Electronic Limited Slip Differential Temporarily Disabled message

[Pmm150]

Hello Forum! Wondering if anyone had seen this Electronic Limited Slip Differential Temporarily Disabled message before. (see image) My 2020 Platinum Max started doing this last week. The message randomly comes and goes, no buttons getting pressed on the dash. Why does this happen? Is this a safety issue? Thanks for your help!

 

[GlennSullivan]

Electronic Limited Slip Differential Temporarily Disabled​

The system temporarily turns off. This could be due to an undersized spare tire or caused by the system overheating. If an undersized spare tire is installed, replace the spare tire with a full-sized tire as soon as possible. If an undersized spare tire is not installed, stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and allow the system to cool.​

 

[NevadaGeo]

I would get that message in my departed 2017 limited after using the vehicle offroad sometimes. Dust or a small rock in the brakes. The message went away after a few miles on pavement.

 

[LokiWolf]

Hello Forum! Wondering if anyone had seen this Electronic Limited Slip Differential Temporarily Disabled message before. (see image) My 2020 Platinum Max started doing this last week. The message randomly comes and goes, no buttons getting pressed on the dash. Why does this happen? Is this a safety issue? Thanks for your help!

Do you have the simulated lock button pressed? Do you have a spare tire on the rear? Been doing a lot of burnouts?

Like was said above, could be a sign you have an issue with a Wheel speed/ABS Sensor. If it is having an issue, the ELSD will turn off, because the computer cannot sense wheel speed differential correctly.

Have you scanned for codes?

Also, do a search on here, there have been several threads on this issue in the past with some good info, and history.

 

[khammer]

Any recent changes or moves to tires?

My SIL got this message on her EXP after replacing just the rear tires. The rear tires had been damage so to keep them even, they replaced both. The front tires were in good shape with plenty of tread left.

Evidently, the small amount of difference in size from brand new tires and slightly used was enough for the speed sensors or modules to notice and throw the message every once in a while.

 

[LokiWolf]

Any recent changes or moves to tires?

My SIL got this message on her EXP after replacing just the rear tires. The rear tires had been damage so to keep them even, they replaced both. The front tires were in good shape with plenty of tread left.

Evidently, the small amount of difference in size from brand new tires and slightly used was enough for the speed sensors or modules to notice and throw the message every once in a while.

Correct. That is mentioned in those other threads.

 

[JasonH]

Evidently, the small amount of difference in size from brand new tires and slightly used was enough for the speed sensors or modules to notice and throw the message every once in a while.

Wow, that's crazy, seems like Ford should have programmed the system to recognize persistent differences in tire diameter to account for this. Sounds like an excuse to get D or E tires. I would hate to have to replace all four if one got damaged.

 

[mreed112]

If you buy tires from Tire Rack, they will shave the tread to your spec. I just replaced a sidewall damaged right front 22" General that I had them shave 3/32" to match the left front and the rears. They shipped the tire to the local Discount Tire for mounting and balance. Overall, everything seems to have worked well and I am pleased to only have to replace one tire.

PS - Discount Tire owns Tire Rack.

 

[LokiWolf]

Wow, that's crazy, seems like Ford should have programmed the system to recognize persistent differences in tire diameter to account for this. Sounds like an excuse to get D or E tires. I would hate to have to replace all four if one got damaged.

Nope, differential is differential. It is not as sensitive as some other manufactures systems, like Subaru.

 

[mhExped]

In my case, the cause was a trashed front differential.

Old post

 

[JasonH]

Nope, differential is differential. It is not as sensitive as some other manufactures systems, like Subaru.

I've heard of this issue arising with different tires on the same axle, but not with differences between the front and rear axles. Subaru has full time AWD. On the Expedition, the front axle doesn't even get power all the time on 4WD units. I don't think its reasonable to expect consumers to replace four tires if one is damaged, or suffer through repeated warnings. I used to get slow leaks all the time from all the construction in my area, but my Expedition is 4x2 so it was just an inconvenience.

 

[LokiWolf]

See, There is what I mentioned. Good previous post with good info!

In my case, the cause was a trashed front differential.

Old post

 

[LokiWolf]

I've heard of this issue arising with different tires on the same axle, but not with differences between the front and rear axles. Subaru has full time AWD. On the Expedition, the front axle doesn't even get power all the time on 4WD units. I don't think its reasonable to expect consumers to replace four tires if one is damaged, or suffer through repeated warnings. I used to get slow leaks all the time from all the construction in my area, but my Expedition is 4x2 so it was just an inconvenience.

I get what you are saying...but 4A is basically AWD. The ELSD diff won't be as active front to back as side to side when in 2WD mode, because without drive going to the front, it is expected to have more differential. Turn on 4A and the behavior changes. It also does some fun math to average the Front, because the front is open.

Also you have 2017. The system is not as Sensitive, and the LSD in the 15-17 was a mechanical clutch based system, you won't have this issue. The ELSD in the 18+ is an AMAZING system. Our 15 and 17 were beasts in inclement weather and snow, but our 2020 with 22's and street rubber was just as good in snow, because of 4A, and the ELSD. It just does it. With that added ability and speed of wheel speed correction, comes some additional headache. Off road the system can overheat, but that has gotten better through the years also with improved internals, and better programming.

 

[mlogan]

Question to add to this thread - got the E-locker Rear Diff warning on my 2022 with ELSD/HD tow. Have been feeling it catch/drag at times in slow speed situations, pulling in our out of garage while turning, coming into driveway/parking lots etc. Dealer found code and is replacing the Rear Diff Control Module. Do I need to be concerned about any internal damage if this issue has been brewing for awhile? I need to do some reviewing of how this e-locker system works. As someone else mentioned, when it does work, it is amazing in daily driving, turning/accelerating compared to my open diff 2015.
Thanks