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Control of transfer case/rear axle differential lock, function - GF28.19-P-3050GZ

MODEL 164.1 with CODE (430) Offroad package up to Model Year 08/Modification Year 07 

MODEL 164.8 with CODE (430) Offroad package up to Model Year 08/Modification Year 07 

Fig 1: Identifying Transfer Case/Rear Axle Differential Lock Control Components
G10115982Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

The electronically controlled transfer case combines the "High/Low shift" and the center differential lock (interaxle differential lock). The transfer case is actuated and monitored by the transfer case control unit.

"High/Low shift" (on-road and offroad ratios) 

The transfer case is equipped with a planetary gear set which permits the driver to shift between the on-road ratio "High" and the offroad ratio "Low" while the vehicle is moving. The planetary gear set is located in the central differential module. The onroad ratio "High" is 1:1, the offroad gear ratio "Low" is 2.93:1.

The offroad ratio allows the driver to drive extremely slowly offroad or when pulling a trailer.

The transfer case control unit monitors and shifts the transfer case according to:

If all the shift conditions are satisfied, the transfer case control unit actuates the transfer case actuator motor and the ratio in the transfer case is changed.

Interaxle lock 

The engine torque is distributed 50:50 between the front and rear axles via a differential.

In order to ensure optimum torque distribution to each wheel in all driving situations, the transfer case is equipped with an electronic control system.

The transfer case control unit detects wheel slip and locks the differential by means of a multidisk clutch according to the driving situation.

The transfer case control unit calculates the optimum locking torque (pre-control) depending on the operating condition. In order to avoid oversteer and understeer under load, a suitable slip range for the multidisk clutch (interaxle differential lock) is calculated in addition to the optimum locking torque.

The interaxle differential lock is activated by the transfer case control unit via the transfer case switchover magnet and the transfer case actuator motor.

For this the transfer case control unit requires the following information:

Furthermore, the transfer case control unit takes into account requirements of the ABS and ESP systems in order to avoid negative influences on braking stability. To guarantee functionality, the interaxle differential lock is opened when required by the ABS and ESP systems.

For this purpose the following parameters are available to the transfer case control unit on the CAN data bus:

The lock overload protection guards the interaxle differential lock against damage and guarantees the maximum possible availability of the lock function.

Interwheel differential lock 

The electronically controlled differential lock (interwheel differential lock) in the rear axle gear is actuated and monitored by the rear axle differential lock control unit.

For the controlled distribution of the engine torque between the left and right rear wheels the rear axle differential lock control unit requires the following information, which is made available on the CAN data bus:

The rear axle differential lock control unit actuates the interwheel differential lock according to its input signals via the rear axle differential actuator motor.

Oil supply 

The oil is fed to the rear axle by an oil sump lubrication system.

Component description of transfer case control unit N15/7 GF28.19-P-3200GZ 
Transfer case absolute sensor, component description B57 GF28.19-P-3201GZ 
Transfer case actuator motor, component description M46/2 GF28.19-P-3202GZ 
transfer case switchover magnet, component description Y108 GF28.19-P-3203GZ 
Component description of rear axle differential lock control unit N15/9 GF28.19-P-3500GZ 
Rear axle differential actuator motor, component description M70 GF28.19-P-3501GZ 
Component description for the oil pump   GF28.55-P-1000GZ