Anyone know the truth about the e-locker?

Had a mechanic tell me the e-locker only works going forward but is useless when in reverse? It doesn't function in reverse. I haven't tried it out in reverse yet.

Seems kind of strange to me as if you ever go off road or get into a situation you have to back up, you would want the best traction you can get.

I also started thinking about those older Ford vehicles, like the old Ford Bronco that at one time had limited slip on the front as well. (Not the air-lockers) I remember years back when off roading with a 4 x 4 club that a guy had one of those systems on the front wheels and was going up a slippery slope. When he lost traction, he shot off sideways like a sidewinder rattle snake in a flash and ended up in a ravine with a tree leaning against the side of his Bronco. Ouch! Maybe that is why it won't work in reverse, (if it is true) in case someone tries to go reverse up a hill? I know it doesn't function over 25 mph if I remember correctly.

Your thoughts?

 

Well, the light stays on when in reverse.
Over 25 MPH forward as you said, it disables and the light goes off.
I've assumed if the light is on, it's working.

I used it back in December to get myself unstuck and there were equal spin marks at the back axle but I actually didn't look to see if both wheels were spinning at the same time.
However, I'm fairly certain it works both directions.

 

Bottom left of page 1.

http://media.ford.com/images/10031/SD_Truck_Tech.pdf

 

Good to know. I never considered if it would work in reverse. It should perform better than limited slip on other trucks.

 

Ah, that is good to see....that it will work in reverse. When I heard what the mechanic said I had a concern about losing traction in back up situations. I will try it out on my truck just to make sure. I would think backing up in a parking lot and turning should cause some "hunting" of the wheels as they say. (binding as the wheels dig in.) Won't do it much but just enough to check it out. Or I could do it on gravel and that should do the same thing.

 

I plan to pay attention next time, too.
I would go with the gravel plan.

 

Does anyone think that 25 mph is just to soon for the e-locker to disable?



biz

 

In 4 hi, maybe. But it doesn't disengage if you're in 4 low...

On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High),
the ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above 25 mph
(40 km/h).
• On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High),
the ELD will automatically disengage at speeds above 25 mph
(40 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h).
• On 4WD vehicles in 4L (4X4 Low), the ELD can be engaged at any
speed and will not automatically disengage.

 

It distinctly works in reverse.

 

Oh...Ok. That makes sense...and the FORD engineers were doing some thinking for sure. Thanks for the info!


biz

 

A locking diff that didn't work in reverse would be about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

 

I like the screen door on a submarine comment.

However, sometimes engineers miss the mark. There are 4x4 systems that if you are engaged in 2x4 and go into some mud and get stuck the 4x4 will not engage. The wheels have to turn a bit first to engage 4 wheel drive. Now that is useless.

And some ATV's have a system that if you are in 4x4 it still won't engage until the rear wheel turns or spins first before engaging. So it wouldn't surprise me if a manufacturer actually had a limited slip or locker system that only worked in one direction. Thankfully this doesn't seem to be the case here.