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I have a 2014 with the e-diff that I’ve put 127k on. I just started getting the “rear axle system off” warning. I took it to the dealer because I don’t have the tool to properly bleed the hydraulic system. Turns out the dealership didn’t either. While waiting they claim they found an internal leak in the system. I did some engineering in the military and I’m confused how they were able to find an internal leak without draining the system. I know they didn’t cause the advisor said i could come get the car if I wanted to take it somewhere else after I started asking questions cause I don’t feel like paying $5k for the diff. Not saying it’s impossible to have an internal leak just don’t know how they found it.
I have a 2014 with the e-diff that I’ve put 127k on. I just started getting the “rear axle system off” warning. I took it to the dealer because I don’t have the tool to properly bleed the hydraulic system. Turns out the dealership didn’t either. While waiting they claim they found an internal leak in the system. I did some engineering in the military and I’m confused how they were able to find an internal leak without draining the system. I know they didn’t cause the advisor said i could come get the car if I wanted to take it somewhere else after I started asking questions cause I don’t feel like paying $5k for the diff. Not saying it’s impossible to have an internal leak just don’t know how they found it.
Has anyone else had a similar issue?
What codes were you seeing? Why do you think the clutch hydraulic circuit needs bleeding? That is where you should be starting. Besides a GM MDI2 scan tool that is used on all GM vehicles the only other tool the needed to bleed the clutch hydraulic circuit is this pipe connector:
DT-51381 ELSD Coupler Release Tool
The air must be bled from the Electronic Limited Slip Differential whenever a component is separated or there is a performance issue. A scan tool operates the ELSD pump motor, but the air bleed must be verified, and the hose connections will not allow fluid to pass unless connected to a mating fitting. DT-51381 allows the pressure hose from the pump to the RDM to pass fluid into an approved container, while the ELSD pump operates to purge air from the system. DT-51381 attaches to the RDM end of the pressure hose, and the pump is run per the published bleeding procedure to verify fluid flow and air purge.
This should have been included in the required tools package the dealer received from GM. If they didn't have it they should be able to borrow it from GM.
What codes were you seeing? Why do you think the clutch hydraulic circuit needs bleeding? That is where you should be starting. Besides a GM MDI2 scan tool that is used on all GM vehicles the only other tool the needed to bleed the clutch hydraulic circuit is this pipe connector:
DT-51381 ELSD Coupler Release Tool
The air must be bled from the Electronic Limited Slip Differential whenever a component is separated or there is a performance issue. A scan tool operates the ELSD pump motor, but the air bleed must be verified, and the hose connections will not allow fluid to pass unless connected to a mating fitting. DT-51381 allows the pressure hose from the pump to the RDM to pass fluid into an approved container, while the ELSD pump operates to purge air from the system. DT-51381 attaches to the RDM end of the pressure hose, and the pump is run per the published bleeding procedure to verify fluid flow and air purge.
This should have been included in the required tools package the dealer received from GM. If they didn't have it they should be able to borrow it from GM.
Bill
the only reason I think it’s that system is I just had the differential oil changed. I don’t remember the specific code but it was just a generic p code.
The only other time I had this warning was 2019 when I took my car to get differential service and then had to drive 500 miles with that code because I was on orders until i could get home and take it to another dealer that said they used the wrong fluid and didn’t bleed it properly. This was back before I knew there were two systems so idk what system they filled with what fluid.
as far as the tools. I’m just saying what I was told. I was told they were having trouble getting it from GM and last I checked they didn’t have it.
I've been looking for that tool for a while now, but I haven't found any. Let's hope no one needs to build their hydraulic fluid in the eLSD anytime soon. I had the fluid replaced and bled a few years ago, and I got that warning too, but after a DTC reset it went away until the alternator went bad and it was overcharging. Pull the DTCs and we can see what the cause might be.
Anyone know how to release the hose connections? I have a hose that's leaking and I want to make sure I understand how it comes apart before doing anything. The pic below is after I wiped the gunk off. It was covered. The axle boot is bone dry, so it's not axle grease.
eLSD issue
