Locker indicator dash lights acting weird

[Nakinto]

Just got my jeep back from the shop, had some rear end work done on it (driveshaft snapped and damaged the Pinion yoke). While testing, I found the rear locker dash light would continue to blink as long as the vehicle was in motion, even though I could clearly tell the rear was locked doing a very short turn. (degrees, like 15 and I could feel a tires losing traction) This only occurs while the vehicle is in motion, when the vehicle is stopped the light stops blinking and remains lit like it is supposed to do.

I have been reading dozens of other posts on here saying this is a wiring issue, does anyone have a copy of the wiring diagram for this and can I get a copy?

Jeep is a 2003 Wrangler Rubicon.

Thank you!

 

[bedhed]

There are a few pages for the locker wiring. Jump over to here and you can get the full FSM:

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ice-manuals-fsm-technical-documentation.4618/
The locker wiring starts at page 8W- 31-11.

I'm really not sure, myself. The flickering of the light does sound like a wiring problem though. I'm wondering if the instrument cluster will display anything for that type of fault? Worth a shot. With the key in the ignition, press and hold the odometer/trip reset button. While the button is held, turn the ignition on, without cranking the engine. The instrument cluster will cycle through everything and display any faults.

 

[Nakinto]

Bedhed, Thank you so much for not only the link but telling me where to start in it, I was going through it before I read the rest of your post, wrong move on my part... Couldn't tell where to start, then I finished reading... Thank you.

I just ran through that instrument cluster check, it didn't throw any codes, it did say things like "bus 60, open panel, *something* 3.1" and several other things but nothing that looked like an error. Of course I don't know what I am reading so not positive of the actual result.

So, I guess the next thing is to go through and check the electrical from the rear dif to the computer? I don't think I can really blame the shop that worked on the dif for this, especially as the last time I used the lockers was almost 2 years ago now, and it is clear that the senor inside the dif is in the right place... I guess I could give them a call and ask about it though. The work they did is very nice, got rid of my irritating vibrations, ring worn in the pinion yoke, worn pinion bearings (damaged due to driveshaft self destruction...) replacement of front driveshaft as it was loose AF... all of the work done looks and feels great.

 

[AndyG]

Its likely not wiring . They failed to to set the sensor pin head onto the locker flange .

Carrier has to come back out. Back to the shop...I'd tow it.

They need to watch the video in youtube, requires a string and a stick ....tricky.

I have 2 Rubicons. I know from experience.

 

[Nakinto]

AndyG, doesn't the sensor pin make the light stay on all the time though? I have the light on when at a dead stop but as soon as I move it blinks. Owners manual doesn't help here lolol. PS, this is when the lockers ARE engaged, I get no warning or anything feeling weird when the lockers are NOT engaged.

And the video you mention, saved my bacon, I ran across it by accident while doing my front Dif, used a toothpick and some floss worked like a charm.

I will call the shop and ask them in the morning.

 

[AndyG]

AndyG, doesn't the sensor pin make the light stay on all the time though? I have the light on when at a dead stop but as soon as I move it blinks. Owners manual doesn't help here lolol. PS, this is when the lockers ARE engaged, I get no warning or anything feeling weird when the lockers are NOT engaged.

And the video you mention, saved my bacon, I ran across it by accident while doing my front Dif, used a toothpick and some floss worked like a charm.

I will call the shop and ask them in the morning.

It makes it stay on when it's installed correctly.

When it's not catching on the flange it can cause all kinds of drama.

If I can look back there and see that it is hooked on flange with a inspection camera then you can see if you're having trouble with the sensor pin wiring in the sensor pin itself I did replace a sensor pin on mine one time... I believe I replaced it with a Mopar.

 

[bedhed]

Bedhed, Thank you so much for not only the link but telling me where to start in it, I was going through it before I read the rest of your post, wrong move on my part... Couldn't tell where to start, then I finished reading... Thank you.

I just ran through that instrument cluster check, it didn't throw any codes, it did say things like "bus 60, open panel, *something* 3.1" and several other things but nothing that looked like an error. Of course I don't know what I am reading so not positive of the actual result.

So, I guess the next thing is to go through and check the electrical from the rear dif to the computer? I don't think I can really blame the shop that worked on the dif for this, especially as the last time I used the lockers was almost 2 years ago now, and it is clear that the senor inside the dif is in the right place... I guess I could give them a call and ask about it though. The work they did is very nice, got rid of my irritating vibrations, ring worn in the pinion yoke, worn pinion bearings (damaged due to driveshaft self destruction...) replacement of front driveshaft as it was loose AF... all of the work done looks and feels great.

No problem. The "bus 60" that you saw was most likely "bus b0". Old school, calculator-style "b" haha. I went back to see if the FSM showed anything for codes. Here's the list.



As for the 3.6 that you saw, that sounds like it's software number. There's more on it's procedure in the FSM too.

If I were in your shoes, I'd hold up on that thought and do what AndyG is suggesting and give the shop a call. Maybe they can straighten it out

 

[Nakinto]

Panel open sounds about right also (I have no light on the left side when headlights are on, but that doesn't really effect me)
I hooked up my DRB 3 and there are no codes so I don't know why it would be getting a message? I redid the diagnostic and it also said Bus b8 I guess? Airbag control module? I will have to have that looked at I guess.
Also, TYVM for that picture, I am still going through the manual and acquainting myself with it... BLEEEP it is long lolol.

 

[bedhed]

Hahaha yeah there's so much information there. Extremely helpful though. If it's opened with a program that doesn't support the ability to click/tap indexed sections, it can be very time consuming. Sometimes makes me wish I had the book itself.

 

[reichlejj]

My rear locker light is blinking at weird random times while driving without the locker engaged. Could this be the sensor pin you guys were talking about? Also do you have a link to the video? I tried to find it on youtube and wasn't able to.

 

[AndyG]

My rear locker light is blinking at weird random times while driving without the locker engaged. Could this be the sensor pin you guys were talking about? Also do you have a link to the video? I tried to find it on youtube and wasn't able to.

If someone has been into the rear end it's likely but it's also possible that you got an issue with the connection or the actual pin has just gone defective... That also can happen.

It's a pretty good indication to take it easy with a vehicle until you get it sorted out because you can be partially engaged... And that is not good.

 

[reichlejj]

If someone has been into the rear end it's likely but it's also possible that you got an issue with the connection or the actual pin has just gone defective... That also can happen.

It's a pretty good indication to take it easy with a vehicle until you get it sorted out because you can be partially engaged... And that is not good.

Yes I did have someone put in a stock locker from another rubicon a few years ago. It ran fine for a year or so then started to do the random blinking from time to time. Now it basically does it all the time.

 

[AndyG]

Yes I did have someone put in a stock locker from another rubicon a few years ago. It ran fine for a year or so then started to do the random blinking from time to time. Now it basically does it all the time.

Most likely the pin wasn't attached to the locker flange correctly.

 

[reichlejj]

Most likely the pin wasn't attached to the locker flange correctly.

@AndyG do you think It's something that can be easily fixed? If I take the carrier out and do the string and stick trick. Or replace the sensor all together. Or should I just leave it to the shop to do if there is too much liability to more damage.

 

[AndyG]

@AndyG do you think It's something that can be easily fixed? If I take the carrier out and do the string and stick trick. Or replace the sensor all together. Or should I just leave it to the shop to do if there is too much liability to more damage.

Well, it’s easy to someone with experience , like @Rob5589 , but it’s heavy ,slick and you don’t want to mess up any shims...even my shop , that has deep 4x4 and TJ experience, had a time with mine ...after I had a worse time with it.

Your original post leads me to think the sensor has gone bad , if it worked fine for a year then started acting up...if it was installed wrong , you would know it in 5 minutes of driving.

I would unhook and unscrew it at the differential for now and install a short oil drain plug with the same threads (I did that ) with the understanding the shop would reinstall it correctly ahead of time if you feel strongly it’s an install problem . just know it can’t be reinstalled that same way.

Walk me through it again ...is it blinking when trying to engage or disengage or just all the time...even when the lockers aren’t messed with ?

Normally blinking means it is partially engaged or disengaged....but if it’s doing it at random it’s likely it has a connection issue I’m thinking.

If it’s blinking during locker actuation, you could also have a genuine issue,like a pump bad , or more commonly , an air line that is leaking .

 

[reichlejj]

@AndyG it blinks all the time now. It used to just blink at random times while driving (not being engaged) and it has progressively gotten worse, as in the blinking light stays on longer. Now it's on (blinking) all the time.

During actuation the light stays solid and works normal. I haven't tested the lockers for a while, I will test them out tomorrow to double check if the locker is activating correctly.

Thanks for your help with this!

 

[AndyG]

@AndyG it blinks all the time now. It used to just blink at random times while driving (not being engaged) and it has progressively gotten worse, as in the blinking light stays on longer. Now it's on (blinking) all the time.

During actuation the light stays solid and works normal. I haven't tested the lockers for a while, I will test them out tomorrow to double check if the locker is activating correctly.

Thanks for your help with this!

Sounds like the sensor pins’ internal spring is broken and it can’t retract and break the circuit.

most like it is not an install issue, that would have been very evident day one.

Plan to order a pin, and if the spring is ok, it’s just not making a clean disconnect internally break the circuit. .

 

[reichlejj]

I got under to take a look at the sensor connection and found it was cracked close to where the wiring is on the sensor side. Could be the culprit, hmm.

 

[AndyG]

Easi

I got under to take a look at the sensor connection and found it was cracked close to where the wiring is on the sensor side. Could be the culprit, hmm. View attachment 158305View attachment 158306

yes , bet that’s it ...the exhaust may be cooking it .

 

[LONGJP2]

On a recent off road trip, I had my rear locker on pretty much all day, several days in a row.
While locked, occasionally the rear indicator would start flashing and subsequently go back solid.
Can't confirm, but it did not seem like the locker was actually disengaged at any time.
No weird noises or compressor cycling.
Another thing I noticed was if I turned on the front locker, the rear indicator would go solid.
Can I assume it's more likely the sensor switch or a wiring problem, than a mechanical issue randomly disengaging the locker?