Sponsored

Locking Rear Diff - physical button?

alrashid2

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 4, 2026
Threads
12
Messages
111
Reaction score
53
Location
PA
Vehicle(s)
2026 Ford Ranger XLT (2.7L V6)
Hey y'all. While waiting on my Ranger order to come in, just doing some research and had a question.

I read in the manual that the electronic locking rear diff can be turned on from both the touch screen and a physical button. However, every video I see online seems to only show people doing it through the screen.

For anyone with a 2026, does it have a physical button for this and if so where? I ordered an XLT so not sure if that matters. Thanks!
Sponsored

 

Bluestra1n

Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2025
Threads
4
Messages
20
Reaction score
31
Location
Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s)
2025 Ranger XLT 2.7
I think if you get an fx4, you have to use the screen, because where the locker button would be is now the big off-road button to the left of the the 4 wheel shifter. If you don’t get the fx4, but get the rear locker as an add-on, you get a physical locker button and not the off-road physical button. At least that’s how my 25 xlt is.
 

kkger

Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2025
Threads
0
Messages
14
Reaction score
31
Location
Usa
Vehicle(s)
25 ranger lariat
I think if you get an fx4, you have to use the screen, because where the locker button would be is now the big off-road button to the left of the the 4 wheel shifter. If you don’t get the fx4, but get the rear locker as an add-on, you get a physical locker button and not the off-road physical button. At least that’s how my 25 xlt is.

This is correct. I ordered a non fx4 with the locker and ended up buying a fx4. Button is only for non fx4s with the locking differential.
 

Jason B

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jason
Joined
Apr 27, 2023
Threads
1
Messages
1,185
Reaction score
1,263
Location
Louisiana
Vehicle(s)
2024 Ranger XLT FX4
Occupation
machinist
I think if you get an fx4, you have to use the screen, because where the locker button would be is now the big off-road button to the left of the the 4 wheel shifter. If you don’t get the fx4, but get the rear locker as an add-on, you get a physical locker button and not the off-road physical button. At least that’s how my 25 xlt is.
Yeah, that' how it is, which is kinda BS as there is an unused switch near the 4x4 selector, next to the terrain button.
 

purdyd

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2025
Threads
30
Messages
922
Reaction score
1,254
Location
california
Vehicle(s)
2025 Ford Ranger Lariat
This is correct. I ordered a non fx4 with the locker and ended up buying a fx4. Button is only for non fx4s with the locking differential.
id give up the useless park button for the locking differential button

some of the offroad modes lock the differential, locking rhe diff is something I give some thought about, and the off road screen is quick to access so I’m not finding this to be a real issue.
 

Sponsored
OP
OP
alrashid2

alrashid2

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 4, 2026
Threads
12
Messages
111
Reaction score
53
Location
PA
Vehicle(s)
2026 Ford Ranger XLT (2.7L V6)
Thanks all. I'm assuming an XLT without the Fx4 doesn't have this Off Road mode?

I went with XLT, no Fx4, and the locking rear diff for a few reasons. One, the truck was already expensive so wanted to save 1200 bucks. And as cool as skid plates are, I don't off road nearly enough to justify them, and I find they are very annoying to work around when working on the vehicle and spraying the underbody of salt post-winter.

To be honest, I'm glad I did this because I much prefer the actual button instead of solely the touch screen.

Thanks all!
 

purdyd

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2025
Threads
30
Messages
922
Reaction score
1,254
Location
california
Vehicle(s)
2025 Ford Ranger Lariat
Thanks all. I'm assuming an XLT without the Fx4 doesn't have this Off Road mode?

I went with XLT, no Fx4, and the locking rear diff for a few reasons. One, the truck was already expensive so wanted to save 1200 bucks. And as cool as skid plates are, I don't off road nearly enough to justify them, and I find they are very annoying to work around when working on the vehicle and spraying the underbody of salt post-winter.

To be honest, I'm glad I did this because I much prefer the actual button instead of solely the touch screen.

Thanks all!

the fx4 includes the locking differential So the difference is less about $800 and you get that sticker!

Includes: • FX4® Off-Road Box Decal • Electronic-Locking Rear Differential • Exposed Steel Bash Plate, Engine and Transfer Case Shield, and Fuel Tank Guard • Off-Road Screen in Center Display • Off-Road Tuned Shocks • FX4 Selectable Drive Modes: Mud/Ruts, Sand • Trail Control™

honestly it is not that big a deal, with the off road screen up you just touch the screen To lock the differential

the nice thing is it is up in your site line
Sponsored

 
 







Top