provides power to shift motor encoder from 4x4 module (GEM). 9 volts or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) connected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and shift motor encoder.
8	Transfer case shift motor encoder return (ground) circuit 3659 (BK/PK)	4x4 module-provided main ground return path to the shift motor encoder. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and transfer case encoder connected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder.
9	Transfer case shift motor encoder signal position A 771 (VT/YE)	One of 4 channels which provide transfer case shift motor position. 0 volts between transfer case and ground when in 2H with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder connected. 9 volts or greater between the transfer case and ground when in 4H or 4L with the 4x4 module (GEM) and transfer case encoder connected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case.
10	Transfer case shift motor encoder signal position B 764 (BN/WH)	One of 4 channels which provide transfer case shift motor position. 0 volts between transfer case and ground when in 2H with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder connected. 9 volts or greater between the transfer case and ground when in 4L with the 4x4 module (GEM) and transfer case encoder connected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case.
11	Transfer case shift motor encoder signal position C 770 (WH)	One of 4 channels which provide transfer case shift motor position. 9 volts or greater between transfer case and ground when in 2H with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder connected. 0 volts between the transfer case and ground when in 4L with the 4x4 module (GEM) and transfer case encoder connected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case.
12	Transfer case shift motor encoder signal position D 763 (OG/WH)	One of 4 channels which provide transfer case shift motor position. 0 volts between transfer case and ground when in 2H, 4H or 4L with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder connected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case.

4x4 Module (GEM) C281b

Fig 2: Identifying 4X4 Module (GEM) C281B Connector Terminals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

4X4 MODULE (GEM) C281B REFERENCE TABLE

Pin Number(s)	Circuit Designation/Description	Normal Condition/Measurement
1	Pulse vacuum hublock (PVH) LOCK solenoid control circuit 145 (GY/BK)	4x4 module-provided ground path for LOCK coil in PVH solenoid when vehicle is placed from 2H to 4H/4L. Ground path provided for approximately 45 seconds after a 2H to 4H/4L shift is required by the driver. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and PVH solenoid disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the PVH LOCK Solenoid.
2	4x4 mode select switch (MSS) power circuit 780 (DB)	Hot in run, 9 volts or greater between 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with 4x4 module (GEM) C281b connected and MSS C284 disconnected. Approximately 7.5V between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) connected and MSS in 2H. Approximately 5.5 volts between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) connected and MSS in 4H. Approximately 3.7 volts between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and MSS connected and MSS in 4L. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and MSS disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and MSS.
3	Vehicle speed signal (VSS) from ABS module 679 (GY/BK)	Circuit required for shifting to low range (4L). Speed-dependent square wave input. Approximately 0 volts between 4x4 module (GEM) and ground at 0 kph. Voltage increases as vehicle speed increases. VSS must be 5kph or less for shifts to low range (4L). 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and ABS module disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the ABS module.
4	Transmission neutral signal (or clutch apply signal) 463 (RD/WH) from PCM	Circuit required for shifting to low range (4L). 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected and transmission NOT in NEUTRAL (or clutch pedal NOT applied). 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected and transmission in NEUTRAL (or clutch pedal applied). 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the PCM.
5	Transfer case shift motor clockwise rotation (CW) relay control circuit 782 (BN/WH)	Circuit provides the module-switched ground path for the clockwise rotation relay. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground when the 4x4 module is connected and the transfer case is shifted from 2H to 4H to 4L. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and clockwise rotation relay.
6	Transfer case shift motor counterclockwise rotation relay control circuit 781 (OG/LB)	Circuit provides the module-switched ground path for the counterclockwise rotation relay. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground when the 4x4 module (GEM) is connected and the transfer case is shifted from 4L to 4H to 2H. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and counterclockwise rotation relay.
7	Pulse vacuum hublock (PVH) LOCK/UNLOCK solenoid control circuit 605 (RD)	Circuit provides the module-switch ground path for the LOCK/UNLOCK coil in the PVH solenoid when vehicle is placed from 2H to 4H/4L to 2H. Ground path provided for approximately 45 seconds after a 2H to 4H/4L shift is requested by the drive. Ground path is provided for approximately 15 seconds after a 4H/4L to 2H shift is requested. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the PVH solenoid disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the PVH Solenoid.
8	Not Used
9	4x4 mode select switch (MSS) signal return circuit 465 (WH/LB)	4x4 module-provided ground return path for MSS signal. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and MSS disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and MSS connected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and MSS.
10	Diagnostic data link connector circuit 70 (LB/WH)	10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected and the NGS/WDS unplugged from the DLC. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the DLC.
11	Instrument cluster Low Range (4L) lamp control circuit 975 (BN/YE)	4x4 module-provided ground path for "LOW RANGE" lamp in instrument cluster when transfer case is shifted to 4L. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground when transfer case is placed in 4L with the 4x4 module (GEM) and instrument cluster connected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the instrument cluster.
12	Instrument cluster 4x4 (4H) lamp control circuit 210 (LB)	Module-provided ground path for "4x4" lamp in instrument cluster when transfer case is shifted to 4H OR 4L. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground when transfer case is placed in 4H OR 4L with the 4x4 module (GEM) and instrument cluster connected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the instrument cluster.

Mode Select Switch (MSS) C284

Fig 3: Identifying Mode Select Switch (MSS) C284 Connector Terminals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

PINOUTS REFERENCE

Pin Number(s)	Circuit Designation/Description	Normal Condition/Measurement
1	Nighttime illumination ground circuit 57 (BK)
2	4WD Mode select switch (MSS) signal return circuit 465 (WH/LB)	Provides ground return path for MSS signal. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4.4 module (GEM) and ground with the MSS disconnected and the 4x4 module (GEM) connected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and MSS.
3	4WD Mode select switch (MSS) signal circuit 780 (DB)	Hot in RUN. 9 volts or greater between the MSS and ground with the MSS disconnected. Approx 7.5V between the MSS and ground with the MSS connected and in 2H. Approximately 5.5 volts between the MSS and ground with the MSS connected and in 4H. Approx 3.7 volts between the MSS and ground with the MSS connected and in 4L. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4.4 module (GEM) and MSS disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and MSS.
4	Nighttime illumination power circuit 19 (LB/RD)

Transfer Case Encoder C350a

Fig 4: Identifying Transfer Case Encoder C350A Connector Terminals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

PINOUTS REFERENCE

Pin Number(s)	Circuit Designation/Description	Normal Condition/Measurement
1	Transfer case encoder signal position D 763 (OG/WH)	One of 4 channels which provide transfer case shift motor position. 0 volts between transfer case and ground when in 2H, 4H or 4L with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder connected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the transfer case encoder and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder.
2	Transfer case encoder power supply circuit 976 (OG)	Hot at all times. 9 volts or greater between the transfer case encoder and ground with the transfer case encoder disconnected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the transfer case and ground with the transfer case encoder and the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and transfer case encoder.
3	Transfer case encoder signal position B 764 (BN/WH)	One of 4 channels which provide transfer case shift motor position. 0 volts between transfer case and ground when in 2H or 4H with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder connected. 9 volts or greater between the transfer case encoder and ground when in 4L with the 4x4 module (GEM) and transfer case encoder connected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case.
4	Transfer case encoder signal return 3659 (BK/PK)	10,000 ohms or greater between the 4x4 module (GEM) and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case.
5	Transfer case encoder signal position A 771 (VT/YE)	One of 4 channels which provide transfer case shift motor position. 0 volts between transfer case encoder and ground when in 2H with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder connected. 9 volts or greater between the transfer case and ground when in 4H or 4L with the 4x4 module (GEM) and transfer case encoder connected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the transfer case encoder and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case.
6	Transfer case encoder signal position C 770 (WH)	One of 4 channels which provide transfer case shift motor position. 9 volts or greater between transfer case and ground when in 2H or 4H with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case encoder connected. 0 volts between the transfer case and ground when in 4L with the 4x4 module (GEM) and transfer case encoder connected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the transfer case encoder and ground with the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the 4x4 module (GEM) and the transfer case.

Transfer Case Shift Motor C350b

Fig 5: Identifying Transfer Case Shift Motor C350B Connector Terminals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

PINOUTS REFERENCE

Pin Number(s)	Circuit Designation/Description	Normal Condition/Measurement
1	Transfer case counterclockwise rotation power supply circuit 778 (OG)	9 volts or greater between the shift motor and ground when a counterclockwise range shift is performed. 10,000 ohms or greater between the counterclockwise rotation relay and ground with the counterclockwise relay and transfer case disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the shift motor and the counterclockwise relay when a clockwise range shift is performed. 5 ohms or less between the counterclockwise relay and the transfer case. 0.1 - 20 ohms between shift motor pin No. 1 and No. 2.
2	Transfer case shift motor clockwise rotation power supply circuit 777 (YE)	9 volts or greater between the shift motor and ground when a clockwise range shift is performed. 10,000 ohms or greater between the clockwise rotation relay and ground with the clockwise relay and transfer case disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the shift motor and the clockwise relay when a counterclockwise range shift is performed. 5 ohms or less between the clockwise relay and the transfer case. 0.1 - 20 ohms between shift motor pin No. 1 and No. 2.

Pulse Vacuum Hublock (PVH) Solenoid C1247

Fig 6: Identifying Pulse Vacuum Hublock (PVH) Solenoid C1247 Connector Terminals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

PINOUTS REFERENCE

Pin Number(s)	Circuit Designation/Description	Normal Condition/Measurement
1	PVH LOCK solenoid control circuit 145 (GY/BK)	4x4 module-controlled ground path to the LOCK solenoid. Ground path is enabled for approximately 45 seconds after a mode switch change is made from 2H to 4H/4L. 10,000 ohms or greater between the PVH solenoid and ground with the PVH solenoid and the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the PVH solenoid and the 4x4 module (GEM).
2	PVH solenoid power supply circuit 295 (LB/PK)	Hot when in RUN. 9 volts or greater between the PVH solenoid and ground. 10,000 ohms or greater between the PVH solenoid and ground with the PVH solenoid disconnected. 10,000 ohms or greater between the PVH solenoid and ground with the PVH solenoid and the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected.
3	PVH LOCK/UNLOCK solenoid control circuit 605 (RD)	Provides a module-controlled ground path to the LOCK/UNLOCK solenoid. Ground path is enabled for approximately 15 seconds after a mode switch change is made from 4L/4H to 2H. Ground path is enabled for approximately 45 seconds after a mode switch change is made from 2H to 4H/4L. 10,000 ohms or greater between the PVH solenoid and ground with the PVH solenoid and the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the PVH solenoid and the 4x4 module (GEM).

Shift Motor Clockwise Rotation Relay (Low-to-High) C1129

Fig 7: Identifying Shift Motor Clockwise Rotation Relay (Low-To-High) C1129 Connector Terminals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

PINOUTS REFERENCE

Pin Number(s)	Circuit Designation/Description	Normal Condition/Measurement
85	Transfer case shift motor clockwise rotation relay control circuit 782 (BN/WH)	4x4 module-controlled ground path to the clockwise shift relay. This ground path is only provided during a range shift attempt. 10,000 ohms or greater between the clockwise relay and ground with the CW relay and the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the clockwise relay and the 4x4 module (GEM).
86	Transfer case shift motor clockwise rotation relay power supply circuit 704 (DG/LG)	Provides power to the clockwise rotation relay. Hot at all times. 9 volts or greater between the clockwise relay and ground. 10,000 ohms or greater between the clockwise relay and ground with the clockwise relay disconnected.
87	Transfer case shift motor clockwise rotation relay coil power supply circuit 704 (DG/LG)	Provides power to the clockwise shift relay coil. Hot at all times. 9 volts or greater between the clockwise relay and ground. 10,000 ohms or greater between the clockwise rotation relay and ground with the clockwise relay disconnected.
87A	Transfer case shift motor clockwise rotation relay ground input circuit 57 (BK)	Provides permanent chassis ground return path for shift motor during a counterclockwise shift. 5 ohms or less between clockwise relay and ground at all times.
30	Transfer case shift motor clockwise rotation relay power/ground output circuit 777 (YE)	Provides power to the shift motor during clockwise motor movement. Provides ground to shift motor during counterclockwise motor movement. 9 volts or greater between the clockwise relay and ground during a range shift attempt. 5 ohms or less between the clockwise relay and ground with the clockwise relay disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the clockwise relay and the transfer case.

Shift Motor Counterclockwise Rotation Relay (High-to-Low) C1173

Fig 8: Identifying Shift Motor Counterclockwise Rotation Relay (High-To-Low) C1173 Connector Terminals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

PINOUTS REFERENCE

Pin Number(s)	Circuit Designation/Description	Normal Condition/Measurement
85	Transfer case shift motor counterclockwise rotation relay control circuit 781 (OG/LB)	Provides a module-controlled ground path to the counterclockwise shift relay. This ground path is only provided during a range shift attempt. 10,000 ohms or greater between the counterclockwise relay and ground with the counterclockwise relay and the 4x4 module (GEM) disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the counterclockwise relay and the 4x4 module (GEM).
86	Transfer case shift motor counterclockwise rotation relay power supply circuit 704 (DG/LG)	Provides power to the counterclockwise rotation relay. Hot at all times. 9 volts or greater between the counterclockwise relay and ground. 10,000 ohms or greater between the clockwise relay and ground with the clockwise relay disconnected.
87	Transfer case shift motor counterclockwise rotation relay coil power supply circuit 704 (DG/LG)	Provides power to the counterclockwise shift relay coil. Hot at all times. 9 volts or greater between the counterclockwise relay and ground. 10,000 ohms or greater between the counterclockwise rotation relay and ground with the counterclockwise relay disconnected.
87A	Transfer case shift motor counterclockwise rotation relay ground input circuit 57 (BK)	Provides permanent chassis ground return path for shift motor during a clockwise shift. 5 ohms or less between counterclockwise relay and ground at all times.
30	Transfer case shift motor counterclockwise rotation relay power/ground output circuit 778 (OG)	Provides power to the shift motor during counterclockwise motor movement. Provides ground to shift motor during clockwise motor movement. 9 volts or greater between the counterclockwise relay and ground during a range shift attempt. 10,000 ohms or greater between the counterclockwise relay and ground with the counterclockwise relay disconnected. 5 ohms or less between the counterclockwise relay and the transfer case.