Locking Differential Issues

[hbleconey]

I have a 2012 PW and I spent the day off roading, some of which was in 4 low. while driving home I noticed the rear diff lock light was blinking yellow even though it was in the unlock position. I ended up pulling over and shifting into 4 low, driving it a few yards and then trying to lock the rear diffs. They did not lock and when i shifted back to 2 wheel the rear diff lock was still blinking. I've turned off the car and restarted and once i start driving again the rear diff lock still blinks yellow. any thoughts here guys before i take it to the dealership?

 

[Docpaulo]

Check the wiring connection to the lockers.. they can get loose...

The electronic locker magnets can also get dirty from catching metal shavings and can be an issue...

I cleaned mine whe i flushed the diff and it had a thick layer of metallic grime...

I put in a bar magnet in the bottom of my diff so the metal shavings go there instead

 

[RamCares]

I have a 2012 PW and I spent the day off roading, some of which was in 4 low. while driving home I noticed the rear diff lock light was blinking yellow even though it was in the unlock position. I ended up pulling over and shifting into 4 low, driving it a few yards and then trying to lock the rear diffs. They did not lock and when i shifted back to 2 wheel the rear diff lock was still blinking. I've turned off the car and restarted and once i start driving again the rear diff lock still blinks yellow. any thoughts here guys before i take it to the dealership?

Hi hbleconey,

Should you decide to bring it into the dealership, let us know. We'd be glad to help with that process.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[Brakelate]

I've dealt with Three PW's now. All seem slow to have the 'Locker(s) Activated' lamp decide to stay on constantly - despite the Lockers actually locking up. In like kind, I have had them take a while to also cease flashing, even though the knob was in the "Off" position, and them performing as though they were clearly unlocked.

Same can be said for the front swaybar disconnect... though that typically occurs when the bar has been disconnected, then turning it off, and driving on smooth roads. It takes a while for it to flex just enough to line back up and snap back into the 'connected' position. Though often turning the Swaybar Disco switch off, then doing a gentle left / right / left weave will get it to get the pins to snap back in to position. You can hear and feel it , when that occurs.

I would not sweat it and just drive it for a while. It may take going around a corner, or doing some slow 'figure - 8' type of turns until the lockers in the diffs line back up with the internal pins and lock or unlock as well.

None of the PW's I've driven (or owned) have locked, nor released instantaneously, and it hasn't been a problem, other than staring at the lights, expecting them to react immediately.

 

[hbleconey]

after I left the truck sit overnight the light stopped flashing. I"m going to test it today and see if i can get the diffs to lock, if not i'll bring it in for a service

 

[Buzz]

Educational too..

 

[56PW17]

Hi hbleconey,

Should you decide to bring it into the dealership, let us know. We'd be glad to help with that process.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

I seem to be having an issue with the real and front lockers also. when i go to activate them the light just blinks and they do not lock up. ( i have waited quite a bit also)

I'm going to the dealership tomorrow for a Rambox top replacement and a wheel bearing replacement. I guess i will have this issue addressed also.

Anything you would suggest?

I remember seeing a thread where a 2017 was having the same issue but i can not find it.

 

[pwjouster]

i engage the transfer case and axles lockers in motion

 

[Grand Mesa]

Compound low I engage when stopped and if it won't easily engage then I will move the truck back or forward until it does. In regards to the locking axles they engage themselves while the truck is in motion in deep snow or mud soon after I switch on the knob.

During this time of winter we normally have plenty of both snow and mud on several parts of our home's rural acreage. It may take several seconds though while the truck is in motion on some of our quite extremely steep terrain, but the engagement light will always stop flashing. To me not having the axles engaging and the light flashing on the dash while stopped is quite normal. They will always engage though once my Power Wagon gets moving.

 

[scoutpappa]

Mine took movement as well to engage in the rocks. Slower than an air actuated locker for sure, but once in there is no doubt. Actually stopping in 4lo with both ends locked is more of a pain than any light blinking.