Rear Factory Locker Help

I just purchased a 96 limited with the original dealer installed supercharger and rear locker (not manual, so close to a unicorn, but not quite.) I already have a 98 limited with a rear locker. The locker won't fully engage on the 96. I can hear the solenoid clicking, but the light won't stop flashing regardless of movement, neutral, reverse, etc. Everything looks ok with the wiring (mathes my 98), with exception of a tube that has been cut that exits the e locker near the wiring and terminates at a clip on the body underside. Can anyone tell me what that tube is and if having it cut could be part of the problem?

 

Welcome to the forum from Wisconsin!

The tube could be a breather. If it's clogged, it could cause an issue.

They can be finicky, especially if not exercised regularly.

You are in 4lo when trying to engage the locker, correct?

 

Thank you, yes, in 4 low. With the ignition on and the engine off I can hear the solenoid trying to engage.

 

Welcome

 

"Back and Forth"? It gets easier.

 

I think 10 mph is max locked in?

 

I did 15-20mph with my rear locked on a gravel road
Manual says not go above 5mph.. but I did Oops eeeee

 

Just locked my in. Took going back and forth like five times and I turned the wheel a bit. Thats cold so then it goes in and out quick.

 

I’ve driven more than 5 miles trying to get into Walkine on gravel. I also put it up on a four post lift and tried for about 20 minutes going forward and back and shifting it. It’s definitely not going in, or perhaps it is going in, but the indicator light is not ceasing to flash. I haven’t tested to see if it’s actually locked yet. Does anybody have any idea what the tube is that comes out of the solenoid housing

 

It's probably a breather, as mentioned above.

 

Thank you. I spoke to they local dealership and they confirmed that it’s a breather.

 

Another Wisconsin welcome! Stubborn system...

 

I spoke to a machine shop that deals with these axels who told me that it was probably a bent fork. Rather than open it, I changed the fluid and am going to drive it for a few days and see if maybe it's just sludged up from being parked for so long