JK Rubicon front locker stuck engaged

**Bennettj13** · 11-08-2009, 05:38 PM

Anyone have any experience with this? My buddies and I just swapped crate axles from a JK Rubi under my 05 TJ. I had them geared to 5.13's before swapping them under. On the test drive it became apparent that the front axle was locked. We've never ran power to the locker yet. Neither of us know exactly how the JK lockers work. My buddy seems to think that the locker will only stay engaged when there is power ran to it. I was under the impression that the power activated a solenoid or something to lock, and unlock the locker. I don't care who is right, but I want the Jeep unlocked. I have to drive in front wheel drive right now because my rear DS isn't done yet. I'd rather not break anything before I even get to wheel it. I need this fixed ASAP since I've got to be able to drive to work. Can we just hook up power and unlock it, or should I be looking at something else? Do I need to be calling the gear guy back? Thanks for the help.

James

Bayrat · 11-08-2009, 09:31 PM

If it is in the locked position, hook it up temporarily with a switch and change to unlocked position. It will stay that way, at least that is how I understand the operation of the e-locker.

That1guy · 11-08-2009, 09:39 PM

I remembering reading something that there is something in there that can be broken when doing diff work and it causes problems. I cant remember anything else.

**Bennettj13** · 11-08-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayrat

If it is in the locked position, hook it up temporarily with a switch and change to unlocked position. It will stay that way, at least that is how I understand the operation of the e-locker.

This is what I was thinking. But I can't find anything telling me for sure how exactly it operates.

Quote:

Originally Posted by That1guy

I remembering reading something that there is something in there that can be broken when doing diff work and it causes problems. I cant remember anything else.

My buddy said the same thing, but couldn't remember anything about it either.

Anyone else have any ideas or more info?

**Bennettj13** · 11-09-2009, 09:23 AM

Come on guys, save me from going to the dealership...

**Imped** · 11-09-2009, 09:36 AM

James, head over to JKowners or Pirate. You'll find, generally, more experienced JKers there.

Machine154 · 11-17-2009, 01:10 PM

I don't know the details other than there is a ring that shifts to the side when it engages, but I have had problems with my rear disengaging. It took 2 1/2 hours of driving back from offroading in MI before it finally let go from being locked. The dummy light was flashing the whole time, indicating that it was trying to disengage.