kmox

I was wondering what the purpose or advantage to locking the rear axle is? l unfortunately discovered I have the clank when I use it. My solution will be to just not use this "feature". Why would I just not use 4WD when I need traction? I do think it's huge BS that there is no recall or fix. If I used it and my differential got all chewed up I would assume it's an obvious design flaw.

Steve Osborne

I'm not sure why some are having issues... possibly pulling the **** and stomping on the pedal(like you would with a clutch pack style diff)...I ease into the pedal to ensure the diff locks then if needed give it more pedal...

fordyamaha

If you don't know what the purpose of the electronic locking differential is then you shouldn't own a four wheel drive!

Manuellabour247

I don't have 4x4, but I have the locker. Last year and this one the snow removal guys decided it would be funny to pack my tires with snow while I was at work. I just turn on the locker while parked or in neutral. Once the light comes on I put it in gear and let the driveline do what it's supposed to. I don't give it gas unless it won't move on it's own idle power. Boat ramps are easy as I turn it on while backing down the ramp. I leave it off when making the arc to get the boat lined up. I've found it to be a great piece of equipment to have on my truck. Sorry to hear that you have had bad luck with yours.

Ford Fan#1

to gain the most traction. It locks both wheels together so they both go with each other. Limited slip stops the tires from spinning and open differentials ( what I have ) if you make a tight turn and get on it a bit.. You would need to replace that tire...

2014_KR

When did you engage it? Youre not supposed to engage it at speed or while turning (when each wheel is turning at different speeds). It is an awesome feature for those of us that work on less than ideal roads and typical 4wd doesnt cut it.

these videos probably explain it a whole lot better than i could.
(he has a lot of other good videos about 4wd systems)

If you did something to screw up the locker (using it how it wasnt designed to be operated per the owners manual) then it may not be warrantied. Otherwise it should be covered under warranty as its factory equipment

MEZERR

This is going to get annoying real quick.

OP: You'll find that a lot of people don't know that there are issue with the factory E-Locker.. and you'll get responses from people thinking you're using it wrong. Just ignore these.

For whatever reason... some rear differentials have more play in the spider gears then others. This play (IMO) causes the continuous banging noise when the E-Locker is engaged, and rear tires are spinning. There is no current fix, and Ford says continuous, loud, banging is normal. Here's the best video showing the noise so far:


The only time I generally use my E-Locker is when you run into articulation like this: (I would use it other times, but it clangs and bangs so I try to limit it's use)



In this case, with an open differential, the driver side rear wheel will take 100% of the torque and just sit there and spin, and the passenger side wheel will receive nothing. (The One Wheel Spin Control won't help you in this case, and sometimes not even an LSD (because it only supplies "LIMITED" power to the other wheel)) Flip the E-Locker on, and equal power will go to the driver's side, that has all the pressure (traction). Of course, if you continue to spin the rear wheels, it's going to bang because of the play in the rear end. 4x4 would also get you out of this, but in real hairy situations, all the traction you can get helps.

On flat, muddy or snowy surfaces, an E-Locker is sometimes not needed, because the One Wheel Spin Control works to apply power to both rear wheels anyway. If both rear wheels are already spinning, then an E-Locker won't help you.

To test... position your truck like the above picture, and you'll see the driver side tire takes ALL the torque, and passenger side doesn't do anything. Flip locker on, and bingo.

1994Vmax

I leave mine engaged all the time.... never shut it off essentially. The TCCM kicks it out above 30 mph and then re-engages it if you drop below that. I got used to driving with a Detroit locker everywhere so I don't mind how the truck reacts locked.

kmox

I realize some don't know about the problem. I studied that thread with the video the other day. Mine was used once....on ice....going straight from a stop sign. Once the wheels slipped a tad the noise came. I thought it may be more efficient than 4WD around a snowy neighborhood, but I plan to just not use it unless I am stuck. Thanks for all the replies.....except for the one tool (every forum has a couple).

Tothemax

Gotta be prepared for all answers.