E-Locker Question

[Rthario]

Why does my rear locker on my DC take so long to engage ? (60-90 Seconds)

[Applejack]

Sometimes it engages just a couple of moments after you start moving.
I don't know why, but thats how it always is with mine.

[SAR_Squid79]

When you press the button, that just actuates the locker.

It won't actually engage and lock the axle until the 2 halves are lined up properly. If you hit the button, and drove straight and steady on even ground it might never lock. But usually if you press the button, and then drive forward and turn one way or the other, or let one of your wheels slip, it will line up and engage faster.

It's the same when you disengage the locker. It won't actually unlock until it's aligned properly, and the little mechanism can retract.

[6string]

I have experienced this same thing with my '01. Thank you for asking this. I'm curious to see what other responses might come up.

And due to the vagueness of your title, I'm going to use this chance to politely [albeit, slightly] hijack while we have a captive audience ...

Why does my e-locker make a popping sound when it disengages? It's nothing "scary" loud, but there is a slight metallic ping to it. Anyone else experienced this?

(Seriously, my apologies for tagging along another question, Rthario.)

[tradman]

The arm that slides the locking collar in place is held under tension by a spring until the gears line up and the collar can slide in to position. The sound you are hearing is the spring forcing the ring on. It's normal.

[Applejack]

The arm that slides the locking collar in place is held under tension by a spring until the gears line up and the collar can slide in to position. The sound you are hearing is the spring forcing the ring on. It's normal.

Agreed. Quite normal.

[Overland Hadley]

When you press the button, that just actuates the locker.

It won't actually engage and lock the axle until the 2 halves are lined up properly. If you hit the button, and drove straight and steady on even ground it might never lock. But usually if you press the button, and then drive forward and turn one way or the other, or let one of your wheels slip, it will line up and engage faster.

It's the same when you disengage the locker. It won't actually unlock until it's aligned properly, and the little mechanism can retract.

Great explanation, thanks!

[PAyota]

Anybody living in the Northern salt spreading states should be sure to clean their actuator thoroughly.There is a small pocket between the actuator and the rear housing. Salt, mud, and other debris can get in there and rot the housing of the motor. It's easy to change but the new actuator is $800. Luckily I found a guy on TTORA that had a spare for $200. It's also a good idea to engage your E-locker on a regular basis. i.e. monthly/weekly. Sometimes the gear inside the rear sticks from inactivity. Sorry to ramble.

[cruiseroutfit]

Anybody living in the Northern salt spreading states should be sure to clean their actuator thoroughly.There is a small pocket between the actuator and the rear housing. Salt, mud, and other debris can get in there and rot the housing of the motor. It's easy to change but the new actuator is $800. Luckily I found a guy on TTORA that had a spare for $200. It's also a good idea to engage your E-locker on a regular basis. i.e. monthly/weekly. Sometimes the gear inside the rear sticks from inactivity. Sorry to ramble.

Those in western 'salt' states should heed this advice as well. As with many things in life a little exercise will keep them functioning properly. While the name 'electronic locker' would have you believe there are little moving parts, quite the opposite, your dealing with relay's, actuators, forks, sleeves and side gears, all of which must do their part to lock.

Just bought a rig or looking to buy and the locker won't seem to full engage? Pull the actuator and see if you can 'massage' it into working. Its not uncommon to see lockers (particularly 80 Series in my experience) that have never been actuated since they day they left the lot. By pulling the actuator, cleaning it up and then having a friend engage/disengage while you help it along... you can increase the odds of saving the actuators.

[Desert Dan]

very common..

ease off the gas and try to go straight when engaging the locker.

Also don't try to engage the lockers with the wheels spinning.