CDL not engaging

AuburnFJsexy · 01-20-09, 08:07 AM

Sorry if this is already a thread, I am not a master searcher. This past weekend I went wheeling and found out my CDL does not engage when I put the truck in LOW. Does anyone have any little things to check first, before I end up taking it into a shop (Atlanta Custom Creations) ? This is my first 80 and I have only owned it since Oct. so i do not know too much about how this CDL and VC work. All suggestions will be helpful. Thanks!

Nick

MikePL · 01-20-09, 08:13 AM

It is very probable that the actuator is slightly seized from not being used. The best first aid is to put the truck in N, engine off but key switched to ON. Move the transfer case lever back and forth every two seconds. You will have to repeat this procedure 50-200 times and it should start to work. Mine started after 70 tries (and is working perfectly ever since) but a friends CDL worked after a couple hundred moves and a sore hand. It's easier if you have the CDL switch.

If this doesn't help then you will have to take the CDL actuator apart and clean and lube it.

retrofive · 01-20-09, 08:26 AM

Im going through same issue. There are a lot of articles on this forum and this is article prettty much breaks down the whole system. Ive trace mine backed to some electrical issue between the CDL switch and transmission relay.

CDL Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting the Toyota FJ80 Land Cruiser Center Diff Lock (CDL) | Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures

Good luck!

AfricanToy · 01-22-09, 11:04 PM

same as above

AuburnFJsexy · 01-26-09, 12:33 PM

I moved the hazard switch down to use as a make shift CDL switch and worked the center diff for about 20 min. then it came on and wouldnt go off. So after another 20 min. of working the center diff it finally works like a champ. Thanks guys that posted and a special thanks to Land Speeder.

retrofive · 01-26-09, 12:49 PM

Cool, Glad you gots your working, I tried the haz and ECT button, but still no luck. I did get a flicker on CDL light in the dash yesterday showing a friend of mine my problem. Gives me some hope and more teasing.

akarilo · 01-27-09, 08:13 AM

I've had 2 different 80's that wouldn't engage with the shift lever, but engaged everytime with the CDL switch. I just said hell with it and use the switch everytime (high or low). Makes me wonder about the design of the switch that is actuated by the t-case lever

.

Cruiser Man · 01-27-09, 02:16 PM

There is a possibility that the 4 lo switch on the tranfer case is not working properly or it could be unplugged by PO if it had the CDL switch installed to allow unlock in low range. If this is the case you need to plug switch back up and do PIN 7 mod as long as you have the CDL switch in the dash. This will allow lock or unlock in high and low range at your discretion as well as get the proper shift points back in low range. There is also another switch called the transfer indicator switch that could be the culprit for no lock when shifted to low range.