DIFFERENTIALS

To create the differential and axle assemblies in its new 2016 TITAN XD, Nissan turned to American Axle Manufacturing (AAM), a notable supplier of heavy-duty driveline components that have been used in the lineup of Nissan Commercial vehicles. American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. front and rear differentials help enable the hauling and towing capabilities of the TITAN XD Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine. The front axle features a 9.5-inch differential while a 10.5-inch unit handles the duties out back. There is an electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) standard on the 2016 TITAN PRO-4X.

Front Final Drive Cross-Sectional View
Rear Final Drive Cross-Sectional View
Specifications 2016 TITAN XD Front Final Drive
Rear Final Drive – with and without E-Lock
E-Lock: The 2016 TITAN XD Electronic Locking Rear Differential System

The TITAN XD PRO 4X features an electronic locking rear differential system designed to keep the vehicle from getting stuck. Drivers can activate this system via the control switch on the instrument panel.

Use E-Lock for added traction if the vehicle is stuck or in the process of becoming stuck. To apply the E-Lock:

Once engaged, if any malfunction is detected within the locking differential system, the lock will automatically deactivate.

E-Lock System Components

The differential lock system consists of the following components:

Rear Final Drive with E-Lock Cross-Sectional View
E-Lock System Diagram
E-Lock Wiring Diagram
How E-Lock Works

When the driver employs the differential lock mode switch, it sends an electronic signal to the differential locking control unit. This unit measures vehicle speed and VDC operation via the ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit), respectively. It also monitors the 4WD shift switch via the transfer control unit.

If the differential lock control unit determines that conditions are met, the differential locking control unit sends power and ground to the differential lock solenoid via the differential lock solenoid relay. This actuates the solenoid which moves the pressure plate against the cam ring. The cam ring and side gear engage, locking the differential. The differential lock control unit activates the DIFF LOCK indicator lamp via CAN communication. By reversing polarity at the differential lock control unit, the differential lock solenoid moves the pressure plate away from the cam ring to unlock the differential.

Right Place, Right Time

NOTE: The E-Lock system can provide additional traction and should only be used when a vehicle has become or is becoming stuck.

E-Lock Indicator Light

The E-Lock indicator light will flash until the system is fully engaged. Once the system is engaged, the light will become steady. If conditions are not correct for E-Lock activation, the light will continue to flash until conditions are met or until the system is turned OFF. The indicator lamp can illuminate at any time as long as the ignition switch is in the ON or START position.

NOTE: The differential lock standby condition is the time when the differential lock mode switch is in the LOCK position and the differential is unlocked.

Greasing the Gears – Differential Maintenance

The 2016 TITAN XD front and rear differentials use Nissan Hypoid Super-CT Synthetic GL-5 75W-90 Differential Oil.

  • The front differential takes 3.25 pt (1.51L)
  • The rear differential takes 5.5 pt (2.6L)

Inspect the differentials every 12 months or 10,000 miles (16,0000 km) whichever comes first. If the vehicle is used in dusty conditions, more frequent inspection and maintenance may be necessary. If a vehicle is often used for towing or driven on rough roads, the differential oil should be drained and replaced every 24 months or 20,000 miles (32,000 km), (whichever occurs first).

Checking the Gear Oil Level
To check the level of available gear oil, turn the engine OFF. Next, remove the filler plug and place your finger in the filler plug hole. Gear oil should be level with the bottom of the filler plug hole.

Draining the Gear Oil
To replace the gear oil, remove the drain plug and let the gear oil drain out of the assembly. When gear oil starts to drip, install a new gasket on the drain plug and replace it on the final drive assembly. Tighten to the recommended torque level. Do not reuse the drain plug gasket.

Refilling the Gear Oil
Once the gear oil has been drained, pour the specified amount into the differential through the filler plug hole. Once it is refilled, place a new gasket on the filler plug and reinstall the plug on the final drive assembly. As with the drain plug, do not reuse the filler plug gasket.

Was this article helpful? We value your opinion! Email us at TechTalk@nissan-usa.com.