This vehicle is equipped with an electronically locking rear differential. Power Wagon also includes a locking front differential. These differentials, when engaged, mechanically lock together the axle shafts forcing the wheels to spin at an equal rate. This allows the vehicle to maintain its momentum and prevents it from becoming stuck. The locking differentials, rear or front, should only be engaged during low-speed, extreme off-road situations where one wheel is likely to not be in contact with the ground. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with one or both of the differentials locked on pavement due to the reduced ability to turn and speed limitations.
AXLE Lock Selector
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1 — FRONT/REAR LOCK – the front and rear axles are locked (Power Wagon Only) |
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2 — REAR LOCK – the rear axle is locked |
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3 — AXLE UNLOCK – the front and rear axles are unlocked (Rear only if equipped) |
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Do not lock the front or rear axle on hard surfaced roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is reduced and damage to the drivetrain may occur when the axles are locked on hard surfaced roads.
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Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is stuck and the tires are spinning. You can damage drivetrain components. Lock the rear axle before attempting situations or navigating terrain, which could possibly cause the vehicle to become stuck.
The locking axles are controlled by the axle lock buttons.
Under normal driving conditions, the vehicle should be left in the AXLE UNLOCK position.
Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK position, the limited slip differential in the rear axle still provides torque biasing capability for moderate low traction environments.
During the command to lock the axle, the indicator light will flash until the axle is locked. After the lock command has been successfully executed, the light will remain on solid.
To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4WD LOW, 4WD HIGH or two-wheel drive FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED. Push the REAR LOCK button while traveling less than 10 mph (16 km/h). The REAR LOCK indicator light will remain on when the rear axle is locked.
Left to right wheel speed difference may be necessary to allow the axle to fully lock. If the indicator light is flashing after placing the vehicle in the REAR LOCK or FRONT/REAR LOCK position, drive the vehicle in a turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking action.
Do not use the locked axle position for normal driving. A locked front axle is intended for off-road driving only. Locking the front axle during on-road driving will reduce the steering ability. This could cause a collision and you may be seriously injured.
To lock the front axle, if equipped, push the FRONT/REAR LOCK button while traveling less than 10 mph (16 km/h) in 4WD LOW. The FRONT/REAR LOCK indicator light will be solid when the front axle is locked.
The rear axle must be locked before the front axle will lock.
When both the axles are locked, to unlock the front axle, push the REAR LOCK button while in 4WD LOW. The FRONT/REAR LOCK indicator light will go out when the axle is unlocked.
The axle lockers could be torque locked due to side to side loads on the axle. Driving slowly while turning the steering wheel from a left hand turn to a right hand turn or driving in REVERSE for a short distance may be required to release the torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle, push the AXLE UNLOCK button. The REAR LOCK indicator light will go out when the rear axle is unlocked.