New Spin On Old Topic - Locker Position Sensor

[Wabujitsu]

I’m looking for new input on this old topic/problem - the failing of locker position sensors and associated lights/indicators. Yes, I have read a plethora of related threads here, over the years. However, my situation *may* be different, thus this post.

I use a Tazer. While in 2WD the rear locker symbol randomly starts flashing on the ICD, as well as the indicator light flashes on the locker switch; this is a new phenomenon. Turning off my Jeep and restarting it kills the flashing indicators, 100% of the time. While still in 2WD, when I hit the rear locker switch, it almost instantly locks up, 100% of the time. I verify the locker status by driving it in a sharp turn. I also have no problems unlocking it.

I also tested the rear locker without turning off the Jeep and correcting the flashing indicators. While still flashing, when I hit the rear locker switch, it instantly locks up, yet the indicators continue to flash. When I unlock the rear locker, it instantly unlocks but the lights continue to flash.

In short, the rear locker is working perfectly; only the indicators seem to be malfunctioning.

Has anyone else, with a Tazer installed, experienced the same thing? I’m *assuming* this is a Tazer glitch, but knowing the story of the unpotted sensors, my degree of confidence in my theory is not that high. In spite of that, my next step is to unmarry the Tazer from my Jeep, update the OS (I have not done so in years), and then remarry it to my Jeep.

Do any of y‘all have some additional insight/theories/knowledge/suggestions? Smartass humor is also welcome!

Sponsored

 

[THAW]

Has anyone else, with a Tazer installed, experienced the same thing? I’m *assuming* this is a Tazer glitch, but knowing the story of the unpotted sensors, my degree of confidence in my theory is not that high. In spite of that, my next step is to unmarry the Tazer from my Jeep, update the OS (I have not done so in years), and then remarry it to my Jeep.

Interesting theory.

You should try unplugging the Tazer the next time the locker light flashes to see if the flashing stops.

Also, you should unmarry the Tazer and drive around without it for a while to see if the intermittent locker light flashing problem still occurs.

 

[Wabujitsu]

Interesting theory.

You should try unplugging the Tazer the next time the locker light flashes to see if the flashing stops.

Also, you should unmarry the Tazer and drive around without it for a while to see if the intermittent locker light flashing problem still occurs.

Thank you Foster; I will do as you suggested!

 

[Terrymo]

If I remember correctly, prior to installing the Tazer, as my rear locker position sensor was failing I had the majority of symptoms you are describing. The lockers worked correctly but lights intermittently showed false readings even in 2wd.

 

[THAW]

Thank you Foster; I will do as you suggested!

Now that I think more about it, maybe it's not the best idea to try to unplug the Tazer with the ignition/engine on (while the locker light is blinking)

Removing and/or unmarrying for a tine might provide an answer though.

 

[Wabujitsu]

Now that I think more about it, maybe it's not the best idea to try to unplug the Tazer with the ignition/engine on (while the locker light is blinking)

Removing and/or unmarrying for a tine might provide an answer though.

Foster, I had already decided to ignore that part of your advice, and just unmarry the Tazer.

 

[Wabujitsu]

If I remember correctly, prior to installing the Tazer, as my rear locker position sensor was failing I had the majority of symptoms you are describing. The lockers worked correctly but lights intermittently showed false readings even in 2wd.

Terry, my (probably incorrect) understanding is that when the locker sensor fails and begins blinking, it’s impossible to lock the diff. Am I right or wrong? I believe that’s why folks either replace them with new potted sensors, or install the ZA bypass harness(es). If the lockers still worked in spite of the failed sensors/blinking indicators, there would be no need for the bypass harness(es), right?

I apologize for rehashing, yet again, an age-old JL problem, but I really need to get this right. I appreciate your input, brother!

 

[mwilk012]

Terry, my (probably incorrect) understanding is that when the locker sensor fails and begins blinking, it’s impossible to lock the diff. Am I right or wrong? I believe that’s why folks either replace them with new potted sensors, or install the ZA bypass harness(es). If the lockers still worked in spite of the failed sensors/blinking indicators, there would be no need for the bypass harness(es), right?

I apologize for rehashing, yet again, an age-old JL problem, but I really need to get this right. I appreciate your input, brother!

It will work until the control module detects that it is a fault and not an actual change in position , at which point it will be disabled. This appears to be your jeep experiencing the very typical failure of the sensor.

 

[Terrymo]

Terry, my (probably incorrect) understanding is that when the locker sensor fails and begins blinking, it’s impossible to lock the diff. Am I right or wrong? I believe that’s why folks either replace them with new potted sensors, or install the ZA bypass harness(es). If the lockers still worked in spite of the failed sensors/blinking indicators, there would be no need for the bypass harness(es), right?

I apologize for rehashing, yet again, an age-old JL problem, but I really need to get this right. I appreciate your input, brother!

Edited. @mwilk012 @roaniecowpony @mgroeger @chevymitchell know better than I do.

Here is my long winded and maybe faulty understanding. The locker position sensor inside the diff is just telling you (and other parameters in the Jeep) whether or not it sees the locker as locked or unlocked. When it begins to fail it gives you (and the Jeep) false information as to whether or not the locker is really locked or unlocked.

If everything else inside the diff is working correctly, applying 12 volts to the locker mechanism locks it. When 12 volts is not applied then it’s unlocked. The locker position sensor only tells you and the Jeep what it thinks the state is. The bypass harnesses still allow 12 volts to be applied and removed but takes what the locker position sensor is reporting out of the equation.

 

[Wabujitsu]

It will work until the control module detects that it is a fault and not an actual change in position , at which point it will be disabled. This appears to be your jeep experiencing the very typical failure of the sensor.

Thank you!

 

[Wabujitsu]

Edited. @mwilk012 @roaniecowpony @mgroeger @chevymitchell know better than I do.

Here is my long winded and maybe faulty understanding. The locker position sensor inside the diff is just telling you (and other parameters in the Jeep) whether or not it sees the locker as locked or unlocked. When it begins to fail it gives you (and the Jeep) false information as to whether or not the locker is really locked or unlocked.

If everything else inside the diff is working correctly, applying 12 volts to the locker mechanism locks it. When 12 volts is not applied then it’s unlocked. The locker position sensor only tells you and the Jeep what it thinks the state is. The bypass harnesses still allow 12 volts to be applied and removed but takes what the locker position sensor is reporting out of the equation.

Thanks brother!

 

[Terrymo]

Thanks brother!

You’re welcome, but remember I dont have a full understanding like others here…of most anything

 

[Jeep Wick]

Terry, my (probably incorrect) understanding is that when the locker sensor fails and begins blinking, it’s impossible to lock the diff. Am I right or wrong? I believe that’s why folks either replace them with new potted sensors, or install the ZA bypass harness(es). If the lockers still worked in spite of the failed sensors/blinking indicators, there would be no need for the bypass harness(es), right?

I apologize for rehashing, yet again, an age-old JL problem, but I really need to get this right. I appreciate your input, brother!

You might get lucky by draining the oil and potting your sensors. I did. Don't wait.

 

[mgroeger]

Edited. @mwilk012 @roaniecowpony @mgroeger @chevymitchell know better than I do.

Here is my long winded and maybe faulty understanding. The locker position sensor inside the diff is just telling you (and other parameters in the Jeep) whether or not it sees the locker as locked or unlocked. When it begins to fail it gives you (and the Jeep) false information as to whether or not the locker is really locked or unlocked.

If everything else inside the diff is working correctly, applying 12 volts to the locker mechanism locks it. When 12 volts is not applied then it’s unlocked. The locker position sensor only tells you and the Jeep what it thinks the state is. The bypass harnesses still allow 12 volts to be applied and removed but takes what the locker position sensor is reporting out of the equation.

Dead on.

 

[mgroeger]

You’re welcome, but remember I dont have a full understanding like others here…of most anything

Just fake it like I do... lol.

Sponsored