Jeep Rubicon 2007+ locker modification

Make model: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (JK series) 2007+


Purpose:This allows you to use both lockers in all transfer case modes by providing a ground for the relays. Quantity (2) pieces of (45) foot #12 gauge automotive wire, marked or colored differently from each other.(30) feet of automotive loom(4) #12 gauge electrical crimp flag female connectors (yellow)2) #12 gauge electrical crimp hook connectors (yellow)(2) automotive switches (lighted could be used, but would require another ground)(1) Soldering iron and flux(1) roll black electrical tape(1) small set of metric sockets

Disclaimers:By undertaking this modification you are potentially voiding your drivetrain warranty. While Jeep dealerships have traditionally been very lenient on modifications, they do vary. Bear in mind that activating this modified system on hard dry pavement has the potential to destroy you axles, transfer case, differentials – especially around curves and can cause your vehicle to crash or roll over due to all 4 wheels being 100% locked together with no room for slippage. No that that’s out of the way, onto the lockdown.
Overview:You are creating a bypass to ground circuit to allow your locker relays to activate regardless of transfer case position or TPIM inputs. While this will allow you to destroy your differentials, transfer case, or axles on dry pavement – it is designed to allow you to operate your lockers when not in 4WD-Low. This can be useful in sandy environments, high-speed mud running etc. This system does not disable the factory system. It will operate different from the factory system. Under normal operation your locker indicator lights will remain solid during operation. With this bypass, your locker indicator lights will blink until disengaged.


Procedure:Remove the battery by disconnecting the positive, then the negative post clamps.Then remove the battery hold down bracket with an 8mm socket. (I’ve been told other sizes are used as well).Locate the locker relays on the passenger side of the vehicle right next to the battery on the fender wall (see wiring diagram below). locate the plastic rivet holding the relay bracket to the fender-wall and loosen the rivet until the relay mounting bracket comes loose. Pull as much slack as possible on cables and lay them into the empty battery tray area. Locate the ground wire coming out of the relay (see schematic below) Solder 1 of you wires to each ground coming out of the relay (I tried wire crimps first but they did not work well for me). Repeat for the other relay. Tape and heat shrink your solder splices well, this area of the engine compartment gets a healthy dose of mud Tape ends of looming to prevent wires from being seen, or coming loose due to vibrations.
Mark Run your cables through the looming and feed the wire loom across the engine compartment from the relays to the drivers side of the vehicle. If you don’t like answering dumb questions from your dealership regarding the extra wiring, you will take the time to dress it up and tuck the loom behind the OEM harnessRun you wire loom through the firewall using the existing grommet near the steering column, and into the passenger compartment.Once your wiring is inside the vehicle dress your cabling accordingly (not like mine).Run (2) cables from your switches to the ground nut near the drivers side door harness.Run your 2 wires from the relays to the switches. Connect each relay and switch separately using your marked cables (you did mark them didn’t you).Individual placement and switch type can vary, basic single pole switches are the minimum with lighted and/or a single switch being other options I chose to mount my switches in the unused panel below the 12VDC power outlet and cigarette lighter.Careful placement in this location is advised due to tight clearances (read: no clearance) behind the panel. I had to bend the tabs on my switches to push the panel closed. Testing:
Loosely replace the battery and tighten the battery post connectors. Key the ignition to “ON” and flick 1 of the switches. If wired correctly the locker indicator lights should flash on the instrument cluster.If no locker indicators come on verify you have a good ground at the drivers door nut (might need some paint scraped off). Double check your wiring connections.