Locker Sensors

[Maxx]

I’ve read that the locker sensors in the 44 Dana axles on Wrangler Rubicons fail because of poor design which allows oil in and shorts it out. The “service locker” warning light starts coming on intermittently, then constantly, making the lockers unusable because of the warning error. This sometimes happens within 1500miles supposedly. The sensors are not sold separately and Jeep just replaces the whole axle instead of just the sensor when this happens under warranty.

People have posted threads showing how to remove the sensor and add potting compound to prevent any shorting of the sensor. But, this would be a PITA and void the warranty. Can anyone say if FCA has fixed this issue, or should we expect to start seeing the “service locker” warning in the 392? I’d hate to have a whole axle swapped just because of a faulty sensor. Not sure if this is something to be concerned about. Thanks.

 

[byhumba]

I didn't know this was an issue. Thx for making me aware.

 

[Maxx]

I didn't know this was an issue. Thx for making me aware.

I’m hoping this will not be an issue with the 392. Fingers crossed.

 

[Sting gray 392]

Worry beads deployed....Not! But it must be true, it's on the internet...

 

[Maxx]

So, has anyone had issues with the locker sensors on their 392?

Am curious if doing this is worth the time:

Locker Position Sensor Potting - DANA 44

Good evening everyone. I took the time today to run through the potting of my locker sensors. This seems to be a very frustrating point of failure for all of us. I have experienced it myself. Here are the DIY steps you can follow to properly pot the sensors. **Keep in mind the amount of time...

www.jlwranglerforums.com

Edit: never mind. Just remembered potting the sensor will supposedly void the warranty.

 

[EBYCREEK]

So, has anyone had issues with the locker sensors on their 392?

Am curious if doing this is worth the time:

Locker Position Sensor Potting - DANA 44

Good evening everyone. I took the time today to run through the potting of my locker sensors. This seems to be a very frustrating point of failure for all of us. I have experienced it myself. Here are the DIY steps you can follow to properly pot the sensors. **Keep in mind the amount of time...

www.jlwranglerforums.com

Edit: never mind. Just remembered potting the sensor will supposedly void the warranty.

Same question here

 

[SLUG 392]

Just had this done on my '18 rubicon. The light kept coming on saying the axle was trying to lock or unlock. Couldn't do anything to get it to quit. Took it in to the dealer and they said the sensor was bad. They replaced the entire rear axle.

 

[guruman]

Exhuming this old dead thread for new info...

I bought some potting compound and was going to pot the locker sensors in my 20a while I'm changing the diff fluids. IN my search for a how-to video, I came upon this:

Seems Jeep released a fix for it that does not involve replacing the entire axle (with one that would fail in exactly the same way).

My question is this: The bulletin says 2018-2022..... Does this mean that the 2023s have the new, improved sensors?

Trying to figure out if I need to pot mine, (or make provisions like carrying a spare, or buying the z locker fix cable).

 

[Jgc650i]

Exhuming this old dead thread for new info...

I bought some potting compound and was going to pot the locker sensors in my 20a while I'm changing the diff fluids. IN my search for a how-to video, I came upon this:

View attachment 23996


Seems Jeep released a fix for it that does not involve replacing the entire axle (with one that would fail in exactly the same way).

My question is this: The bulletin says 2018-2022..... Does this mean that the 2023s have the new, improved sensors?

Trying to figure out if I need to pot mine, (or make provisions like carrying a spare, or buying the z locker fix cable).

There is this long thread over on the JL forum that talks about this, including the potting instructions. The general feedback/consensus is that in terms of vulnerability to the oil penetration that causes the eventual sensor failure, all of the sensors up through current (including the replacement sensors you posted about and new factory sensors) are the same. I did the potting on mine. My sensors didn’t have any oil penetration but the go forward piece of mind is worth it IMO. Also, most report much faster locker engagement/disengagement after the potting. I noticed the same, they are much faster now. Wouldn’t think the potting would have that effect but it did.

 

[Ted392]

I'm about to pot mine this weekend. I would rather not have an issue.

I heard the same from a friend that potted them himself, faster engagement of lockers.

 

[Guest862]

I’m hoping this will not be an issue with the 392. Fingers crossed.

Mine is in the shop right now for this issue lol
Kit referenced above was reccomended fix with a fluid changeout and diff inspection
Waiting on results
Diff fluid looked and smelled ok when I opened it up prior to dealer trip

 

[Ted392]

Mine were dry, 22 392 w/7,000 miles. Potted anyway.
I'd get them replaced with kit or pot them yourself. Ticking time bomb and a long wait to fix.

 

[Jgc650i]

Recommend you pot the new ones. The replacement sensors are just as susceptible to the eventual leak/failure as the originals.

 

[dblplay1212]

My locker light starred flashing this morning. Went away on my way home but then came back, just flashing on and off. I have an appointment for an oil change on Saturday so I'll get them to check it out. Seems like a common issue. 24k miles on my 21.