Jeep JL & JT Rubicon Locker Sensor Failure Explained By ROCKRIDGE 4WD. Can it be avoided?

Disclaimer. Raw footage. I’m not a videographer. I have no aspirations to be a videographer. This is my quick attempt at explaining why and how the Jeep JL & JT Rubicon locker position sensors fail and how the locker sensor gets disrupted when the Jeep is being geared. All of this information is simply being put out there. If there is something I’m missing, please comment and help everyone learn. For now, I’m very confident in this information. Take it for what it’s worth. Maybe it will help customers or shops protect themselves from false claims.

[@jonrice3763]

There is an informative thread on JL wrangler forums how to inject electronic potting compound into those sensors. At 12K miles I potted both sensors on my 2019 JLUR and have peace of mind with new synthetic fluid and potted sensors. The sensors are Hall effect design that has been used in proximity sensors for decades. The sensor are made by TE Connectivity. Oil is not an electrical conductor and the video pointed out fresh oil seeping into them is not a problem, however the oil has tiny metal particulates that over time destroys the sensor electronics. The Z automotive bypass harness is probably a good remedy for many but I personally like to know the locker light is illuminated because it knows it's mechanically engaged with feed-back.

[@jeffharvey9437]

Correct, the metal particulates are the issue. The potting only seems to work if the sensor is not yet contaminated. I agree, I like the feed-back as well. The Z Auto sensors don't always work. I've found oil at every connection.

[@starman10548]

GREAT EXPLANATION. JUST REGEARED MY 21 MOJAVE AND ABOUT 800 MILES LATER THE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE ORDERED THE Z AUTOMOTIVE LOCKER HARNESS.

[@ScottByeTX]

Same.

[@rustypwnismo7384]

There is thread on JL forum on how to pot the sensors so that the oil doesn't get into the sensors.

[@bennymeir9099]

The video is instructive. I'm a guy from Israel and I watched the video you made for the Rubicon differential lock Maybe you have an explanation of how the lock works, what moves the magnet, who pulls and presses. And what electrical signal is received from the position sensor

[@231motor2]

Excellent explanation, Thank you.

[@barelymadeit]

So what does it mean if the z-locker doesnt fix it.

[@shockerracing]

Good info, thanks for sharing!

[@Bad_Agent01]

I had my gears changed by Rebel off road , they said it won’t void my warranty but it did

[@ridgecamper2644]

So I installed the Z OEM in the front axle. (That's where I have oil leaking in the plug) But now my service axle light stays on instead of randomly going on and off. Does anyone have this issue or thoughts about this? Thinking about a direct wire to a new switch for a solution.

[@casey197930]

Thanks for this. What's the "z harness" ? I've tried looking that up and don't see anything.

[@Rockridge4WD]

Zautomotive makes a locker bypass harness.

[@ScoobyCarolan]

thank you for that!

[@Rockridge4WD]

You're welcome!

[@jacobflores1393]

So just buy a new sensor when re-gearing to save a headache

[@Rockridge4WD]

Ya it just doesn’t matter. It will come on eventually no matter what.

[@djcallioux2635]

Whats the trick to getting that bearing off

[@JR-ut1yx]

Is this why its referred to as trash lock?

[@johnsampson9646]

Why can't you clean the sensor while it's apart? Why would you not?

[@Rockridge4WD]

Have at it. Some do. Some also pot the sensor. The sensor “lid” is not meant to come off but it can. You would have to re seal it and maybe you can do a better job than the OEM.

[@Rockridge4WD]

My personal JL rear sensor is full of oil. It’s a 2020 with about 21k now. Since I’m not on a customer time line with it. I’m going to do just that and see if I can get enough info to maybe change the entire harness from the sensor to the chassis harness and do it right. If that happens I’ll make another video. I will likely make another video if I come up with something for the sensor alone. Ideally if you acquired a new unit from FCA that would be the time to “pot” the sensor.

[@kimbanks1217]

Is this the same on a 2018 rubicon unlimited 4 door

[@That_Guy_Outside]

Excellent video. Maybe someone else could hold the camera next time.

[@jeffharvey9437]

Read my disclaimer LOL

[@9h4h4h4h]

HEY, I'M EXPERINCING THIS FOR THE SECOND TIME AND HAVING THE WARRANTY WORK FIX THE ISSUE. SOON MY WARRANTY WILL EXPIRE AND I DON'T REALLY WANT TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. HAS YOUR FIX HELD AND STILL WORKING? THANKS

[@jeffharvey9437]

Buy a spare sensor or get a Z Auto Harness.

[@nexgenp2.0]

I bought Z automotive bypass for front and rear and lockers still disengaged after loads, restart the car and it disappeared then problem again after lockers under loads. Please help!

[@jeffharvey9437]

The Z Auto sensors don't always work. I've found oil at every connection. Clean all connections well with electronics cleaner and then use dialectic grease. See if that helps.

[@kcrr2w]

Still happens on stock and untouched 2020 JT in first 15K miles

[@jeffharvey9437]

Yep. Our 2020 JLR happened stock with less than 15K also. It was on a 3 hour drive.

[@Bad_Agent01]

But it also happens to jeeps with stock gears

[@Rockridge4WD]

Correct. Happened to our personal JL Rubicon at 15k miles.

[@Bad_Agent01]

Is it safe to drive it like this?

[@jeffharvey9437]

@@Bad_Agent01 Its only a sensor that tells you if the locker is locked or not. And because its in fault state, it won't lock anyways. Makes no difference other than the light on the dash.

[@Bad_Agent01]

@@jeffharvey9437 thanks