Rear Axle Differential Lock

The rear axle differential on all-wheel-drive vehicles is equipped with a speed-dependent differential lock. The lock allows both rear wheels to rotate at the same speed, that is, it prevents one individual wheel from spinning freely.

The lock is designed to increase wheel traction if the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud, therefore it is automatically disengaged at speeds above 25 km/h.

With the vehicle stationary, the differential lock is engaged by the switch on the center console. The actuator is the control unit located under the rear seat, which releases the vacuum line leading to the lock or, at speeds above 25 km/h, closes it. Vacuum comes from the engine intake manifold.

Also located under the rear seat are all-wheel-drive components, for example the differential lock control unit (1) and the acceleration switch (2) for the anti-lock braking system, which is installed only on all-wheel-drive vehicles.