We just bought a used 2012 F-350, we drove it highway miles only and yesterday our center message says check locking differential. What is this all about?

 

Well I'd first inspect all the wiring running into the rear diff, and if nothing appears damaged, loose or unplugged trace the wires to the front of the vehicle

 

Welcome to FTE!

Im assuming you have a switch to lock the diff, did you accidentally press it?

 

On my 12 f150 we had the same issue, we live in salt country and the wires corroded, rendering the locking differential inoperable. Easy harness to replace as it is mostly under the truck and not tucked in too many crevices. I only got the message when trying to engage the locking dif (by pulling your 4wd selector **** out, not sure how it's done if you have floor shifter) you should not regularly be driving it with it locked, you'll destroy your rear end. Hope that helps

 

If you're fortunate enough to have a floor shifter like my '11 FX4 XL there's just a button on the dash center stack, between the radio and upfitter switches.

 

Also Schelly....just FYI in the future.... consider a more specific thread title.... something like "rear locker - error message" or similar