Random Service Axle Locker System

[hakim1979]

Sorry for the late reply, but I was able to drive mine and use the lockers for about 1.5 months before the dealer figured it out. Hope you got yours fixed!

Ok thank you

how it was resolved because my rubicon is on Jeep

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[99mhz]

Ok thank you

how it was resolved because my rubicon is on Jeep

For me the dealer changed the drive train control module and the transfer case control module. I'm not sure what one fixed it because they did both at the same time.

 

[Kirby]

I've had this issue for about 9 months. It was fixed once. The dealer said they replaced the front axle locker actuator (I think that's what they called it). That fix lasted about 3 weeks, then started again. Sometimes it comes up every 5 seconds for an entire trip. Other times it comes up only once every few days. I thought it was only a sensor issue and not the lockers actually failing, until it left me without a front locker on a triple black diamond trail. Extremely steep and rocky (Rowher Flats on the reservoir side for anyone in SoCal). I had to back down until getting to a spot where I could turn around. Super annoying.

I recently had it at another dealership (for a new transmission after 9000 miles) and asked them to fix the axle locker. They said they cannot reproduce it and then gave it back. 2 days later, warning popped up again. I'm not sure what to do, but I cannot trust it on a trail to not leave me stranded. They tell me if they cannot reproduce it then they cannot fix it.

I've just been without my Jeep for over a month waiting on the new transmission and I'm not interested in having it sit around another month while they try to reproduce the axle locker issue. I'm not really sure what to do.

 

[99mhz]

I've had this issue for about 9 months. It was fixed once. The dealer said they replaced the front axle locker actuator (I think that's what they called it). That fix lasted about 3 weeks, then started again. Sometimes it comes up every 5 seconds for an entire trip. Other times it comes up only once every few days. I thought it was only a sensor issue and not the lockers actually failing, until it left me without a front locker on a triple black diamond trail. Extremely steep and rocky (Rowher Flats on the reservoir side for anyone in SoCal). I had to back down until getting to a spot where I could turn around. Super annoying.

I recently had it at another dealership (for a new transmission after 9000 miles) and asked them to fix the axle locker. They said they cannot reproduce it and then gave it back. 2 days later, warning popped up again. I'm not sure what to do, but I cannot trust it on a trail to not leave me stranded. They tell me if they cannot reproduce it then they cannot fix it.

I've just been without my Jeep for over a month waiting on the new transmission and I'm not interested in having it sit around another month while they try to reproduce the axle locker issue. I'm not really sure what to do.

My symptoms were exactly like yours. On and off a lot while off-road, and got the point where it would come on while driving on streets sometimes. I always worried my lockers would fail on a trail too. It sucks it happen to you

I feel your pain about the dealer not being able to reproduce. I got the same run around, but I kept bugging them and they finally worked it out! I haven't seen it since the fix.

I do believe your issue is one of the modules. drive-train control module is my guess, but my dealer also changed the transfer case control module at the same time, so its hard to say for sure. I've seen a JK forum taking about the DTCM giving a service locker warning, so that's why I think its that one.

Now to get your dealer convinced to swap it out for you Maybe you can get Jeep Cares involved. I don't think they helped too much in my case but might not hurt.

Good luck hope you get it worked out!

 

[JeepCares]

I've had this issue for about 9 months. It was fixed once. The dealer said they replaced the front axle locker actuator (I think that's what they called it). That fix lasted about 3 weeks, then started again. Sometimes it comes up every 5 seconds for an entire trip. Other times it comes up only once every few days. I thought it was only a sensor issue and not the lockers actually failing, until it left me without a front locker on a triple black diamond trail. Extremely steep and rocky (Rowher Flats on the reservoir side for anyone in SoCal). I had to back down until getting to a spot where I could turn around. Super annoying.

I recently had it at another dealership (for a new transmission after 9000 miles) and asked them to fix the axle locker. They said they cannot reproduce it and then gave it back. 2 days later, warning popped up again. I'm not sure what to do, but I cannot trust it on a trail to not leave me stranded. They tell me if they cannot reproduce it then they cannot fix it.

I've just been without my Jeep for over a month waiting on the new transmission and I'm not interested in having it sit around another month while they try to reproduce the axle locker issue. I'm not really sure what to do.

Hi Kirby,
We're sorry to hear about your experience. If you need any assistance while working with your dealer, we would be happy to connect you with a Case Specialist.
Alex
JeepCares

 

[Kirby]

yes please! I have had a CA Lemon buyback case opened with Jeep (transmission replacement at 9000 miles, 40+ days out of service in less than 1 year, and other issues) for over 2 weeks without a single contact from them whatsoever. Every day I call and they say someone will call me back. I have a case number but no idea who it is assigned to or if it is even assigned at all. They tell me it's been "escalated" Dec 27 and won't say anything else. I have not hired an attorney and they told me if I even mention an attorney they will not talk to me, but only to my attorney (who doesn't exist).

I was given a resolution dept number to call but I don't have an extension and when I go to the operator it says something like "VM12...is at home?!?" I've even left messages at random extensions just hoping SOMEONE will call.

I will PM you with the case number later today. Thank you!

BTW, when I opened the buyback case I was planning to get the exact same Jeep... I just want one that works. But I have to admit I'm having second thoughts about getting another Jeep after the experiences I've had over the past couple months. There's nothing else I'd want, but this is really frustrating.

 

[Wrangler JL 360]

Same issue happened on my 2018 last week. They are replacing the control module today. YouTube channel had it mentioned as sensor that you cannot buy so they have to replace the whole axle. Who knows. I’m at 34000 miles though and I’ll probably be over 36 when I happens again next year wheeling so hopefully they still take care of it since it’s documented now.

 

[Kirby]

well here's the "funny" thing... I bought a new 2020 JLR after my 2019 JLUR was repurchased by FCA, and after 3000 miles the rear axle locker has now completely failed on this one too.

...I have a reservation on a Bronco.

 

[jhmartin]

2019 JLUR, 16k mi, so far haven't used the lockers except to trigger them on snow to test them out. Once a monthish, usually at highway speeds, the 'service axle locker' light comes on, dings, then goes off after 2s.
Today I noticed that ORP is showing the front and rear lockers supposedly alternating between locked/unlocked. The push-button lights were off, and the drivetrain info does not show locked on the area in front of the driver. I was at 40mph on pavement it is highly unlikely they were actually engaging.

Passenger got a video of ORP cycling. The Service Axle Locker light was not on at this time.

 

[jhmartin]

Along with that, I noticed today a strong correlation to ORP showing 'locked' when I'm going downhill, and 'unlocked' uphill (on pavement). Accelerations that mimic that incline also tend to trigger it.

 

[SJSRubicon]

Hello fellow SERVICE AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM Jeepers; Everyone needs to write an online report of this condition to www.NHTSA.gov. It’s quick easy and takes 5-10 mins. Help us all out by filing your report on this to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. They monitor complaints on vehicles and work with manufacturers to clear the problem. I reported this as drivetrain, electrical and other. When enough reports appear then the regulator helps the manufacturer figure out the problem and then they all get recalled that are affected.

 

[SJSRubicon]

Hello fellow SERVICE AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM Jeepers; Everyone needs to write an online report of this condition to www.NHTSA.gov. It’s quick easy and takes 5-10 mins. Help us all out by filing your report on this to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. They monitor complaints on vehicles and work with manufacturers to clear the problem. I reported this as drivetrain, electrical and other. When enough reports appear then the regulator helps the manufacturer figure out the problem and then they all get recalled that are affected.

 

[jhmartin]

Update:

FOUND CODE C144D-15 FRONT DIFF POSITION SENSOR SHORT TO BATTERY OR OPEN. FOUND STAR CASE S2008000016. REMOVED FRONT AXLE DISCONNECT (FAD) CONNECTOR AND REMOVED RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL TRIM AND DISCONNECTED DTCM CHECKED CONTINUITY, SHORT TO POWER AT THE T522 CIRCUIT AND WAS IN SPEC AT .01 OHMS. CHECKED RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL FOR CONNECTOR XY460A AND FOUND BACK SIDE OF CONNECTOR HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETELY SECURED AND WAS ALLOWING DEBRIS TO GET INTO BACK SIDE OF THE XY560A CONNECTOR, DISCONNECTED CONNECTOR AND FOUND SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER IN CONNECTOR. CLEANED OUT XY460A CONNECTOR WITH CONTACT CLEANER AND ADDED DIELECTRIC GREASE TO INSIDE OF CONNECTOR AND NOW OK.

Except when I went to pick it up the Service Axle Locker System light is now on full time, so obviously something didn't go right.

 

[SJSRubicon]

Update:


Except when I went to pick it up the Service Axle Locker System light is now on full time, so obviously something didn't go right.

I also noticed incline and in particular with my passenger front wheel elevated SERVICE AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM came on. I think you’re getting somewhere. Mine is back for round 2!! Rear axle and actuator replaced. Then when I picked it up it failed again. So it’s back for round 2. They also found my front actuator pins were all lose. Will share with my tech. TY for posting. Star case being opened today as well as added to my existing case opened.

 

[SJSRubicon]

I also noticed incline and in particular with my passenger front wheel elevated SERVICE AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM came on. I think you’re getting somewhere. Mine is back for round 2!! Rear axle and actuator replaced. Then when I picked it up it failed again. So it’s back for round 2. They also found my front actuator pins were all lose. Will share with my tech. TY for posting. Star case being opened today as well as added to my existing case opened.

Still at the dealer. Now they found the front actuator is bad and getting a new front assembly as well. Golly makes you think I got a 5 o’clock Friday special. What a drag of 94 days of ownership my Jeep has been at the dealer 2 weeks part in order another 5 days and then another two days to fix it. Just unbelievable.

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