Hi everyone! Looking for some help on fixing a transmission fault. Took it to the dealership and they say it needs a rear differential actuator replaced. Is there a thread to replace this??

Thanks

 

No thread that I'm aware of, but the manual shows it being (probably deceptively) simple. Jack car up, reach up and disconnect harness, undo a few bolts and pull up and off. Can post more details later.

 

I had mine replaced last summer; however, there was no tranny faults as a symptom. Rather, there was a subtle "clanking" sound in some conditions. Usually could reproduce it in Rock Crawl. Clutch packs were worn out within the diff but I think it was because of that actuator. So I had it replaced.

 

Thanks! I will check into it tonight…

 

How much$ are they??

 

And another question... Is it the same motor as the one for the transfer case or a completely different unit?

I had mine replaced under warranty because I randomly started getting a "transmission fault - reduced traction" warning message one day. Dealer diagnosed it as needing a new shift motor. Who knows if it was really that or the ecu or something else, but they told me they replaced the motor and didn't charge me anything because of warranty.

 

I've only had the car for a year and a half and only put around 6k miles on it. The only thing I've changed on the car so far has been the front wheel bearing assemblies and oil changes.

 

I think it was around $500 but I don't remember for sure. I doubt that it's the same one as on the T-Case. It is mounted on top of the (locking) rear differential...unless I'm talking about something else. Just going by the original description...and that's the only "rear differential actuator" I can think of.

 

It's not impossible to get to, but will require some contortion and stubby socket wrench. Also, you'll need a IID tool or something like it to program the new motor's parameters.

 

Bad motor/ actuator usually squeaks when you shot off the ignition.You can literally hear it right after the engine shutoff .Also usually throws a fault PO 181 or 182 .It is related to a software update that needs to uploaded when installing a new or rebuilt unit.Also new or rebuilt motor needs to calibrated with appropriate electronic tool.