2013 e-locker issue
02-27-2014, 08:41 AM
#21
02-27-2014, 09:27 AM
#22
I'm not very mechanically inclined but wouldn't the diff just be a typical open when not locked. In this case the wheel with the least resistance would slip? Or is it something totally different with these newer ford elocker ones?
02-27-2014, 09:36 AM
#23
Senior Member
As far as I know That's correct. I have 13 stx with locker. It's open differential with the locker. Tire with least resistance spins.
02-27-2014, 07:37 PM
#24
Member
The 2011 and up F-150's, whether or not they have an E-locker all have one wheel spin control. This feature can't be disabled but I am starting to think this may be the key to our noise. The video of the OP shows each rear wheel taking its turn as the spinning one with the noise in between. The only way the left wheel is going to be the only wheel that's spinning is if the right brake is applied, which is exactly what the one wheel spin control does to simulate a limited slip differential. If the truck applies the brakes to the right rear wheel when the e-locker is active that is going to put a huge strain on the locking mechanism, maybe enough to cause it to slip, thus causing the left wheel to spin. Now the brakes are released from the right side and moved to the left as it is the one spinning. The locker does its full turn around inside and tried to grab, but with one wheel always getting brakes, it keeps slipping its lock.
This isn't an issue for noise when not spinning as the spin control isn't doing anything.
To prove my point I tried this theory on my truck. Fuse 36 has been deemed to remove all traction control systems, but you can't lock the e-locker then either. Fuse 47 on the other hand does allow you to remove all traction/abs systems (dash lights up all pretty) but the locker will still work as advertised. One wheel spin control was not active when that fuse was pulled and it was significantly more difficult to get the locker to make its noises but not impossible unfortunately. I do not recommend anyone taking that fuse out as now I have the service advancetrac and brake system message, haven't driven the truck much since, hopeful it will go out on its own, but the price for knowledge I guess :P. The only other option I can think of to eliminate this is to run a switch straight from the battery to the rear locker plug to bypass the computer as its possible its sending some sort of pulsed voltage and not giving the most usable locker. The only reason I can think Ford would do this is to prevent damage in case someone activated the locker on dry pavement and made turns, it would be less damaging this way.
Starting to think that the Ford techs are right, although I don't think they really know why they are right just yet :P. When someone in this thread said they got 2 new trucks on the lot to do this it got me thinking. Its really cold here still (-25*F without windchill) so I wont be running any wires anytime soon to further check, but this is my theory on the matter.
This isn't an issue for noise when not spinning as the spin control isn't doing anything.
To prove my point I tried this theory on my truck. Fuse 36 has been deemed to remove all traction control systems, but you can't lock the e-locker then either. Fuse 47 on the other hand does allow you to remove all traction/abs systems (dash lights up all pretty) but the locker will still work as advertised. One wheel spin control was not active when that fuse was pulled and it was significantly more difficult to get the locker to make its noises but not impossible unfortunately. I do not recommend anyone taking that fuse out as now I have the service advancetrac and brake system message, haven't driven the truck much since, hopeful it will go out on its own, but the price for knowledge I guess :P. The only other option I can think of to eliminate this is to run a switch straight from the battery to the rear locker plug to bypass the computer as its possible its sending some sort of pulsed voltage and not giving the most usable locker. The only reason I can think Ford would do this is to prevent damage in case someone activated the locker on dry pavement and made turns, it would be less damaging this way.
Starting to think that the Ford techs are right, although I don't think they really know why they are right just yet :P. When someone in this thread said they got 2 new trucks on the lot to do this it got me thinking. Its really cold here still (-25*F without windchill) so I wont be running any wires anytime soon to further check, but this is my theory on the matter.
02-27-2014, 08:16 PM
#25
Doesn't holding down the traction control button turn off this wheel spin feature? I know when it is off I can get the tire to spin with the elocker off and it won't apply the brake "that abs feel and noise". If that is the case I can duplicate this elocker issue with the traction control on or off.
BTW they couldn't get at the truck today but did say the pinion seal was shot now as well. With only 3500km I can only imagine that broke due to this issue.
BTW they couldn't get at the truck today but did say the pinion seal was shot now as well. With only 3500km I can only imagine that broke due to this issue.
02-27-2014, 08:40 PM
#26
Doesn't holding down the traction control button turn off this wheel spin feature? I know when it is off I can get the tire to spin with the elocker off and it won't apply the brake "that abs feel and noise". If that is the case I can duplicate this elocker issue with the traction control on or off.
BTW they couldn't get at the truck today but did say the pinion seal was shot now as well. With only 3500km I can only imagine that broke due to this issue.
BTW they couldn't get at the truck today but did say the pinion seal was shot now as well. With only 3500km I can only imagine that broke due to this issue.
02-27-2014, 08:58 PM
#27
The 2011 and up F-150's, whether or not they have an E-locker all have one wheel spin control. This feature can't be disabled but I am starting to think this may be the key to our noise. The video of the OP shows each rear wheel taking its turn as the spinning one with the noise in between. The only way the left wheel is going to be the only wheel that's spinning is if the right brake is applied, which is exactly what the one wheel spin control does to simulate a limited slip differential. If the truck applies the brakes to the right rear wheel when the e-locker is active that is going to put a huge strain on the locking mechanism, maybe enough to cause it to slip, thus causing the left wheel to spin. Now the brakes are released from the right side and moved to the left as it is the one spinning. The locker does its full turn around inside and tried to grab, but with one wheel always getting brakes, it keeps slipping its lock.
This isn't an issue for noise when not spinning as the spin control isn't doing anything.
To prove my point I tried this theory on my truck. Fuse 36 has been deemed to remove all traction control systems, but you can't lock the e-locker then either. Fuse 47 on the other hand does allow you to remove all traction/abs systems (dash lights up all pretty) but the locker will still work as advertised. One wheel spin control was not active when that fuse was pulled and it was significantly more difficult to get the locker to make its noises but not impossible unfortunately. I do not recommend anyone taking that fuse out as now I have the service advancetrac and brake system message, haven't driven the truck much since, hopeful it will go out on its own, but the price for knowledge I guess :P. The only other option I can think of to eliminate this is to run a switch straight from the battery to the rear locker plug to bypass the computer as its possible its sending some sort of pulsed voltage and not giving the most usable locker. The only reason I can think Ford would do this is to prevent damage in case someone activated the locker on dry pavement and made turns, it would be less damaging this way.
Starting to think that the Ford techs are right, although I don't think they really know why they are right just yet :P. When someone in this thread said they got 2 new trucks on the lot to do this it got me thinking. Its really cold here still (-25*F without windchill) so I wont be running any wires anytime soon to further check, but this is my theory on the matter.
This isn't an issue for noise when not spinning as the spin control isn't doing anything.
To prove my point I tried this theory on my truck. Fuse 36 has been deemed to remove all traction control systems, but you can't lock the e-locker then either. Fuse 47 on the other hand does allow you to remove all traction/abs systems (dash lights up all pretty) but the locker will still work as advertised. One wheel spin control was not active when that fuse was pulled and it was significantly more difficult to get the locker to make its noises but not impossible unfortunately. I do not recommend anyone taking that fuse out as now I have the service advancetrac and brake system message, haven't driven the truck much since, hopeful it will go out on its own, but the price for knowledge I guess :P. The only other option I can think of to eliminate this is to run a switch straight from the battery to the rear locker plug to bypass the computer as its possible its sending some sort of pulsed voltage and not giving the most usable locker. The only reason I can think Ford would do this is to prevent damage in case someone activated the locker on dry pavement and made turns, it would be less damaging this way.
Starting to think that the Ford techs are right, although I don't think they really know why they are right just yet :P. When someone in this thread said they got 2 new trucks on the lot to do this it got me thinking. Its really cold here still (-25*F without windchill) so I wont be running any wires anytime soon to further check, but this is my theory on the matter.
I am almost positive is not a mechanical issue inside the differential. My mechanic has the carrier on the bench 3 times and didn't see a mechanical issue. Inspected it thoroughly, and no problems found. Even replaced the coil, and no fix
I've also read somewhere else where the dealer replaced the whole locker and exact same noise. I don't think the solution is inside the diff, but am electrical one.
02-27-2014, 09:41 PM
#28
Aww ok I think I get what you are saying. So the one wheel spin thing applies the brake to the spinning tire to apply friction and get the other side to provide movement. Then the traction control is more about slowing the spinning tire and engine (along with the one wheel spin control). You would think this could be a simple computer setting change to disable this while the e-locker is engaged. Since the e-locker will disengage in certain instances anyways IE after 35Mph by the computer.
Funny I've seen posts of this issue on the snow and ice but wonder how it works on grass, mud, etc. Is it the snow and ice is just too slippery and creates this?
Funny I've seen posts of this issue on the snow and ice but wonder how it works on grass, mud, etc. Is it the snow and ice is just too slippery and creates this?
02-27-2014, 10:06 PM
#29
Aww ok I think I get what you are saying. So the one wheel spin thing applies the brake to the spinning tire to apply friction and get the other side to provide movement. Then the traction control is more about slowing the spinning tire and engine (along with the one wheel spin control). You would think this could be a simple computer setting change to disable this while the e-locker is engaged. Since the e-locker will disengage in certain instances anyways IE after 35Mph by the computer.
Funny I've seen posts of this issue on the snow and ice but wonder how it works on grass, mud, etc. Is it the snow and ice is just too slippery and creates this?
Funny I've seen posts of this issue on the snow and ice but wonder how it works on grass, mud, etc. Is it the snow and ice is just too slippery and creates this?
I've done a lot of driving through muddy fields, and have never heard this noise until driving on snow. However, just to test, I locked up, and spin the tires on wet pavement and also got the noise. So, I dunnno.
You'd think the one wheel spin control would be disabled when the elocker is on. Why try to simulate both wheels spinning when the locker does that mechanically.
So, I dunno. See what your dealer says, but I'd be hesitant in them taking it apart.
02-28-2014, 12:33 AM
#30
The Macho King
If you've ever driven a car or truck with a full spool, it hops and chatters all the time. Any slight turn at low speeds without some wheel slippage will result in a case of the hops.