2013 lc200 Centre Diff light flashes

[NrBarker]

Hi,
I need help. I was sitting in my GXL waiting for the misses when I bumped the CDL button. The light began to flash and i cannot find how to turn it off. The result is that I cannot get low range and nor will the cruise controll work.

I read the manual and their suggestions don’t work so I think there is a fault.
I have:-
Turned it off for 30 mins
tried holding the cdl button for 5 seconds
disonnected the batteries for 5 mins
driven forward and back

i just cannot get it to turn off or get Lo range.

any ideas?

 

[radman]

It's a common issue. Have you had any recent changes in weather? Cooler or wetter than usual?

Try driving 10-15 minutes, then restart the rig. That usually gets everything warmed up and back to normal for me.

 

[NrBarker]

Yes we’ve gone from Brisbane to Lightning Ridge. Tried a few runs but it’s still flashing.

 

[nwfl4runner]

It’s likely a stuck actuator. Run the truck for a while, like 45 minutes of driving. You want to heat everything up nice and good. Then while it’s hot, disconnect battery and reconnect, then toggle the CDL. That should allow it to engage and disengage.

 

[Yossarian]

@NrBarker , do a quick search and you will see this is/has been happening with more frequency. The electronic selection of 4 hi/lo and CDL uses an electronic actuator on the back of the transmission/transfer case assembly. With disuse it can stick, and you get the flashing light you've observed.

Talking with a Toyota tech, he said all of the trucks using electronic engagement are exhibiting this behavior, LC's, Tundra's, 4-Runner's, etc. The dealer fix calls for removal of at least the transfer case and a $3k repair bill.

Mine did the same as you stated this summer, and luckily it went away on it's own. HTH.

 

[bloc]

And when you get it working be sure to exercise it periodically to keep it functional.

I’m not sure what transfer case fluid your truck calls for down there but up here some people have had this issue come up when switching from the factory straight 75w fluid to the more common and much more cheap 75w-90. This isn’t an absolute at all, but has happened enough it might be worth looking into.

 

[TeCKis300]

This thread may give more insight as to the root issue. Since repairing my actuators, it's brought it back to 100% reliable working condition. Nothing more frustrating than having a 4x4 and not being able to lock or use low range when needed.

Transfer Case Tuneup and Fix

Transfer case actuator issues are not uncommon on the 200-series. Not much documented solutions other than exercising the mechanisms regularly. Here's my attempt to provide more information on where and what the actuator is, how to service the transfer case actuator motor, and potentially...

forum.ih8mud.com

@NrBarker , do a quick search and you will see this is/has been happening with more frequency. The electronic selection of 4 hi/lo and CDL uses an electronic actuator on the back of the transmission/transfer case assembly. With disuse it can stick, and you get the flashing light you've observed.

Talking with a Toyota tech, he said all of the trucks using electronic engagement are exhibiting this behavior, LC's, Tundra's, 4-Runner's, etc. The dealer fix calls for removal of at least the transfer case and a $3k repair bill.

Mine did the same as you stated this summer, and luckily it went away on it's own. HTH.

Unfortunately true. Once the symptoms start, they won't fully go away until the actuation assembly is R&R'd. Regular use will only do so much. Too bad because this will become an Achilles heal for this generation of Toyota 4x4s.

 

[NrBarker]

Ok it’s fixed itself. I took it for a drive ove rough road for 20 mins. Then refueled with diesel. When went to go again the light was out. Beauty.
I’m not in an area with any Toyota dealers so I’ll wait till I get home again.

 

[grinchy]

Mine CDL is now ‘flashing’ on 100% of cold starts. It’s not for lack of use. Will probably have to rebuild this winter.
Usually I drive until the coolant temp is at it’s normal level (5min or so) and turn on off at a stoplight. Usually this will resolve the issue.
However, I think a good old mechanical linkage would be better. The solenoid/actuator was replaced about 40k miles ago by previous owner.

 

[Sandroad]

Mine CDL is now ‘flashing’ on 100% of cold starts. It’s not for lack of use. Will probably have to rebuild this winter.
Usually I drive until the coolant temp is at it’s normal level (5min or so) and turn on off at a stoplight. Usually this will resolve the issue.
However, I think a good old mechanical linkage would be better. The solenoid/actuator was replaced about 40k miles ago by previous owner.

I wonder if it’s an actuator problem in your case? There seems to be a known gremlin that causes CDL light flashing on cold start even when the actuator is not attempting the H/L change.

Flashing Center Diff Lock Light 200 Series

Hello Mudders, I need your help again. Did some research and did not get any solutions. My center differential light keeps on flashing no matter what I do. Here's my description on how it happens: When starting engine cold from sitting overnight, it would right away be flashing the minute the...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Yossarian]

Too bad because this will become an Achilles heal for this generation of Toyota 4x4s.

Exactly.

 

[LexCruiser08]

My 08 was having this issue when I first got it. I changed the transfer case fluid to fresh 75w-90 (Mobil 1 with Limited Slip additive) and after a few hundred miles of driving the issue went away. My CDL engages perfectly fine now. I would try a fluid change and see if that helps.

 

[grinchy]

Running the specified for my year 75-90 in amsoil severe. cdl gets used, was sticky earlier in spring, lately fine, I’m just suffering whatever startup sensor check is done, which I’m reasonably sure is due to poor contacts at the actuator.

 

[SQRRRL]

I had my CDL light turning on with no warning. It ended up being a low battery from the rear cargo LED light. Turned it off and issue went away.
I also started engaging 4x4 & CDL weekly. Everything works perfect.