E-Locker on Ford F-150 helps you to drive off-road on bumpy road surfaces such as rocky surfaces, sloppy roads, snow-covered roads, and rough patches of roads.
How Does F150 E-Locker Work? Ford F-150 E-locker can force the wheel to rotate together at the same speed on one rear axle. Its engagement, disengagement, and re-engagement depend on the drive mode, at the maximum speed of 20mph, 25mph, and 20mph, respectively, with minimum traction. F150 E-lock system has various properties like durability, more traction, best-quality, and is suitable for 4WD and 2WD.
Ford F-150 comes with E-locker on the rear axle of the Ford F-150 to balance it on the rough terrain. This E-locker can operate by the driver through an automatic panel attached to the dashboard. This dashboard contains various indications.
These indications have specific set values. Whenever these set values are achieved or disturbed, signals alert the driver to choose a suitable option for the seamless drive of his vehicle throughout his journey.
Working of F150 E-Locker
E-locker in Ford F-150 can attach to the rear axle of the vehicle. It starts working when there is a difference between the speeds of both rear wheels.
An indication appears on the dashboard then the driver gives a command to this system to start traction of rear wheels. As soon as the speed of the wheels becomes uniform, it is automatically off, and the vehicle runs efficiently.
It sometimes does not work better. There are many reasons behind this malfunctioning. For instance, this malfunction might be due to too high-speed differential between both rear wheels and problem in the programmable logic controller of this e-locker which does not or improperly convey signal by locker or command send by the driver himself.
These problems need to be rectified timely by removing flaws in the programmable logic controller and command system.
This component has an electromagnetic assembly that locks the axle by activating the engagement collar through a knob-like push button. It can connect through the solenoid or electromagnet.
It functions as an open differential until you determine when additional traction is required.
It can work on the operational speed range that engages the differential and shift it during the driving.
It may disconnect if the vehicle speed exceeds the specified range.
It re-connect in the case of a low speed to the set value.
During off-road, mud, sand, and rock condition require more traction, it becomes activated.
Its objective is to remove the disadvantage of an open differential by effectively locking the rear of both sides wheels on the same axle.
Location of the E-Locker in Ford F150
If you are want to drive on the rough terrain in an F-150 pickup truck, E-locker is the best option to assist you. But it has various limitations that can annoy you during travel. You will need it when there is a lot of traction, such as in snow, mud, or sand.
Driving on the dry pavement has various adverse consequences, including increased vibration, tires wear and tear, and noise production. In Ford F-150, the location of this component is the rear axle that spins both wheels at the same speed.
When you pull the knob, the electromagnetic coil in the rear axle locks the wheels together, distributing power equally to both rear wheels.
When equal power is on those wheels, better traction on or off the ground produce.
Things to consider when operating the E-lock with mismatched or spare tire
Spare tire size with the E-lock can alter the system performance.
In addition, its function can become limited if the difference between the two rear wheels is high significantly. When moving, release the accelerator and rotate the steering wheel in the reverse direction if the system faces trouble for disconnecting.
If the system becomes difficult to engage and you simultaneously press the pedal, an indicator appears on display telling you to release the pedal.
When putting these wheels on the Ford F-150 on the rear axle, it is the best suggestion for you to connect and disconnect the E-lock differential at a stop.
You can activate this system by turn ON the knob, but it can also operate on a specified speed range, drive mode, and four-wheel-drive configuration mode.
E-lock system working on different drive modes
It engages at a maximum speed of 20mph when you select Normal, Eco, slippery, or sport drive mode (2H, 4A, 4H).
It disengages automatically at 25 mph and reconnects at a similar speed to the engagement speed.
In this way, in deep snow/sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock crawl (4H, 4L) drive mode, there is no speed limit for the engagement, disengagement, and re-engagement maximum speed.
For the four-wheel-drive mode, there is also no speed limit for engagement, disengagement, and re-engagement.
Types of differential locking systems
There are two different types of differential locking systems, and these are factory installed from the Ford manufacturer.
These can make both wheels spin at the same speed, resulting in a 50/50 torque distribution. In addition, these can lock axles at a time so that all available torque is direct to the wheel with efficient traction.
Auto differential lock
This locking system of the differential can activate when one wheel rotates on the same axle at 105 rpm faster than the other.
Axle can lock and activate due to this speed difference of both wheels.
Axle or differential can damage if both wheel traction becomes large than average.
If one of the truck’s wheels loses traction or rises off the ground, it can activate.
As the name indicates, its activation needs no driver and works when the torque is applied to lock the axle at a time.
Electronic lock or E-lock
It is an electromagnetic locking mechanism available in the market with the best quality. When you need it to press a button, or it can engage and disengage automatically when necessary.
It is suitable for all traction and off-road, easy to install, more durable, stable, and reliable. At low or high speed, it becomes active, which helps when wheels have poor traction.
It is cost-effective but provides good performance. It needs no maintenance or extra lubrication for better performance and is compatible with the truck traction control systems and anti-lock braking system on modern 4×4.
Features of Ford F150 E-lock System
There are various features of the E-locking of the Ford F-150, due to which automakers usually preferable to install it.
Cost-effective
E-lock costs depend on various factors like the model and manufacturer of the Ford F-150 pickup truck.
Its average cost is approximately $1400 to $1800.
If you install it yourself, you will not experience any additional costs; but, if you hire a professional, labor will cost roughly $350.
If you try to install it yourself, you may find that the wire does not align better with the switch.
So, for this purpose, hire the best installer who has proper knowledge and experience. Search for the best off-road shop to route things better.
Maintains traction
In four-wheel drivers, traction has a vital role that assists in various functions during driving.
For example, in 4×4, both sides’ wheels should drive on an axle, and the inside tire should scuff because it rotates at the same speed as the outside tire for a short distance.
When one of the truck’s wheels lifts off the ground in mountainous terrain, E-lock engages, preventing the vehicle from accelerating downhill. However, the electronic lock continues to fight.
Electronic stability control works fast when you face imbalance while driving. It protects the truck from losing control and increases traction in rapid turns, rocky terrain, and snowy roads.
When choosing the traction device, make sure about the location, weather condition, driving style, and preferable activities.
The electronic locker function in the Ford F-150 provides better reliability and control during uneven terrain in the case of poor traction. Knowing what you have and information about its operation is the top priority for you than the type of traction device you use.
Best quality
It is essential to get the most valuable product that is long-lasting and value your money. When you buy, it doesn’t matter whether the locking differential system works better; it is all about the guarantee and quality of the component you get. Aftermarket parts are best quality material than the OE stuff.
Aftermarket or the factory-installed both work well. In addition, it locks both wheels on one axle to enhance traction and riding enjoyment in the hilly or snowy areas.
Suitable for 4WD and 2WD trucks
In the absence of an electronic locking differential, a four-wheel drive is sometimes equivalent to a two-wheel or one-wheel drive. It depends on the vehicle model, cost of the component, and driving performance.
It designs for 4-wheel drive vehicles and allows the pickup truck to lock and unlock as necessary.
It comes in a 4×4 variant, is active at low speed, works efficiently for rock climbing. Make sure you cannot run your truck on the dry pavement that can harm you.
If your two-wheel-drive have more traction, this situation can harm the axles and others component if you use the four-wheel-drive.
Electromechanical actuator
The electromechanical actuator is the essential component of the electronic locking system with multiple performances. It allows the E-lock differential torque on the driving axle to vary continuously and smoothly throughout a range of 0 to 3500 Nm.
If Ford’s wheel loses grip, this system activates to transmit torque to another wheel that still has control and traction. It works best on the limited speed range, on various co-efficient of friction, and snowy roads. It avoids truck fishtailing, maintains its straight-line movement, and adds more safety.
It can also send data associated with GPS/GSM/SAT tracking terminals and tracking software. Due to its secure position, it is not visible, accessible, or tampered with from an outside location.
Intelligent networking
The addition of high-tech innovation electronic lock in your Ford F-150 hat provides an intelligent mechanical solution. Due to the general changes, the hardware dimension of the new model will shrink, making adjustment and installation easy.
The control unit in the pickup trucks also supports this program. Additional connectors in this control unit support an electronic locking system that connects the IBS (Integrated Braking Control).
Common Problem with F150 E-locker system
Problem with the Electronic locking system in Ford F-150 can cause various factors.
Stuck in place
The most prominent and common problem for this component is that stuck in its place. Even if you try your best, it will not unlock.
The four-wheel-drive electronic lock control unit is not getting a signal if it becomes stuck. However, the flashlight indicator on the instrument panel indicates that the E-locker ECU is sending this problem command to the rear axle. So, make sure from its switch that it is unlocked or not.
Damaged switch
When you activate the E-lock and engage it properly, lights in it can flash.
The switch has three connections one has switched power, the second is from a positive source that receives power from the battery, and the third connection to the ground to turn on the LED light.
If the LED light does not turn on after turning on the E-locker, the issue can occur due to a lack of power from the battery, a defective ground connection, or a failed bulb.
If it is not working better, figure out the problem like switch failure. When the switch turns on, there appears to be no power drawn from the battery.
Multimeter and test light can use to inspect the problem associated with it.
Wire connection problem
Wiring connection problems usually appear, so make sure the wiring harness relay and fuse condition.
Faulty wiring is another reason which causes the fuse to blow, so the LED light cannot turn ON in such a situation.
So, double-check all its wiring connections and any joint have proper alignment rather than the crimped.
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