Random Service Axle Locker System

[Rrr8400]

My last car was a Lexus IS 250 ... and I'm seriously missing the idea of dropping it off, getting a coffee from their lounge, and then driving away at most a couple hours later... Super bummed.

Agreed. I traded in a BMW X5 for the Rubicon. While the Rubicon is much more fun to drive, I am not happy I had the "axles locked" status being reported in 2H with less than 50 miles on it. First dealer I had an appt with turned me away because it was a Friday and said "they never do diagnostics on a Friday" WTF -- complaints to the GM went unanswered. Took to a second dealer who was much more accommodating and even got me a loaner/rental (though I had to pick up and return off site) but simply performed a reset of the computer to clear the status and said they had never heard of the axle locker sensor problems discussed extensively on this forum and elsewhere. Didn't have any service issues with the BMW in 70K miles, but if I did at least they did have coffee and snacks in the waiting room...

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[yotajeeper]

For those of you having the the service locker message and those of you worried you might get it I would read this thread.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/locker-position-sensor-potting-dana-44.59581/

I did mine a couple of weeks ago and it wasn't that bad. Jeep/ Dana aren't addressing the issue so you might as well.

Pretty pathetic considering people are paying 60k for these rigs and having to pull shit apart and play mr gadget with potting sensors lol

 

[Friday2322]

Pretty pathetic considering people are paying 60k for these rigs and having to pull shit apart and play mr gadget with potting sensors lol

I completely agree.. I had my JKUR for 10 years and had a couple of recalls but not near the issues I've had with my JLUR. I still love having it but newer isn't always better. And Jeep needs to step up their game when dealing with these issues.

 

[traviswalker007]

Anybody else have an issue with "Service Axle Locker System" warning coming on then off after a few seconds?

Mostly happens while off-roading of uneven terrain, but lately it shows up sometimes in 2Hi when staring out on streets.

Took it to the dealer and they cleared the stored codes and went through the checklist, but didn't solve the issue. I'm taking it back next week but i'm not hopeful they will find it
If I could reliably reproduce the issue maybe they could dig in deeper.

Anybody know of any service bulletins that might relate this this?

Mine did the same thing today, i checked the locker acuator plugs on fron diff and found 1 loose, the lock clip was not fully seated!! Light went awat

 

[Dyolfknip74]

First and foremost, Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! Well, it looks like I joined the "Service Axle Locker System" club. Some background... My Jeep is a 2018 JLUR, approx. 15,800 miles. No issues other than the steering stabilizer, steering box recall, etc., that most of us have dealt with. I do notice that my Uconnect system randomly glitches and then appears to reset back to my personal settings. I bought this vehicle with the intention of doing some light overlanding and camping. Sadly, I have not even put this thing into 4 wheel drive, nor used the lockers. Towards that end, I have a planned move later this year and fully intend to enjoy the capabilities of this vehicle, but I digress. Essentially, the issue initially started with a chime and the warning light. The light does not stay on. Every time I drive it (I have only drive in 2H), I get an intermittent warning, and this seems to occur immediately following a turn, but not on all turns. I disconnected and reset the connectors on both front and rear diff and even pulled the positive lead on the battery as a form of reset. Admittedly, I am a bit disappointed at this development having read forum posts regarding the extreme nature of a fix for this issue (i.e., axle replacements?). I am also getting a bit disappointed regarding the vehicle's reliability factor having gone through the fiasco of the steering box replacement with multiple associated dealer visits. Please note my low miles, all street driven, no use of 4 wheel drive or engaging/disengaging lockers in the vehicle history, and I live in SoCal, and have not driven through recent rain or water. My questions:

1. What can I check to eliminate any problems before taking this to the dealer?
2. Is this issue covered under the power train warranty? There is no way I am paying out of pocket for any extreme measures too correct what appears to be an electrical glitch.
3. Is the vehicle safe to drive with this issue?

Any recommendations or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

JeepCares - if you are reading, based on some of these forum strings, this appears to be more than a random occurrence.

It's a sensor inside your axle. Not sealed properly and it gets filled with gear oil. Currently the only "fix" is an axle replacement under warranty. If you're out of warranty, you can also get a Z Automotive Axle axle bypass cable for about $180 (per axle) that will enable you to use your lockers (although it sounds like that isn't an issue for you)
You cannot purchase the sensor alone. Nor can your mechanic or dealer.

There is a great fix if the sensor hasn't already failed (like yours) so you might be able to save your other axle if it isn't messed up.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/locker-position-sensor-potting-dana-44.59581/

Otherwise, get it into dealer.

Good luck.

 

[Dyolfknip74]

Do you know if installing the Z automotive cable will eliminate the warning light? Initial conversation with my dealer service advisor indicates the possibility of an axle swap. I'd invest in the z automotive cable rather than deal with the annoying service light while I am waiting for the parts to arrive. One question/thought - I was not aware that oil was conductive. Is there some other mechanism at work here? Thanks again for the info!

Couldn't tell you. @chevymitchell can.

 

[JayJay]

One question/thought - I was not aware that oil was conductive. Is there some other mechanism at work here?

The only mechanism that I've seen suggested is that it's caused by fine metal particles in the gear oil acting as a conductor.

 

[Btibnd]

I got the "Service Axle Locker System" error light to pop up early this week. Sent a message to the service advisor I usually work with (Central Iowa) and he responded back almost instantly "needs a new rear axel". Was told one month for the part but based on discussions here, looks like it will likely be longer...

 

[grady2hig]

I got the "Service Axle Locker System" error light to pop up early this week. Sent a message to the service advisor I usually work with (Central Iowa) and he responded back almost instantly "needs a new rear axel". Was told one month for the part but based on discussions here, looks like it will likely be longer...

I just had the sensor replaced. Not whole axel

 

[ALK]

I just had the sensor replaced. Not whole axel

Because they revised the replacement procedures since this thread was last commented on 6 months ago.

 

[grady2hig]

Because they revised the replacement procedures since this thread was last commented on 6 months ago.

I figured...just thought I'd say something incase if happens to someone else

 

[tourguide337]

This thread has been helpful! I have the same issue with a somewhat random "Service Acle Locker System" light. Sometimes it happens every few minutes, other times it will go days without lighting up.

Has anyone figured out how to reproduce the issue?

The dealer replaced a sensor saying it was bad, but it did not fix the issue. It is time for round 2, hopefully it gets fixed this time. They have started to ask to reproduce it, so wish me luck!

 

[grady2hig]

This thread has been helpful! I have the same issue with a somewhat random "Service Acle Locker System" light. Sometimes it happens every few minutes, other times it will go days without lighting up.

Has anyone figured out how to reproduce the issue?

The dealer replaced a sensor saying it was bad, but it did not fix the issue. It is time for round 2, hopefully it gets fixed this time. They have started to ask to reproduce it, so wish me luck!

I had my sensor replaced and it still does it...but less. Seems like it does it at stop lights that are on an upward incline

 

[JeepCares]

This thread has been helpful! I have the same issue with a somewhat random "Service Acle Locker System" light. Sometimes it happens every few minutes, other times it will go days without lighting up.

Has anyone figured out how to reproduce the issue?

The dealer replaced a sensor saying it was bad, but it did not fix the issue. It is time for round 2, hopefully it gets fixed this time. They have started to ask to reproduce it, so wish me luck!

Hi, tourguide337. If you need our support at any upcoming dealership appointments for this, let us know!

Kate
Jeep Cares

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