Aftermarket Diff Locks

[LeeroyJ]

Give it time and I bet ARB will have air lockers available.

 

[Zimm]

That’s what diodes are for

So right you are!

 

[Zimm]

Right... you splice in below the diode and it keeps current from running back up to the ecu sensor. There must be a plug somewhere in line. Wonder if we can make a simple plug in harness and see what happens.

but what happens if you have the locker locked, and the computer doesn't think it should be? Is there a position sensor? Will the computer toss a code, that's part of my question. I doubt it makes assumptions on apparatus position by voltage application alone. Theres got to be a position sensor, don't you think? Even my 96 G closes a position switch for a light.

 

[IslandFalconer]

but what happens if you have the locker locked, and the computer doesn't think it should be? Is there a position sensor? Will the computer toss a code, that's part of my question. I doubt it makes assumptions on apparatus position by voltage application alone. Theres got to be a position sensor, don't you think? Even my 96 G closes a position switch for a light.

The computer can’t know if you use a diode. It will just function as usual.

 

[255/85]

An aftermarket selectable locker may still have to be used in low range only. The system turns the diff lock light off via the wheel speed sensors so there may be multiple ways it monitors/confirms engagement. Maybe using the "ESC Off" button prior to engaging will override any system panic?

 

[Tinerfeño]

An aftermarket selectable locker may still have to be used in low range only.

May be reasonable, but does it need to be controlled automatically?
I have sometimes used selectable locker on high range and automatic ones, like Detroit Locker, sure don't know if transfer box is on high or low.

 

[255/85]

May be reasonable, but does it need to be controlled automatically?
I have sometimes used selectable locker on high range and automatic ones, like Detroit Locker, sure don't know if transfer box is on high or low.

Nothing would stop you from engaging an aftermarket locker as it's not tied into the system. It would be insensitive to high or low range on most vehicles and would apply to a Detroit, ARB, or even another electric selectable locker - maybe a helical (TruTrac) as well. My concern would be the Grenadier's software which might see the non-normal wheel speeds (front to rear/side to side) as an indication of component failure, loss of stability, or worse. It may then try to correct the situation via ABS or Electronic Stability Control. I was thinking that a workaround might be turning ESC off to prevent unwanted activation of vehicle safety features. I believe engaging Low Range turns the ESC completely off vs. locking the center diff only which places the ESC function in ESC Offroad mode(?). ESC Offroad has a reduced functionality probably to not overcorrect (brake) the vehicle unnecessarily on low-traction surfaces such as sand or snow where momentum can help.

Not sure I have everything stated correctly. Check here...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt4nU41uIsg

 

[Zimm]

The computer can’t know if you use a diode. It will just function as usual.

Ugh. But it can know that the factory system ISN'T sending 12v, but the locker is engaged when it "shouldn't" be if the locker has a position sensor.

 

[NQ94]

The E-locker in the Ineos the locking mechanism is internal and locks a side gear to the rotating differential case using a fixed electro-magnet. The 96 G wagon like LC70 and the larger Carraro axles have an external actuator with linkages, selector fork on a locking dog clutch to lock the diff externally by locking an axle to the differential case like a truck cross lock. Because of the external mechanical actuator they could use a mechanical switch on the linkages and selector fork to confirm a locked state whereas the coil current in the magnet and the wheel speed would be the easiest method an Ineos OEM E-locker would use for a diff locked signal.
E-lockers are used because they're an easy fit in place of a standard diff, there is less moving parts, no major machining changes to the axle/diff housing or different half shafts with longer splines when compared to a traditional style mechanical, hydraulic or cable actuated diff lock.

 

[Commodore]

While on a group trail ride last week, one of the Grenadiers refused to allow diff locks. It turns out that the owner overfilled his fuel tank and that threw a check engine light. The computer won't allow for use of the lockers if a check engine light is on. Fortunately, I carry my code reader and was able to reset his check engine and then lockers were allowed.

How stupid is it to not allow lockers because of a check engine light! Great way to get someone stuck in a remote place of what might be an emissions sensor or something else minor. This makes me even more motivated to find a backup way to activate diff locks.

This would be the perfect truck if not for the stupid software.

 

[Tinerfeño]

My concern would be the Grenadier's software which might see the non-normal wheel speeds (front to rear/side to side) as an indication of component failure, loss of stability, or worse.

If a differential is locked there will be same rotational speeds on both sides so system can't see any strange there. Only on cornering but then your speed wll be low. If the centre diff is locked (which should be to gain any benefit from rear locker) there won't be any front/rear difference either.

I believe engaging Low Range turns the ESC completely off vs. locking the center diff only which places the ESC function in ESC Offroad mode(?).

Find an open area with low traction and make some tests.

 

[Mountain4x4]

Along with a hitch, these should NEVER be built with out lockers. HUGE mistake

 

[IslandFalconer]

Along with a hitch, these should NEVER be built with out lockers. HUGE mistake

Not all wranglers come with lockers

 

[Commodore]

Not all wranglers come with lockers

Build them all with lockers even if it is just a statement to reinforce the “built on purpose” branding. It provides a way to better differentiate the truck. Last I checked they don’t built G-Wagons without lockers.

 

[IslandFalconer]

Build them all with lockers even if it is just a statement to reinforce the “built on purpose” branding. It provides a way to better differentiate the truck. Last I checked they don’t built G-Wagons without lockers.

If they actually built these on purpose. We would have service manuals, we would have the ability to reset our service interval, the update for the Nannie’s would be rolled out by now.

They are not built on purpose, they are built to tie you to the dealership. Just look up the Namibia thread. Some built on purpose service going on there.

 

[255/85]

If a differential is locked there will be same rotational speeds on both sides so system can't see any strange there. Only on cornering but then your speed wll be low. If the centre diff is locked (which should be to gain any benefit from rear locker) there won't be any front/rear difference either.


Find an open area with low traction and make some tests.

I think the Agile videos do a pretty good job of spelling things out already.

I was wrong about low range. Engaging Off Road mode switches the ESC to a less aggressive setting. Thus low range remains usable on high traction surfaces as when moving heavy loads.

 

[Iggle]

While on a group trail ride last week, one of the Grenadiers refused to allow diff locks. It turns out that the owner overfilled his fuel tank and that threw a check engine light. The computer won't allow for use of the lockers if a check engine light is on. Fortunately, I carry my code reader and was able to reset his check engine and then lockers were allowed.

How stupid is it to not allow lockers because of a check engine light! Great way to get someone stuck in a remote place of what might be an emissions sensor or something else minor. This makes me even more motivated to find a backup way to activate diff locks.

This would be the perfect truck if not for the stupid software.

Which code reader do you use? I have found that the gas tank meter is very sensitive, and I would love to reset that on my own. Thanks

 

[IslandFalconer]

Which code reader do you use? I have found that the gas tank meter is very sensitive, and I would love to reset that on my own. Thanks

I’ve been using OBDLink MX+ and their app. Works very well

 

[Mike Morrison]

The OEM Diff locks are by Eaton so they should be able to supply as aftermarket -
“Manufactured by global engineering specialists Eaton Industries, the front and rear diff locks are standard on Trialmaster model, and optional on all other variants”

 

[DenisM]

The OEM Diff locks are by Eaton so they should be able to supply as aftermarket -
“Manufactured by global engineering specialists Eaton Industries, the front and rear diff locks are standard on Trialmaster model, and optional on all other variants”

True, but the Carraro axle housings are not necessarily machined the same for diff lock vs no diff lock....