Max 26 Diff lock stuck

[Tim in MN]

I've got a 2019 Max 26KL with the diff lock stuck in the engaged position. It happened yesterday when putting up driveway markers. I've tried moving the shaft with a pair of pliers, no luck. Sprayed the shaft and housing with penetrating oil in case it's rusted, still no luck. Anybody got any ideas on how to get this thing freed up? Of course it had to happen when the weather is in the teens now.

 

[Joe Hickerson]

I've got a 2019 Max 26KL with the diff lock stuck in the engaged position. It happened yesterday when putting up driveway markers. I've tried moving the shaft with a pair of pliers, no luck. Sprayed the shaft and housing with penetrating oil in case it's rusted, still no luck. Anybody got any ideas on how to get this thing freed up? Of course it had to happen when the weather is in the teens now.

Hi Tim, I would make sure it is out of 4wd then drive forward and back a few times in a straight line. Maybe try forward/reverse quickly....may release the tension. Don't need tension 'ya know

 

[Tim in MN]

Hi Tim, I would make sure it is out of 4wd then drive forward and back a few times in a straight line. Maybe try forward/reverse quickly....may release the tension. Don't need tension 'ya know

Thanks Jo, I'll give it a try.

 

[s219]

If you can get the rear wheels off the ground it should completely alleviate any tension in the rear end. You could independently spin the wheels to help if needed.

 

[LittleBill21]

go up and down some hills, push in clutch a couple times, do some turns forward and reverse. you should be proud you got it in, what a pain in the ass.

 

[Tim in MN]

OK, tried all your suggestions, it's still stuck in the engaged position. When I had it jacked up I had a pair of pliers on the locking shaft and tried to move it while I was moving the rear tires back and forth, still locked. Probably going to have to take it in to get fixed, still under warranty, I'm assuming this will be covered under the powertrain, I hope.

 

[Rebeldad1]

What did the service manager say to do?

 

[George2615]

The diff lock stuck on my 2615 also. Had to use a pry bar under the pedal to raise it up and 2 cans of penetrating oil where the linkage goes thru the case. Had to do this many times raising the pedal and pushing it down to get it freed up. My main cause was lack of use and had never lubed that linkage before.

 

[Tim in MN]

Haven't talked to the service guys yet, calling them in the morning. But if it's the case like George2615 I'll keep up with the penetrating oil and see what happens. I hate working in the cold.

 

[LittleBill21]

so the shaft doesn't move at all? or it moves but stays engaged?