Beginning of locker sensor failure?

[Mhonda]

If a locker engaged inadvertently, say in 2wd, I assume you could just unplug the connector at the diff as a temporary fix to get you unlocked? Just to get back home, if one was stuck on the street with an engaged locker

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[Wabujitsu]

If a locker engaged inadvertently, say in 2wd, I assume you could just unplug the connector at the diff as a temporary fix to get you unlocked? Just to get back home, if one was stuck on the street with an engaged locker

How does disconnecting the cable cause the locker to disconnect?

 

[Mhonda]

How does disconnecting the cable cause the locker to disconnect?

It was more of a question on my part, not positive, but I assume the locker requires 12volt power source to stay engaged

 

[grimmjeeper]

How does disconnecting the cable cause the locker to disconnect?

The only way the locker can lock is by electricity coming through the harness. Unplug it and you get no locking. Same way a light bulb doesn't light without being in a light socket.

There is a really really miniscule chance the locker is physically broken and engaging because the springs inside the locker aren't keeping it unlocked. If you unplug the connector and the locker still engages, you need to pull the locker out and find where it's broken. But that is very unlikely.

 

[mgroeger]

Mike, we both have a 2021 JLUR. The Tazer allows the rear to be locked in 2WD, but it’s not necessary. If you totally turn off traction control and press the OFF ROAD+ button, you can also lock the rear in 2WD, without a Tazer.

OK so this was on a 2018 with a Tazer so there is the answer.

 

[mgroeger]

If a locker engaged inadvertently, say in 2wd, I assume you could just unplug the connector at the diff as a temporary fix to get you unlocked? Just to get back home, if one was stuck on the street with an engaged locker

Yes, that is exactly what I did.

 

[LukeDagny]

Mike, can a bad locker position sensor randomly cause the lockers to lock while in 2WD? If so, how so? I’m trying to justify the expense of the Z-lockers now, to the CFO of the household.

I've had a bad sensor for several thousand miles, and have not experienced any unwanted locking. I bought new sensors and potted them. I'm just waiting for the 40k mile mark to service my differentials and replace the sensors. I have less than 500 miles to go.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

I saw the Z Automotive ones and said no f*cking way am I spending that. Funny thing is I watched their video about the Chinese knock offs that don't work so of course I went and bought those for a total $50 for BOTH.
The problem w the knock offs is the connectors have a little plastic ridge in them that doesn't line up with the ones on the Jeep. Well Mr. razor knife took care of that. Then I siliconed the heck out of the connections and voila... $50 vs. $340 and they work perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZNMBLF1?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

Spends $70K on a Jeep and then would rather save $290 and risk being stranded on a trail than paying for the quality part. Can we see pictures of the duct tape that you used to cover the cracked leather in your corvette?

 

[Buckster]

@Wabujitsu Going through the same thing but with the rear. Funny thing, it had been coming in and out for a few weeks, but work and other commitments have precluded me being able to address it. About a week ago, it came on and stayed so I figured it was done for good and too late to pot.
Now, it's been clear for a couple of days so I'm not gonna sweat it for the time being. Maybe rename her from Jolene to Christine....
Will likely go ahead and pick up the sensor kit ($125 from most online Mopar sites), pot 'em, and replace if/when it comes back for good.

 

[Wabujitsu]

@Wabujitsu Going through the same thing but with the rear. Funny thing, it had been coming in and out for a few weeks, but work and other commitments have precluded me being able to address it. About a week ago, it came on and stayed so I figured it was done for good and too late to pot.
Now, it's been clear for a couple of days so I'm not gonna sweat it for the time being. Maybe rename her from Jolene to Christine....
Will likely go ahead and pick up the sensor kit ($125 from most online Mopar sites), pot 'em, and replace if/when it comes back for good.

Buck, is that something I could have you do at your shop, including the potting?

 

[roaniecowpony]

I've had a bad sensor for several thousand miles, and have not experienced any unwanted locking. I bought new sensors and potted them. I'm just waiting for the 40k mile mark to service my differentials and replace the sensors. I have less than 500 miles to go.

 

[Wabujitsu]

So I had to take my Jeep to my preferred shop today, to replace the fuel filler assembly - the pipe/hose from the gas cap to the gas tank. It was leaking in an odd place whenever I fueled-up (see separate thread on that).

I asked them to check the locker sensor wire pass through for oil. Oil was following both lockers’ wire harnesses. I assume that means oil has already intruded into the sensor housings?

 

[WannFly]

So I had to take my Jeep to my preferred shop today, to replace the fuel filler assembly - the pipe/hose from the gas cap to the gas tank. It was leaking in an odd place whenever I fueled-up (see separate thread on that).

I asked them to check the locker sensor wire pass through for oil. Oil was following both lockers’ wire harnesses. I assume that means oil has already intruded into the sensor housings?

There is likely oil inside the sensor housing long before that happened. Below in my rear sensor, the connectors in the passthrough area had zero oil in it. In front, there was no oil in the sensor itself, but the passthrough connector had oil on both sides.

about 40% of the sensor is filled with oil

 

[mgroeger]

Spends $70K on a Jeep and then would rather save $290 and risk being stranded on a trail than paying for the quality part. Can we see pictures of the duct tape that you used to cover the cracked leather in your corvette?

LOL! The reality is the guts of these harnesses are the same, It's a simple feedback circuit telling the computer all is well. I watched the ZAutomotive video on the issues with the Chinese knockoffs, knew that they could be mitigated with my large brain, and decided it was worth it. If nothing more than to say F you I'm not paying that much. Also at the time I was not looking to drop any serious money into the Jeep because I was selling it.

 

[mgroeger]

So I had to take my Jeep to my preferred shop today, to replace the fuel filler assembly - the pipe/hose from the gas cap to the gas tank. It was leaking in an odd place whenever I fueled-up (see separate thread on that).

I asked them to check the locker sensor wire pass through for oil. Oil was following both lockers’ wire harnesses. I assume that means oil has already intruded into the sensor housings?

Two totally separate issues. Funny you are seeing exactly what I saw on Fat Ninja my 2018 that @chevymitchell built. I too was in a frenzied panic and looking back I can tell you it's not a big deal. One thing of note, I REALLY like the bypass harness because it is INSTANT. The computer doesn't need to think to engage or disengage... ESPECIALLY disengage. Soooooo many times when rock crawling I'd have to fart around waiting for the lockers to disengage while the feedback sensor would, grab a coffee, take a $hit, read the paper and then decide to allow it to disengage.

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