The present invention relates to an electronically actuated locking differential, a differential gear mechanism including a first output gear (25), and a cam and ramp actuator (55) including first (59) and second (63) actuating plates, relative rotation of which results in axial movement of said first plate (59) toward said first output gear (25). The mechanism includes an electromagnetic actuator (57) operable to cause rotation of the second actuating plate (63), relative to a gear case (11). Both actuating plates (59, 63) are disposed external to an end wall (53) of the gear case, the first actuating plate (59) having a plurality of actuation members (85) extending axially through openings (81) in the end wall. A locking plate (41) is disposed adjacent the first output gear (25), and is fixed to be non-rotatable relative to the gear case, but axially moveable therein. The output gear (25) defines an array of teeth (39) and the locking plate (41) defines a plurality of recesses (43), adapted to receive the teeth, and lock the locking plate (41) relative to the output gear whenever the cam and ramp actuator (55) and the actuation members (85) move the locking plate to a locked position (figure 4). |