Diagnosis By Symptom - Rear Differential Carrier

Symptoms - Rear Differential Carrier
Strategy Based Diagnostics
Review the system operations in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. All diagnosis on a vehicle should follow a logical process. Strategy based diagnostics is a uniform approach for repairing all systems. The diagnostic flow may always be used in order to resolve a system condition. The diagnostic flow is the place to start when repairs are necessary. For a detailed explanation, refer to Strategy Based Diagnosis.

Visual/Physical Inspection
^ Inspect for aftermarket devices, which could affect the operation of the vehicle. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories.
^ Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions, which could cause the symptom.
^ Check for the correct lubricant level and the proper viscosity.
^ Verify the exact operating conditions under which the concern exists. Note factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, ambient temperature, and other specifics.
^ Compare the driving characteristics or sounds, if applicable, to a known good vehicle and make sure you are not trying to correct a normal condition.
^ Inspect for all-wheel drive activation and operation. Refer to All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System Functional Inspection.
^ Factors that may contribute to an inoperative rear differential include:
^ Low gear oil levels
^ Differential inoperative due to antilock brake system (ABS) function
^ Inoperative powertrain control module (PCM) and/or wiring system
^ A mini-spare or different size tire installed
^ A fluid over-temperature condition
^ An inoperative or "stuck" clutch pump check valve
^ A defective rear differential assembly
^ An inoperative transfer case assembly

Intermittent
Test the vehicle under the same conditions that the customer reported in order to verify the system is operating properly.

Symptom List
Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:
^ Diagnostic Starting Point - Vibration Diagnosis and Correction
^ Diagnostic Starting Point - Locking/Limited Slip Rear Axle in Drive Axle - Locking/Limited Slip
^ Diagnostic Starting Point - Wheel Drive Shafts in Wheel Drive Shafts
^ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System Functional Inspection
^ Noisy in Drive
^ Noisy When Coasting
^ Intermittent Noise
^ Constant Noise
^ Noisy on Turns
^ Rear Differential Carrier Leak Diagnosis