Beginning of locker sensor failure?

[Wabujitsu]

Today I saw my front locker symbol flash on and off for a few seconds. There were no other apparent issues, and it did not happen again (we were on the interstate for about 40 more minutes).

Should I assume this is the beginning of the dreaded locker position sensor failure, or could it be something else?

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[kah.mun.rah]

Hopefully not. It might be worth checking to see if the connection is loose.

 

[Wabujitsu]

Hopefully not. It might be worth checking to see if the connection is loose.

Thanks for your reply. As much as locker sensors go bad for folks on this forum, with 67 views and only one reply, I’m starting to think that what I described above is not the typical way for the sensor(s) to show the beginning of the malfunction process.

As much as I hate to, I guess I will make an appointment with the dealership, as this should be covered under the powertrain warranty (AFTER I crawl underneath and check the connection). I’m a little shy of 40K miles and four years of ownership.

 

[Grayhound]

Did you pot the sensors?

If not you could pull your front sensor to see if it is full of oil.

 

[Wabujitsu]

Did you pot the sensors?

If not you could pull your front sensor to see if it is full of oil.

Dan, I did not. Is it possible to pull the sensor without removing the diff cover?

 

[Terrymo]

I would pull both diff covers, inspect and (replace if necessary) preemptively pot both front and rear sensors, and change the diff fluid. I may be more dealership averse than you however. Use the instructions from @chevymitchell here https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/locker-position-sensor-potting-dana-44.59581/
I was reluctant at first but it turned out to be much easier than I imagined. My light was slow to turn off after disengaging my lockers. Then would randomly turn on and off without engaging or disengaging the lockers.

I think people are busy arguing about ducks and other legal matters and your question got overlooked.

 

[chevymitchell]

Dan, I did not. Is it possible to pull the sensor without removing the diff cover?

Unfortunately, it's not.

I'd follow the guidance provided above ^ by @Terrymo.

If you need help, please send me a PM.

On top of potting the sensors, take the small bulkhead feed-thru out and clean the connector behind it. You can get oil in that connector and will cause this symptom, as well.

 

[Terrymo]

Unfortunately, it's not.

I'd follow the guidance provided above ^ by @Terrymo.

If you need help, please send me a PM.

On top of potting the sensors, take the small bulkhead feed-thru out and clean the connector behind it. You can get oil in that connector and will cause this symptom, as well.

Not sure how I get credit for reposting your knowledge but thanks

 

[Wabujitsu]

Unfortunately, it's not.

I'd follow the guidance provided above ^ by @Terrymo.

If you need help, please send me a PM.

On top of potting the sensors, take the small bulkhead feed-thru out and clean the connector behind it. You can get oil in that connector and will cause this symptom, as well.

Shawn and Terry, thank you. Shawn, what/where is “the small bulkhead feedthrough?”

 

[chevymitchell]

Not sure how I get credit for reposting your knowledge but thanks

Idk. I think it's great you're referencing the write-up itself, so you get credit for providing solid guidance to the guidance. Lol

 

[chevymitchell]

Shawn and Terry, thank you. Shawn, what/where is “the small bulkhead feedthrough?”

The is the connector on the outside of the housing. It will have a 10mm bolt holding it to the housing. Take that bolt out and pull the feed-thru out. There will be another connector under there that will need to be inspected/cleaned.

 

[jaymz]

I just had the same issue about two weeks ago. Came on for a few minutes after driving about 250 miles of a 450 mile road trip. The light shut off on its own and has not returned (yet). My thoughts are that if it's oil contamination, it won't be worth potting at this point as I don't know how well I'd be able to flush it all out.

 

[Terrymo]

I just had the same issue about two weeks ago. Came on for a few minutes after driving about 250 miles of a 450 mile road trip. The light shut off on its own and has not returned (yet). My thoughts are that if it's oil contamination, it won't be worth potting at this point as I don't know how well I'd be able to flush it all out.

I just bought these rather than gambling since I did have oil in the rear sensor
https://parts.allmoparparts.com/oem-parts/mopar-axle-sensor-kit-68544629aa

 

[chevymitchell]

I just had the same issue about two weeks ago. Came on for a few minutes after driving about 250 miles of a 450 mile road trip. The light shut off on its own and has not returned (yet). My thoughts are that if it's oil contamination, it won't be worth potting at this point as I don't know how well I'd be able to flush it all out.

Once you drill the 3 holes, you can flush the sensor out with Electronics Cleaner. Works like a champ.

 

[thedeatons]

I am a service advisor at dealerships (and have been for 5 years). I would NOT remove the diff covers if under warranty, otherwise that gives technicians and service managers a reason to not warranty whatever they find.

Also note it is a total waste of your time to take it in to a technician if the problem happened once, and no lights are currently on the dash. Very unlikely there is a code stored in the computer. A trip to the dealer with an "it happened once" complaint usually results in a 2-8 hour waste of your time.... along with everyone else involved.

You'll need to wait until they are able to duplicate the problem on command, so they can identify the cause, and replace the failing/failed part under warranty.

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