Ford F150, F250, and F350 are three of the most popular light-duty trucks from the legendary F series. To ensure optimum performance and reliability in difficult terrains, the Ford F series comes with an Electric Locking Differential.
The electronic locking differential transforms your motor vehicle into a highly functional method of traversing difficult terrains. It is especially helpful in mud, rocks, sand, and other slugging conditions.
By employing a twin-stick mechanism and ensuring each tire receives an equal amount of torque, this feature ensures your tires have better traction and the risk of spinning out is virtually nonexistent.
However, like any other component, Ford F150, F250, and F350 electronic locking differential problems are nothing to wonder about. But, it can be severe when you aren’t aware of this and heading on your journey. That’s why check the common problems mentioned below.
Ford F150, F250, And F350 Electronic Locking Differential Problems
Whether you have already owned one model from F150, F250, or F350, or planning to purchase, having an idea about the problems mentioned below might help you to avoid unexpected situations. Here we’ll mention electronic differential problems associated with each model specifically. Let’s start.
Ford F150 Electronic Locking Differential Problems
There are a few things that consumers need to be aware of with respect to Ford F150 Electronic Locking Differentials. One of these is that these diffs can experience problems over time.
This is due to the way that they work; in order for them to function properly, they need to be constantly in communication with the engine. If there is a problem with one of these components, it can lead to serious issues down the road.
For this reason, it is important that you have your diff replaced whenever there are signs that it is starting to fail. Here are some of the major problems with the F350 electronic locking differential:
Engage and Disengage Issue
Sometimes when the locking differential is turned on, it is not possible for the driver to go back to the default setting after engaging. When this happens, the driver may not be able to turn off the electronic locking system even as it is or have to turn the vehicle off manually.
In some circumstances, the truck in a straight line will not release the locker, but in a few cases, it will because turning the locker makes the door lock.
How To Fix:
To unlock the locker, disconnect the hose pipe, and steer forward and back by turning left and right. You have to be sure there is no vacuum in the vacuum hose, which distorts the Ford F150’s functioning. Sometimes dirt also blocks the channel of the vacuum hose, and make sure there is no dust and dirt in the hose pipe.
Electrical Issues
The locker is an investment electronic device that occasionally has a hardware malfunction and malfunctions of wires and other hardware. Logs of faulty material in the system are among the issues related to the locker that makes it inoperable.
Sometimes there’s an issue with the fuses present under the hood of the vehicle and within the cabin of the passengers due to low quality.
Or else, there is an issue that the connection is loose, which brings the connector not to join the valve even when the driver presses the knob. The corrosion in the solenoid also leads to the failure of the incentive and button.
The final cause of the failure of this system in the Ford F150 is the defective transmission of bare and hot spotted wires throughout the body of the locking system.
How To Fix:
The initial supply of the connection for the switch and shaft at the rear of the switch, as well as each of the connections with each of the connectors, should be checked to ensure the wires, solenoids, and other components are insulated and smooth to transmit the pulse to the drive axle.
You must make sure that the wires and cables are in excellent shape and are smooth enough to convey the pulse from the connector to the motorist’s axle.
Switch Malfunction
The switch at the front is one of the more important reasons for the failure of the locking differential in the pickup’s differential. This locking differential transmission switch has a button to push and allows the vehicle’s wheels to run with the same pace and momentum over a long distance.
Sometimes, a situation in which this button isn’t working happens as a result of breaking off or missing in the critical working order. This also leads to the malfunctioning of the mechanism in the vehicle’s locker, leading to the differential locker not being able to work. There could be issues with the position of the wire and screws that connect the button to the F150’s body of the truck.
How To Fix:
It is possible that the first component of the original light switch is lost, and it is quite substandard. This may cause the defective replacement of the light switch or its repair in the brand-new pickup truck’s electronic locking differential.
In the long run, the entire switch is the solution to the situation and should be (immediately) replaced with a newly manufactured and better-quality switch.
Ford F250 Electronic Locking Differential Problems
Ford’s F250 is a popular choice for truckers and farmers across the country. But like any vehicle, it can have some common electronic locking differential problems. Here are some of the most common issues:
Blown fuse
The differential or locking mechanism of your car breaks down if there is a problem with the fuse in its electronic locking system. A blown fuse is often due to wire damage in the circuit that is part of the car’s automatic locking system.
Overheating the engine can also cause short circuits and overload components of the built-in electronic lock locking system. It’s possible that the incorrect type of fuse has been installed, or else the problem is with the circuit breaker within the switch of the equipment along this axle.
How To Fix:
You have to view the interlocked fuse in the driver’s side of your keys in order to know if it’s at least partly torn and if there are mechanical gaps in the wiring on the automobile.
The sight of these electrical issues offers you a good indication that the fuse is inaccessible and needs to be replaced to grip the auto’s wheels.
Make certain there is no overheating in the chamber within the device, which may result in the breaker lock as well as the wires and fuses being destroyed from the back section of the device.
Capacity Limitation
F-class Ford F-250 pickup trucks with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds or more have an automatic electronic locking differential that operates significantly less efficiently.
Pickup trucks with the standard Terrain modes have a top speed of 25 miles per hour, a 20 mph minimum rate of engagement, and a 20 mph re-engagement momentum.
So, this will inevitably bring a straightforward view of its control over the tires of the truck, the speed at which it reigns over this is impossible.
Tips:
The alignment of a relay change together with the locking differential switch offers the capability to pass slower or better throughout a winding street and raise the height of your automobile, based on your requirements.
Talk to professional technicians to alter the locking differential switch to match the relay change. This action will help you control your automobile’s speed during long trips through difficult road conditions.
Blockage in the breather pipe
The breather pipe is a valve that supports the circulation of hydraulic oil within the engine. In case the valve breaks down or is clogged, the engine may suffer from the impairment of the electronic differential.
Since the hydraulic oil flows in the pipe, the line may become obstructed if the oil reduces pressure in the system. If the pressure with regard to the button is not adjusted correctly, the axle will engage automatically.
How To Fix:
If your Ford 250 Electronic locking differential is exhibiting a blockage in its breather pipe, you may need to take it in for repair. Follow these steps to get rid of the obstruction:
- Remove the air filter box.
- Locate and remove the breather pipe from the differential housing.
- Clean any debris or foreign objects that may be lodged in the breather pipe with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
- Reinstall the breather pipe and air filter box, making sure that they are securely fastened in place.
- Use a piece of duct tape to seal the air filter box in place.
Ford F350 Electronic Locking Differential Problems
The Ford F350 electronic locking differential (ELD) is a key component in the performance of this popular pickup truck. But like any other mechanical device, ELDs can also fail. In fact, Ford estimates that around 10% of all F350s will experience an ELD failure at some point in their lifetimes.
When an ELD fails, the vehicle can become uncontrollable and potentially dangerous. This is because the ELD allows the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds, providing stability when cornering and accelerating.
Without an ELD, the rear wheels would rotate at the same speed and there would be little support for traction during cornering or acceleration.
The most typical and commonly reported issue concerning an F-350’s electronic locking differential relates to the fact that it repeatedly fails to open when you press it.
You will have to rummage in the rear of the differential to locate a plug to disconnect and enable a temporary repair. This problem typically stems from a defective infotainment system part that will need to be replaced.
How To Fix:
Ford F-350 electronic locking differential (ELD) problems can be frustrating and difficult to fix. If the ELD fails to engage or disengage, the truck will not move.
In many cases, the cause of ELD failure is simple to diagnose and fix. However, in some cases, the problem may be more difficult to solve. Here are six tips for fixing Ford F-350 ELD problems:
- Check for proper installation of ELD components. The elastomeric diaphragm and clutch must be properly installed in order for the locking differential to function properly.
- Look for debris or corrosion on contact points between components. Cleaning and lubricating these areas will help ensure a smooth engagement and disengagement of the locking differential gears.
- Check the ELD control unit (ELCDU). The ELCDU is mounted to the truck’s frame via a set of bolts. If you have had the ELD serviced, the technician may have mounted the unit incorrectly. Do not mount the ELD control unit with the rear of the vehicle facing upward.
In some cases, replacing the ELD unit may be necessary. In other cases, restoring factory settings may resolve the issue. If none of these solutions work, then a mechanic may need to rebuild the ELD unit.
FAQ
How does the Ford f150 electronic locking differential work?
The electronic locking differential assists you by providing more traction for your automobile on difficult terrains, such as mud, rocks, and sand. It works by developing unequal torque to both the left and right wheels and ensuring that both wheels spin at a consistent speed.
How do you turn off the electronic locking differential?
If the electronic locking differential has problems disengaging, release the clutch pedal and set the steering wheel in the opposite direction after starting rolling. Push the center of the 4WD select knob to select the manual button and then press the button to manually choose the electronic locking differential.
When should you use an electronic locking differential?
As soon as you’re pushing your vehicle over mud, gravel, loose dirt, or snow, make sure to use your locking differential. Just allow it for a moment during that time frame if you wish to maintain a good grip.
Final Words
Now you might have an idea about Ford F150, F250, And F350 Electronic Locking Differential Problems. It’s time to ensure which one you’re facing and take the necessary steps to get rid of that issue. In case a fix doesn’t work, it’s better to go for the replacement.