I just saw it for the first time at the end of last week and just shy of 1,500 miles. Mine came on immediately after starting and pulling away from the pick-up lane at the grocery store. I haven't seen it since, and based on some of the replies here, I'm beginning to wonder if my case was the turn away from the curb immediately after starting the engine. Maybe in my case, all of the various sensors had not yet synced as I pulled away, and because I was turning away from the curb, naturally the outside rear tire was turning faster than the inside rear tire. I've been keeping an eye on it since, but haven't had it again.
"Limited slip differential reduced torque"
- Thread starter RustyOval
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JOE LIPSKY
New Member
After receiving the Limited Slip Differential Reduced Torque message randomly (especially when going up hills) I brought my 2018 Limited with HD tow (51k miles) into the local Ford dealership. After having to bring it back three times (first time they said it just needed a software update which was wrong), they finally had their service manager take it for a ride. After hearing what he thought was a bad bearing noise. Their drive train specialist tore the rear end down and had to replace multiple bearings and races and the Limited Slip differential hydrolic actuator which was leaking fluid. So disappointing that there was so much internal damage on a vehicle I baby and rarely use to tow (bring my dry 5k lb boat on a 1.5k lb trailer to the marina at the beginning of the season and home at the end). Luckily it was still under factory warrantee otherwise I'd be using my extended warantee luckily I had smarts to purchase when I bought the vehicle due to it's complexity.
Still love the Expy but having serious doubts on the longevity I'll be getting from Ford.
Still love the Expy but having serious doubts on the longevity I'll be getting from Ford.
I bought Ford Expedition XLT 2021 this summer, just 15,000km. But I have a Electronic limited slip differential - Wrench warning on dash on November. I went to dealer to check and they diagnosed, they found harness issue. They replaced pig tail connector. However, I get a wrench warning about slip differential again.
Original summer tire sizes 275 65 R18, but I changed winter tire size to 275 55 R20. So I don’t know if that is a reason for a wrench warning on dash or other reason?
I still love expedition, very comfort for driving.
Original summer tire sizes 275 65 R18, but I changed winter tire size to 275 55 R20. So I don’t know if that is a reason for a wrench warning on dash or other reason?
I still love expedition, very comfort for driving.
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2020 xlt with FX4 and 11000 miles. I put new 295/70/18s on and while playing around in town/large parking lots I got the Limited Slip Differential Reduced Torque message. I didn’t notice any changes though just ignored it and hasn’t happened again… yet.
KDM39
Member
All,
I'm experiencing this issue on my 2020 Max Platinum. Purchased used at 27K miles and conveniently started receiving this error message shortly thereafter. Took to two separate Ford dealers and neither could figure out what was triggering the error (they did not break down the rear differential claiming they had a 6-8 week queue and required the vehicle to sit in their lot to remain in the queue).
Curious as to whether folks have been able to resolve or determine the verdict. I am running a different brand rear tire, but they are the same size as the front (albeit newer/less wear) and the message was showing up before the rear tires were replaced.
I'm experiencing this issue on my 2020 Max Platinum. Purchased used at 27K miles and conveniently started receiving this error message shortly thereafter. Took to two separate Ford dealers and neither could figure out what was triggering the error (they did not break down the rear differential claiming they had a 6-8 week queue and required the vehicle to sit in their lot to remain in the queue).
Curious as to whether folks have been able to resolve or determine the verdict. I am running a different brand rear tire, but they are the same size as the front (albeit newer/less wear) and the message was showing up before the rear tires were replaced.
5280tunage
Full Access Members
What? Sit in the lot for 6-8 weeks after diagnosing? Unless they find something that is truly a safety issue, I call BS. Hell, they could open things up, take a look, find nothing real bad, close it up, and fill it back up while they wait for parts. I guess transportation is definitely becoming a nice to have these days. I'm not lucky enough to have 3 or 4 cars, just the two we need all the time.
With that said, I recently got a warning message that my limited slip differential was disabled. I don't believe it said anything about reduced torque, I clicked okay and it went away. No orange tool light but I guess I can try and pull codes to see if anything shows up. I'll try to take a picture next time it happens.
*edit* - Just tried to look for any codes via scanner and forscan, no codes in the system. Also should probably say that my issue happened while on completely dry roads in 2WD, normal driving mode, under light acceleration.
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KDM39
Member
Thanks for the response, 5280tunage. I agree with the BS position of the dealer. Apparently their "heavy service" team (who is responsible for inspecting/breaking down the rear differential to inspect) has a long queue, and they wouldn't hold my spot unless I left the vehicle. The second dealer (and the shop I bought it from in Las Vegas, Team Ford), was willing to get me in. After a week, they told me that they couldn't diagnose it and called the Ford help line, who similarly didn't have a response. At that point, I had no confidence in their ability to diagnose the problem and didn't feel comfortable with their team breaking down the rear differential and potentially causing more issues.
The error comes on almost every time we drive; dry roads, 2WD. I don't notice any difference in the torque/acceleration, but i'm afraid of what may happen if we need to use 4WD.
Again, if anyone has successfully troubleshot this issue, please let me know. Very disappointed in this experience with Ford all around. CPO = ****.
The error comes on almost every time we drive; dry roads, 2WD. I don't notice any difference in the torque/acceleration, but i'm afraid of what may happen if we need to use 4WD.
Again, if anyone has successfully troubleshot this issue, please let me know. Very disappointed in this experience with Ford all around. CPO = ****.
I have the ultimate solution. If they can't figure out the problem and you have a warranty......Run it until it comes apart then have them replace it.
5280tunage
Full Access Members
So @KDM39 , help me understand. Do you get any actual mechanical feedback when this happens? I.e. do you feel shudder, vibration, anything? Other than maybe limp mode? If not, and knowing those other dealers haven't found anything yet, this sounds a lot like an electrical issue, whether it's a sensor, set of sensors, ecu/pcm issue. I'm not sure how the vehicle isn't recording a little more useful information. Stupid question, have they checked for electrical issues? Wheel speed sensors, etc? Thing is from my perspective, cruising down a straight road, 2wd, there really should be no reason for the elsd to even try too engage, let alone throw errors.
KDM39
Member
No shudder, vibration, and thankfully no limp mode as of yet. Issue has now persisted for 10k miles. No leaking fluids or any noticeable impacts while driving, but i'm afraid there could be internal issues.
The dealers claimed they checked for electrical issues and then blamed uneven wear of the tires. I am now over 36k miles and fearing we will get stuck with very expensive repairs. Appreciate everyone's input.
The dealers claimed they checked for electrical issues and then blamed uneven wear of the tires. I am now over 36k miles and fearing we will get stuck with very expensive repairs. Appreciate everyone's input.
JasonH
Full Access Members
Sometimes you can pull additional codes that don't throw a check engine using Forscan. I suggest accessing the ECU with Forscan to see whether you can identify any error messages there. Also, extended warranties are available from other dealers, such as Flood Ford. It might be worth the peace of mind to go that route.
These rear diffs are complicated and I doubt any typical tech can figure out the issue without something physically failing and making noise. For instance, this could be just the rear diff low on fluid or may be full but with less portion of the required friction modifier, or the actuator not fully retracting causing some residual drag on the clutch pack. These require a really good technician to properly diagnose.
If I were you and planning to keep the vehicle, I would do one of the following:
1- Take it to the dealer and request a rear diff fluid change and inspection. You will pay for it, this will be around $200 - $300 service. It is very easy process but the fluid is pretty expensive. They will add the differential fluid and one bottle of friction modifier. Then see what happens afterwards. At 36k miles, you are due for a rear diff fluid change anyways (if you plan to keep the vehicle).
2- Just buy the fluid and friction modifier and replace it yourself (very easy).
ROBERT BONNER
Full Access Members
Good suggestion above about using Forscan to look for more information.
Mine did throw this message once. (I have a '20 XLT FX4 MAX) I had just made a run from Charleston, SC, to Charlotte, NC. I ran the whole trip up in a constant wipers-on-high-speed rain storm. Don't judge - it was a light traffic timeframe, I did the whole trip Michigan style at 80+mph in A4WD, plowing water. The truck handled really well. As I parked it in the garage at the end of the trip, the "elsd limited torque available" message popped. It was late, I was tired and I planned to deal with it the next day. It's been a year and the message has never returned. But, I haven't driven it for that distance in A4WD since. I chalked it up to that drive mode activating the elsd and overworking it from a heat standpoint.
Mine did throw this message once. (I have a '20 XLT FX4 MAX) I had just made a run from Charleston, SC, to Charlotte, NC. I ran the whole trip up in a constant wipers-on-high-speed rain storm. Don't judge - it was a light traffic timeframe, I did the whole trip Michigan style at 80+mph in A4WD, plowing water. The truck handled really well. As I parked it in the garage at the end of the trip, the "elsd limited torque available" message popped. It was late, I was tired and I planned to deal with it the next day. It's been a year and the message has never returned. But, I haven't driven it for that distance in A4WD since. I chalked it up to that drive mode activating the elsd and overworking it from a heat standpoint.
duneslider
Full Access Members
IF you think that was the cause then I would for sure replace that fluid. Heat is what kills that fluid. I haven't looked close at these diffs but if they have a drain plug it won't take long to drain and refill. If it doesn't have a drain I would consider getting a pump and sucking out as much as possible.
Mine is probably about due, I should look and get it taken care of this summer.
They do have a drain plug and are pretty easy to access. You still need to some kind of fluid transfer pump to refill since the rear cross frame member restricts the access slightly.
ROBERT BONNER
Full Access Members
Speculation alert!
Reading from my owner's manual page 127. There appears to be two different temperature related warnings. The one that I've seen once on my vehicle reads, "eLSD Reduced Torque". Without retyping the "Action" in its entirety, the gist is that if you have unequal diameter rear tires or have done something else to heat up the rear end, this message appears, and you should fix the unequal diameter situation, or cease the bad stuff you're doing that is heating the rear end because, the computer is dialing down the clutch pressure and maybe reducing power train total available torque by dialing down the boost. The next message (I haven't seen this one) "eLSD Temporarily Disabled", this one probably comes on if you didn't pay attention to the first message and the diff got hotter. The action on this one tells you to pull over and take a powder, to let the diff cool down. AND from a safety standpoint, they are warning you that you now have an open rear end that will not help you in a bad yaw event or poor traction event.
There are more messages, one that tells you when the eLSD is restored to working condition (presumably once temperature returns to normal). There is also a "you broke it" message and a "get it checked" message.
I would expect that the escalating "temporary" deactivation messages are intended to preserve the differential fluid, and if you pay attention to them, your fluid will be OK. Obviously, if it tells you it's broke and/or to get it checked; you've gone too far.
Note this would be a really good opportunity for someone in Ford Vehicle Engineering on the Expedition/Navigator (who should be monitoring these posts) to step in and enlighten us all. Just saying.
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duneslider
Full Access Members
My experience with temp warnings on vehicles has been that they are more dummy lights than actual warnings. As in you dummy you just cooked your transmission, or you dummy you overheated the engine, or you dummy you just cooked the diff fluid. Therefore, I just assumed any warning in the diff would be the same and be saying you cooked it. It sounds like there are a lot of messages just for the diff and it would be cool if someone from ford could clarify what each actually meant.
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