Differential Lock Operation
WARNING
Locking the wheels when the vehicle is traveling
down steep grades or when the wheels are
slipping could damage the differential and/or lead
to loss of vehicle control, causing personal injury
and property damage.
Lock the wheels only when the vehicle is standing
still or moving at very low speed, less than 5 mph (8
km/h). Never lock the wheels when the vehicle is
traveling down steep grades or when the wheels are
slipping.
NOTE: On some vehicles, the differential lock
system is connected through the low speed
range of the transmission. If this system is used,
the transmission must be in the low speed
range for the wheels to fully lock.
WARNING
A vehicle with locked wheels can still slip
sideways, causing possible loss of vehicle
control, personal injury, and property damage.
Be especially careful when driving under slippery
conditions with the wheels locked. Though forward
traction is improved, the vehicle can still slip
sideways.
If the vehicle is moving, maintain a constant vehicle
speed when the differential lock is turned on. Briefly
let up on the accelerator to relieve torque on the
gearing, allowing the wheels to lock completely.
When the wheels are fully locked, the turning radius
will increase because the vehicle understeers. See
Fig. 16.2. Drive cautiously and do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
To disengage differential lock after leaving poor road
conditions, operate the differential lock switch as
discussed above while maintaining vehicle speed.
Let up momentarily on the accelerator to allow the
wheels to fully unlock, then resume driving at normal
speed.
NOTE: If the differential lock system is
connected with the transmission in its low speed
range, shifting out of the low speed range will
also disengage the differential lock function. The
switch will blink until the wheels unlock, and
then go out.
Tandem Drive Axles With Interaxle
Lock
NOTICE
The interaxle lock should not be engaged on a
vehicle with obviously spinning wheels.
Engagement at high speed or power can damage
the axle(s).
Meritor has an interaxle lock (axle lock, interaxle
differential lockout) feature that is standard on all
dual-drive (tandem-drive) vehicles. Interaxle lock is
recommended for use under adverse road conditions
where greater traction is needed. See the axle
manufacturer’s manual provided with the vehicle for
more information.
The interaxle lock switch, shown in
Fig. 16.3, allows
the driver to lock both rear axles together. The red
interaxle warning light illuminates on the dash
message center when interaxle lock is engaged.
f350079a02/03/2017
A
B
A. Turning Radius When the Differential Lock is
Engaged (understeer condition)
B. Turning Radius When the Differential Lock is
Disengaged
Fig. 16.2, Turning Radii
10/26/2001
f610595
Fig. 16.3, Interaxle Lock Switch
Drive Axles
16.2
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