Rewiring Rubicon Lockers
#31
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#32
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#34
Dredging this one back up as I'm exploring ways to activate the Rubi lockers using my sPOD. Would like to thank the OP for all his work and for the write-up.
What he did was to hot switch the locker coils directly, eliminating the interaction of the JK's control module programming, which, once the JK Nanny is satisfied, activate the lockers by grounding the relays as instructed by the dash switch. The more common, and far simpler method of adding switches to ground the relays independent of the control uint works fine, but can't be accomplished using an sPOD. sPODs switch hot current on/off, not ground. Studying the FSM diagrams for awhile I came to a similar conclusion as the OP, i.e., that I can use the sPOD's relays to switch hot power to the locker coils and not use the stock locker system at all. I'd remove the yellow (with trace) wires from the factory locker relays and patch in leads from two sPOD relays, to be controlled by two of the switches, on for front & one for rear. The locker coils are permanently grounded so all I'd have to do is flick the sPOD switch for the respective locker, the relay would close and B+ current would flow to the locker coil & engage it. sPOD switches illuminate when their circuits are on, so no need to rig separate activation lights. All seems cool....but NO! Where I'm stumped is what to do with the stock locker engagement dash lights, which illuminate via mechanical switches in the differentials when the locker is fully engaged, or flash if there's either a malfuntion or if one attempts to activate the lockers in a "forbidden" mode, like 4HI. I'm assuming if I use the sPOD to switch the coils the lockers will work fine, but the locker system dash lights will illuminate and flash on & off, as if there's a malfunction. Anyone know how to essentially "kill" the locker systems dash lights so they won't flash? I pored over the FSM diagrams today and couldn't find any reference to those light switches anywhere. The only thing I can think of would be to just snip or unplug the wires. Hope all this makes some sense, thanks fro any thoughts!
What he did was to hot switch the locker coils directly, eliminating the interaction of the JK's control module programming, which, once the JK Nanny is satisfied, activate the lockers by grounding the relays as instructed by the dash switch. The more common, and far simpler method of adding switches to ground the relays independent of the control uint works fine, but can't be accomplished using an sPOD. sPODs switch hot current on/off, not ground. Studying the FSM diagrams for awhile I came to a similar conclusion as the OP, i.e., that I can use the sPOD's relays to switch hot power to the locker coils and not use the stock locker system at all. I'd remove the yellow (with trace) wires from the factory locker relays and patch in leads from two sPOD relays, to be controlled by two of the switches, on for front & one for rear. The locker coils are permanently grounded so all I'd have to do is flick the sPOD switch for the respective locker, the relay would close and B+ current would flow to the locker coil & engage it. sPOD switches illuminate when their circuits are on, so no need to rig separate activation lights. All seems cool....but NO! Where I'm stumped is what to do with the stock locker engagement dash lights, which illuminate via mechanical switches in the differentials when the locker is fully engaged, or flash if there's either a malfuntion or if one attempts to activate the lockers in a "forbidden" mode, like 4HI. I'm assuming if I use the sPOD to switch the coils the lockers will work fine, but the locker system dash lights will illuminate and flash on & off, as if there's a malfunction. Anyone know how to essentially "kill" the locker systems dash lights so they won't flash? I pored over the FSM diagrams today and couldn't find any reference to those light switches anywhere. The only thing I can think of would be to just snip or unplug the wires. Hope all this makes some sense, thanks fro any thoughts!
Last edited by SoK66; 12-29-2014 at 06:28 PM.
#35
JK Jedi Master
I believe the locker sensor switch closes when the locker moves to the locked position.
If you disconnect the harness connector on the switch, wouldn't that allow you to lock the differential without the computer ever knowing it? If the computer knows when the switch is disconnected, then cut off the plunger.
If you disconnect the harness connector on the switch, wouldn't that allow you to lock the differential without the computer ever knowing it? If the computer knows when the switch is disconnected, then cut off the plunger.
#36
wow, would "torx"? work>? using a tablet maybe? Iv heard of programs that " speak " the ODB language, could one utilize a program that can monitor the OBD system? chasing wire is easy, lets see an on board processor work this out. I dont want a bunch of ROCKER switches in my jeep, what is this 1987!
#37
I believe the locker sensor switch closes when the locker moves to the locked position.
If you disconnect the harness connector on the switch, wouldn't that allow you to lock the differential without the computer ever knowing it? If the computer knows when the switch is disconnected, then cut off the plunger.
If you disconnect the harness connector on the switch, wouldn't that allow you to lock the differential without the computer ever knowing it? If the computer knows when the switch is disconnected, then cut off the plunger.
#39
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On a more serious note, I actually wired in a second relay so that when the switch went hot, it closed a relay that sent a ground to the factory locker. My system allows the full factory system to operate as normal or be over-ridden if I choose to do so.
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