Rear Locker Light Flashing

[bthomp]

So I have an update and would appreciate insight. I had the locker error flash on the dash with the rear locker light on the switch itself blinking. I booked a Jeep appointment, which of course was weeks out, and so in the meantime I purchased the Z Locker. I plugged it in and as advertised the problem was gone. Now today, just over a month after installing it, I got the "service axle locker" light on my dash again, as well as the rear locker light on the switch. This leads me to two questions:

1. I presumed that if the rear locker light was flashing, that was identifying that it was in fact the rear switch that had failed. Can anyone confirm if that actually is the case? If not, then my first guess would be that I need a Z Locker for my front as well.
2. Has anyone has a Z Locker bypass fail?

Thanks as always.

Bill

Sponsored

 

[DodgeWrangler]

I had this same thing happen, and actually how I discovered the JL Wrangler forum. Brought the Rubi in to dealership to diagnose the problem and they had a new rear axle ordered by that afternoon. 7 days later the part arrived at the dealership and they had it installed in a day. If you're still under warranty I would recommend going with the rear axle swap.

 

[psucanary]

So I have an update and would appreciate insight. I had the locker error flash on the dash with the rear locker light on the switch itself blinking. I booked a Jeep appointment, which of course was weeks out, and so in the meantime I purchased the Z Locker. I plugged it in and as advertised the problem was gone. Now today, just over a month after installing it, I got the "service axle locker" light on my dash again, as well as the rear locker light on the switch. This leads me to two questions:

1. I presumed that if the rear locker light was flashing, that was identifying that it was in fact the rear switch that had failed. Can anyone confirm if that actually is the case? If not, then my first guess would be that I need a Z Locker for my front as well.
2. Has anyone has a Z Locker bypass fail?

Thanks as always.

Bill

Any updates?
Front zLocker needed?
Rear zLocker fail?

Just curious as I'm a happy Z Locker owner...

 

[bthomp]

Any updates?
Front zLocker needed?
Rear zLocker fail?

Just curious as I'm a happy Z Locker owner...

As tends to be the case, the simplest explanation (which I hadn't troubleshoot yet when I made the post) was the problem. The issue was that the Z-locker was slightly loose because one of the clips doesn't correctly lock into place. I reattached, used a couple zip-ties to ensure it doesn't come apart again, and all is well. Thinking I need to get a 2nd one for when the front sensor goes out. Was very fortunate that it was a simple fix as 2 days later I ran a trail where if it wasn't for my lockers I would have been winching out.

The debate for me now is, I'm under warranty, do I get the faulty sensor fixed, or just consider the Z-locker the fix?

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

As tends to be the case, the simplest explanation (which I hadn't troubleshoot yet when I made the post) was the problem. The issue was that the Z-locker was slightly loose because one of the clips doesn't correctly lock into place. I reattached, used a couple zip-ties to ensure it doesn't come apart again, and all is well. Thinking I need to get a 2nd one for when the front sensor goes out. Was very fortunate that it was a simple fix as 2 days later I ran a trail where if it wasn't for my lockers I would have been winching out.

The debate for me now is, I'm under warranty, do I get the faulty sensor fixed, or just consider the Z-locker the fix?

For
No need to purchase another Z-locker, just pot the front sensor before it fails. I potted both axle sensors 2 years ago and never a problem since. Potting is not a difficult project and good instructions are available on this forum.

 

[SparkleTooth]

As tends to be the case, the simplest explanation (which I hadn't troubleshoot yet when I made the post) was the problem. The issue was that the Z-locker was slightly loose because one of the clips doesn't correctly lock into place. I reattached, used a couple zip-ties to ensure it doesn't come apart again, and all is well. Thinking I need to get a 2nd one for when the front sensor goes out. Was very fortunate that it was a simple fix as 2 days later I ran a trail where if it wasn't for my lockers I would have been winching out.

The debate for me now is, I'm under warranty, do I get the faulty sensor fixed, or just consider the Z-locker the fix?

Potting the sensors or relying on the Z-Lockers is your only real solution. Going to the dealer will only resolve the problem temporarily. There is also the potential the dealer will screw something else up in the process. I've learned when it comes to sensors on these JLs you have to be your own mechanic with workarounds because the dealer will only frustrate you and waste your time and money.

 

[WREBAL]

Aloha All,
Same thing for my 2021 Rubicon Unlimited w/ 49k on the miles. Dealer tells not covered under power train warranty and its 1k$ to replace wire harness and pass through connector…any advice? Seems
Like the diff poss sensor is in the assembly and should be covered.
Mahalo!

 

[bthomp]

Aloha All,
Same thing for my 2021 Rubicon Unlimited w/ 49k on the miles. Dealer tells not covered under power train warranty and its 1k$ to replace wire harness and pass through connector…any advice? Seems
Like the diff poss sensor is in the assembly and should be covered.
Mahalo!

Z - Locker is the way to go. Fixes the issue, light immediately goes away and the lockers will function correctly.

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

Z locker will work but you can also purchase a new sensor...it’s not difficult to replace, just remove diff cover to get to the sensor. Instructions are available on this forum. Not sure about price comparison of the two solutions. If you replace the sensor you should pot it before installing. I potted both of mine three years ago…no problems and I don’t expect a problem. Good luck!

 

[pgdds]

i would take it to the dealer. sounds like the sensor failed that tells the BCM the locker is on or off. its a know issue that seems to fall between the cracks. Luckily you can now get just the sensor and not need the full axle to be replaced like they did a couple years back -_-. quick fix though under warranty

I can't seem to find a dealer of get jeep to agree to actually correct the issue any suggestions thanks

 

[fczabala]

I wonder if this TSB is to fix these issues

 

[GRINSH2024]

Thanks so much for sharing. At least it solved MY issue

Had the same error message: 800miles on my new Wrangler 2024, yellow drivetrain light on dashboard + rear locker light, blinking intermittent on Highway, but no error code in system.
Dealership checked but „didn‘t find anything“ and refused to go on further investigation.

Based on my insight from this forum topic I insisted opening a case with Stellantis. Showed them the TSB above along with a short video (!) I made when error happened.
Finally dealership agreed, and - surprise, surprise- after a check with Stellantis they told me that it‘s exactly the TSB above. Wow!
Dealership ordered and exchanged two sensors in the rear axle then - certainly on warranty.

Just wanted to let you guys know and give big thumbs up for everyone who contributed here!

 

[JINO]

Mine (rear locker) started blinking after some wheeling. I have tazer, but unsure how to turn it off.

 

[sturek]

I picked up a tazr after the first time I started getting the error...haven't used it as I've forced Jeep to repair the sensor both times (yes, it's failed twice and I'm now at 44k miles) (figure the more we can make it cost....maybe...probably not...they'll actually fix the issue) but I carry it with me incase I need to bypass the error while on the trail. So long story short, I don't remember the steps but here's a link for the manual - https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0664/6857/7446/files/TazerUserGuide260.pdf

Getting closer to the end of the warranty coverage for powertrain...so starting to look at an ARB solution instead...even though the actual part isn't that expensive but I'm getting tired of not trusting it knowing the flaw in the design is still there and it's only a matter of time before it fails again.

 

[bthomp]

zlocker. Fixes issue and you can stop thinking about it.

Sponsored