Front diff temp sensor

I just looked at ECGS website on the 16+ front diff page and you would have selected an option whether or not you had a temp sensor. ECGS is awesome and I really doubt they made a mixup as big as that.

 

interesting, i never noticed that.
I did all my communication with ECGS over phone/email because I wanted to make sure they knew this diff has only 800 miles on it so
a) I don't need to get new bearings
b) I don't want to get it swapped out with a 100k mile diff someone else shipped back as a core.

 

That's been my go-to as well, email. I've mailed my diffs to them on 3 separate occasions and had them mail them back with no issues getting mine back if that makes you feel any better.

I also did some digging around and there's very little info out there on these temp sensors. This was the first I've heard of it and there are only a couple of other mentions of it. I wonder if that means it's uncommon for a truck to have this sensor and Toyota decided it was unnecessary.

 

Check for the plug. The only reason I mention it is they may machine a batch of shallow half clamshells at a time for the ARB bulkhead and then keep them in stock. When the time comes they use a ready-to-go half for an install and throw the current one in the core bin for machining later. Just a guess but if they do it that way it'd be easy to grab a non-sensor equipped one by accident. Trying to eliminate all the variables to figure out if the sensor is or isn't standard equipment on 2016+.

 

With both Techstream and ScangaugeII, the PID shows -69 which must be its default state. It does not go up or down with other fluid temp changes. Maybe it becomes a monitored value when front diff is engaged.

 

No it reads constantly anytime the truck is on. Should be ambient and then elevate when driving. If it's not reporting a valid value it's not working or doesn't exist. What's your truck?

 

2020 OR. I haven't seen the temp move so its possible the sensor is not present or not monitored.

 

Starting to sound like it was axed for 2020.

 

Man, well thats a new observation. And makes sense with the separate trans cooler going the way of the dodo.

What, did they had to shave some cost to justify adding apple carplay or something....

I can certainly say that my 2017 OR had a value for all driving cycles.
(you can see it in the techstream data snapshots from the spreadsheet here
3rd Gen Traction Control Modes Explained | Page 7 | Tacoma World

 

Is it a concern from an overheating perspective? I know the front diff holds less fluid than rear; how toasty do the front ones get?

 

No not a concern. I suspect Toyota thought it could identify problems early using it but that's not really the case.

Diffs get hotter than you think. My front diff free spinning with the diff locked but ADD disengaged settles about 80-90 degF above ambient at highway speeds. That's nearly 200 degF on a hot summer day while totally unloaded. 250 degF isn't uncommon and a loaded or undersized diff will run upwards of that. 250 degF for extended periods is getting to extreme use.

I mentioned how I used my front diff temp in my install thread. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-arb-air-locker-diy-install-thread.692979/

Also ECGS has some info. https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/ft-2536-ecgs-gear-oil-recommendation.html

 

I read your writeup on the locker install and it was an awesome info you put out so kudos for that. When you take in the temp and sheer, it makes sense why the gear lube is such a heavy weight.

Banks has some cool videos on what goes on inside of the diff at speed and why cover design/shape also plays into it.

https://youtu.be/9-yG3D3JBRs

 

Why is the front diff temperature sensor needed? To prevent neglect from.lack of fluid or fluid change?

 

same as every other temp sensor on the truck, warn driver (ECUs) of potential issue. Oil, trans, diff, water, (EGT and cylinder head on diesel), probably a few others I’ve missed, none are 100% needed, but all give you advanced warning of problems. Only exception I can think of is water temp as it controls a few other circuits as well as warning you, but all you really need is thermostat to open in basic operations and that’s not electronic.

 

I have a 2020 TRD OR Auto in an Access Cab... When installing my gears and front clamshell from ECGS I unfortunately had an extra hole in the EGCS one and didn't have it in my factory 2020... After a panic moment and some research I found out it was for the temp sensor and was also the same thread pitch as an oil pan plug.. A quick trip to the auto parts store and I was back on track.

I contacted ECGS the next day and they had no idea some of the 2020's didn't have the temp sensor. I would have assumed that anyone ordering from them with a 2020 would have to clarify before they send you a front clamshell...


j

 

Left is my stock 2020 TRD OR Auto Access Cab - Right is the shell from ECGS with the temp sensor hole... I'm guessing an access cab thing...








My Fix - - I've got 13K on the gears now and no leaks... used Gasket Sealer as well...




j

 

Diff is back in the truck, can confirm, no harness for a temp sensor exists.

 

I contacted ECGS if they knew which years and trims had this sensor and unfortunately they still aren’t sure. All they know is some of them have them and some don’t.

 

@Jeff Lange

Can you clarify which models/yrs have the front different temp sensor and when they were apparently eliminated?

 

2016-2019 have the sensor.

If you need to plug it, I would suggest the following part numbers:

90341-14013 - Plug
90430-14011 - Gasket



Jeff