Locker Position Sensor Potting - DANA 44

[Tread4Lo]

Question, is the new design what they are putting back into the older axles whenever we have a Rear Axle Sensor failure? I recently got mine warrantied and want to do this, but don't want to pull the cover if I don't have to.

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[4xe Rubicon]

Question, is the new design what they are putting back into the older axles whenever we have a Rear Axle Sensor failure? I recently got mine warrantied and want to do this, but don't want to pull the cover if I don't have to.

I can confirm on my 2022 Rubicon, that the replacement sensor they installed looked identical to the failed one that was full of oil and did not look like the new design seen on some 2023's and 2024's.

 

[Tread4Lo]

I can confirm on my 2022 Rubicon, that the replacement sensor they installed looked identical to the failed one that was full of oil and did not look like the new design seen on some 2023's and 2024's.

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm going to pull my both covers then next weekend. I'm off for a week and I won't need my Jeep.

 

[zw470]

So, here's a question. If the lockers still work, and the indicator light on the dash still works, what's the purpose of the Jeep displaying the warning?

 

[4xe Rubicon]

To notify the driver that there is something wrong with the locker, sensor, or circuit so that they can get it repaired.

Warnings are typically a good thing when attempting to utilize a device outside of its working parameters.
Using a locker at 50mph would most likely be outside the design parameters.

The failed sensor is communicating to the vehicle that the locker is engaged even though it physically is not engaged or that there is some other issue with the locker, sensor or circuit (shorted to ground if full of oil).

Without the service locker message and blinking locker indicator it could show locked or unlocked incorrectly when it physically wasn't.

 

[DavidArmen]

For those hoping to be able to purchase the newly designed sensor that come with MY2023 and newer Rubicons, I don’t wish to poop on your hopes, but just from the looks and the different shape, I am almost certain that pre-MY2023 Rubicons will not be able to just swap in the new sensor. I think the entire sensor/solenoid assembly is a different design and possibly also doesn’t operate in the exact same way the old sensor does.
Best case scenario is changing the sensor and solenoid assembly entirely, assuming that will be possible at all, which I’d bet against.

Also, everyone getting their sensor fixed at the dealer are getting the same exact sensor that came stock from the factory and has the same risk of filling up with oil. There is absolutely nothing different about them despite what anyone says.

On a slightly different note, there are countless eBay sellers selling the 68544629AA kit of five sensors for much less than all the Mopar parts sites. They go for around $120 and are advertised as new. I wonder if they’re any good.

 

[zw470]

Took my JLR back to the dealership since my light is now on ~90% of the time and I only have 550 miles left on my warranty. They replaced the front sensor and wiring harness and the light is still on

The mechanic is going to take it home and datalog the trip so they can see what's going on with it.

 

[DavidArmen]

Took my JLR back to the dealership since my light is now on ~90% of the time and I only have 550 miles left on my warranty. They replaced the front sensor and wiring harness and the light is still on

The mechanic is going to take it home and datalog the trip so they can see what's going on with it.

Why did they only change the front axle sensor? What if the issue was the rear axle sensor??

 

[chevymitchell]

Why did they only change the front axle sensor? What if the issue was the rear axle sensor??

The locker indication includes a light for front and rear so you can tell which axle is having the issue.

 

[zw470]

Why did they only change the front axle sensor? What if the issue was the rear axle sensor??

The locker indication includes a light for front and rear so you can tell which axle is having the issue.

Also, another dealer already replaced the rear sensor

 

[zw470]

Just got off the phone with the dealership. They couldn't figure out what was wrong and eventually called Jeep who promptly informed them that you have to try all the sensors in the kit to see which one actually works

 

[chevymitchell]

Just got off the phone with the dealership. They couldn't figure out what was wrong and eventually called Jeep who promptly informed them that you have to try all the sensors in the kit to see which one actually works

This is normal as there are 5 sensors in the kit. The instructions for this kit specifically say to try each one until one works.

 

[zw470]

This is normal as there are 5 sensors in the kit. The instructions for this kit specifically say to try each one until one works.

Of course we all know that, but to learn the dealership didn't know that was irritating to say the least.

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

For goodness sakes people…if you have old design sensors just pot them ASAP. Did mine 2.5 years ago and no problems. It is exasperating that even the fix is unnecessarily difficult. Great writes ups on this board how to accomplish.

 

[zw470]

After a week of diag the dealership has come to the conclusion that my Jeep has the wrong front axle in it. I was in an accident last July and the front axle was one of the many things that needed to be replaced. According to the dealership here in PA, the dealership in Norfolk that did the work put in an axle for a 2023+ Rubicon and it doesn't know how to properly communicate with my 2021 Rubicon. I can't say for certain but this might be why my lockers still functioned properly even with the Service Axle Locker warning active.

Anyway, I'm probably just going to throw a Z Locker harness at it rather than fight with the insurance company and an incompetent dealership to get another axle under it

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