Abstract: A locking differential assembly (10) includes a differential case (12). A lock ring (40) is selectably engagable with a first side gear (18, 20) to selectably prevent the first side gear (18, 20) and a second side gear (18, 20) from rotating relative to the differential case (12). A plunger (30) is translatable along a plunger axis (55) through a bore (68) in the differential case (12). The plunger (30) is to be in contact with the lock ring (40) at least when the lock ring (40) is engaged with the first side gear (18, 20). A position of the plunger (30) relative to the differential case (12) along the plunger axis (55) is indicative of an engagement status of the lock ring (40). A non-contacting sensor is connected to the differential case (12) and located a fixed, predetermined distance from the differential case (12). The sensor is to detect a proximity of the plunger (30) to the sensor and to output an electrically detectable signal indicative of the engagement status of the lock ring (40).

Abstract: A locking differential assembly (10) includes a differential case (12). A lock ring (40) is selectably engagable with a first side gear (18, 20) to selectably prevent the first side gear (18, 20) and a second side gear (18, 20) from rotating relative to the differential case (12). A plunger (30) is translatable along a plunger axis (55) through a bore (68) in the differential case (12). The plunger (30) is to be in contact with the lock ring (40) at least when the lock ring (40) is engaged with the first side gear (18, 20). A position of the plunger (30) relative to the differential case (12) along the plunger axis (55) is indicative of an engagement status of the lock ring (40). A non-contacting sensor is connected to the differential case (12) and located a fixed, predetermined distance from the differential case (12). The sensor is to detect a proximity of the plunger (30) to the sensor and to output an electrically detectable signal indicative of the engagement status of the lock ring (40).