Blinking Locker Light
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: AZ
I had this happen to me about a month ago, and had it into the dealer twice for it, and of course, they could not reproduce.
When the problem first happened, it came on as I was "parking" along a driveway, and had cranked the front wheels pretty sharp...light started blinking. Was in 2wd, so no way the front locker should have been trying to engage.
The problem stayed with us the remainder of the day....it happened more at slower speeds....and usually as braking, but also blinked a few times off and on at interstate speeds.
After the first time of having it in, and nothing, I started to experiment, and could "seem" to get it on more by plugging my iPod into a charger. It seemed to happen more often, but may have been nothing more than coincidence.
Took it back the second time, and got the most condescending mechanic I have ever encounter....he proceeded to give me a "demonstration" of engaging the lockers, after putting it in 4wdLo.
They "claim" to not have found anything wrong with it, and that I needed to bring it back in when it was flashing to see if they could capture a computer error code, but since then, I have had no more issues with it coming on.
My JK was a later March build/delivery, so would have thought it would have had all of the current "flashes".
When the problem first happened, it came on as I was "parking" along a driveway, and had cranked the front wheels pretty sharp...light started blinking. Was in 2wd, so no way the front locker should have been trying to engage.
The problem stayed with us the remainder of the day....it happened more at slower speeds....and usually as braking, but also blinked a few times off and on at interstate speeds.
After the first time of having it in, and nothing, I started to experiment, and could "seem" to get it on more by plugging my iPod into a charger. It seemed to happen more often, but may have been nothing more than coincidence.
Took it back the second time, and got the most condescending mechanic I have ever encounter....he proceeded to give me a "demonstration" of engaging the lockers, after putting it in 4wdLo.
They "claim" to not have found anything wrong with it, and that I needed to bring it back in when it was flashing to see if they could capture a computer error code, but since then, I have had no more issues with it coming on.
My JK was a later March build/delivery, so would have thought it would have had all of the current "flashes".
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Not sure how relevant this is, but the sensor which tells it that it is locked needs to go behind the disc attached to the side gear. If it doesn't it will never know it is locked, and always flash when you engage the locker.
The idiots who re-geared mine bent the shaft on the sensor, this resulted in a few problems, one of which was that the plunger on the sensor stayed out even when the locker was not engaged, thus causing the locker light to flash. Although I had noticed the light flashed for sometime when disengaging previously, so I'm not entirely convinced there is not an issue with the sensors themselves. It seems that a slight bend in the sensor shaft will cause it to stick open, in turn telling the system that the locker is engaged when it isn't, but this will cause the light to flash.
The sensor can be installed correctly with the diff in place, but it is a little tricky and is supposed to be done with the diff pulled out.
The idiots who re-geared mine bent the shaft on the sensor, this resulted in a few problems, one of which was that the plunger on the sensor stayed out even when the locker was not engaged, thus causing the locker light to flash. Although I had noticed the light flashed for sometime when disengaging previously, so I'm not entirely convinced there is not an issue with the sensors themselves. It seems that a slight bend in the sensor shaft will cause it to stick open, in turn telling the system that the locker is engaged when it isn't, but this will cause the light to flash.
The sensor can be installed correctly with the diff in place, but it is a little tricky and is supposed to be done with the diff pulled out.
Just got a call back and that is EXACTLY what they said. The axel sensor was damaged during installation.
$793.23 is what it will cost me to have the stealership repair it.
I called the shop that installed the gears for me (now this is GREAT customer service) told me to get a print out of what needs to be done with a part number and a receipt for anything the dealer has done thus far and bring it to them. Very cool!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Yeah! When they told me that price, I was like 
The only downside is that once again my jeep will be in the shop a couple days. Oh well, I'm just thankful that the shop will stand behind their work. (thus far)
The only downside is that once again my jeep will be in the shop a couple days. Oh well, I'm just thankful that the shop will stand behind their work. (thus far)
JK Freak
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: AZ via AK, MN, MA, CA, etc!
Well...
I guess I'm next!!
No regearing. Pretty much stock. Early March build. Today while in 2wd going up a very small incline (and it stopped for a while during a 16% grade in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison) - the front locker light began to flash.
Seems to be very intermittent and while cycling through the gears and 4wd lo - it seems the front locker won't lock at all now - but the light is now off - or at least for the past few miles....
Hmmmm? Anyone else? We're heading up some pretty neat trails the next few days and I don't think I'll need them but really don't like having doubts of whether the vehicle will strand us at 12800 feet out in the middle of nowhere!
Thanks...
No regearing. Pretty much stock. Early March build. Today while in 2wd going up a very small incline (and it stopped for a while during a 16% grade in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison) - the front locker light began to flash.
Seems to be very intermittent and while cycling through the gears and 4wd lo - it seems the front locker won't lock at all now - but the light is now off - or at least for the past few miles....
Hmmmm? Anyone else? We're heading up some pretty neat trails the next few days and I don't think I'll need them but really don't like having doubts of whether the vehicle will strand us at 12800 feet out in the middle of nowhere!
Thanks...
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I'm having the same issue after wheelin and engaging the lockers, but now the rear light not only flashes, the rear locker is still engaged. I can tell cause when I turn, the rear tires squeal and grab. Tried several times to engage disengage 4lo/lockers to no avail. Now the front locker light flashes but wont engage. Guess I'm going to the dealer. BTW I see in your list of mods, a seat belt mod. Will you please tell me what that is? Thanks
JK Super Freak
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 0
From: Wiliamsburg, VA
I had the same thing happen with my rear locker. Two weeks ago they replaced the entire locker assembly under warranty. Evidently it was damaged from the facotry, and my few uses really tore it up.
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
From: Northern New Mexico
I've got these switches on order right now (front and back). [both my switches are bad] I don't want to have to pull the axels out and such to get the diffs out... has anyone got any helpful tips on getting these things in w/just pulling the cover?
Thanks
JK Freak
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: AZ via AK, MN, MA, CA, etc!
Our seat belt flaps up a storm so we used the elastic velcro to hold the belt in. So far - no flapping - no wear seen anywhere either. I think the elastic is what helps there...