Locker won't disengage

NKlekas

TJ Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2019
Messages
154
Location
Elko, NV
I had a Powertrax lunchbox locker installed on my front Dana 30 a couple of days ago. The shop is a very good, reputable shop that I trust and has done great work with my past re-gear and driveline.
Anyway...I was driving it after I picked it up the locker engaged while in 2Wheel. Not fun to have a locker engaged while driving around town. Definitely not safe as I pretty much lost 85% of my steering/turning ability.
I dropped my jeep back off this morning to try and figure out why it won't disengage. From what I've read and what @Jerry Bransford said, Powertrax is a good brand with a solid reputation. He called me this afternoon and was lost. I've read some threads about Thrust washers not working...He replaced those today and that didn't work. I've also read that my Jeep's 4Wheel drive isn't disengaging and he said that wasn't an issue either. He said he followed the instructions to perfection. The guy who did the locker mentioned that he's not only done a million lunchbox lockers but is familiar with the Powertrax brand. He was lost. I literally asked me to post in this forum to see what anyone can help lol. Anything helps!

Side note...I have 5.13 gears in there with some new Chromolys... If that might help for additional info.
 
The side clearance has to be adequate for the pucks to have enough room to move apart (disengage).
I recall a section in the installation instructions about measuring to ensure clearances were in spec.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NKlekas
The side clearance has to be adequate for the pucks to have enough room to move apart (disengage).
I recall a section in the installation instructions about measuring to ensure clearances were in spec.

Interesting. Would my bigger gears have something to do with that? Too crowded in my Dana 30?
 
No.why isn't the jeep back at this shop letting them warranty their work? They should have made sure it worked before you picked it up

They are working on it and it is covered. He said he drove it once and it popped in and out when he engaged it no problem. Hence why he’s so confused.
 
You should have verified that before buying.and the shop before installing.

Let them figure it out. Internet diagnosis isn't going to help you

Well this forum has helped me fix issues and figure out what’s wrong with my Jeep before… I thought I’d try and ask again. But anyway man, just trying to get some help. Appreciate it though.
 

@NKlekas It could be that your front tires aren't inflated to the exact same PSI. If they aren't exactly the same it causes the locker to engage.​

A difference in tire pressure wouldn't cause the locker to engage any more than making a left or right turn would cause it to lock. That's not the issue.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rickyd and BlueC
The side clearance has to be adequate for the pucks to have enough room to move apart (disengage).
I recall a section in the installation instructions about measuring to ensure clearances were in spec.

There's a "giz" they include to check that tolerance.
 
A difference in tire pressure wouldn't cause the locker to engage any more than making a left or right turn would cause it to lock. That's not the issue.
I have a Lock-Right in the front of 1 of my jeeps and had the exact same issue. The manufacturer told me to purchase a digital tire pressure guage and check the tire pressure in my front tires because a 1psi difference would cause the locker to engage. So. I checked my tires and and had a 3psi difference. Making both tires have the same pressure got rid of the problem for me. Haven't had a issue since
 
I have a Lock-Right in the front of 1 of my jeeps and had the exact same issue. The manufacturer told me to purchase a digital tire pressure guage and check the tire pressure in my front tires because a 1psi difference would cause the locker to engage. So. I checked my tires and and had a 3psi difference. Making both tires have the same pressure got rid of the problem for me. Haven't had a issue since
Lunchbox and automatic lockers are always locked until you turn left or right which causes the locker to unlock the outside tire during the turn.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Zorba