Front Axle Disconnect Actuator

The front axle disconnect actuator is a disconnect unit located on the front left half shaft. Equipped with an electromagnetic coil, the front axle disconnect actuator moves an armature cam and clutch ring to engage the half shaft to the front drive axle output. A latching mechanism holds the clutch ring in the connected or disconnected position. The front axle disconnect actuator requires intermediate shaft rotation (vehicle movement) to engage/disengage.

The AWD module will the front axle disconnect actuator into the connected state when:

• AWD is anticipated.

• a wheel slip event is detected.

• in temperatures below 3° C (37 °F).

• when Slippery/wet and Deep Snow and Sand drive mode is selected.

• when windshield wipers are on high speed.

Sequence of events: 

• Request

• Energize

• Shift

• Latch

• De-energize

The latching mechanism allows the coil to be de-energized after the shift.