CDL light on dash not working… Potential fixes?

[BodhiBrodi]

New owner of a 100 series (2003). Picked it up knowing the center diff lock light didn’t come on, but it engages and works. Thought there was a 4Lo light, guess not. Took it to my local Toyota dealer for an old recall (2006, wtf) and asked them to look at why the dash light didn’t come on. They said it was the combo meter on the dash and quoted me $1271 (see pic for details).

Obviously, I’m not paying $1200 for a dash light, but want to know if the center diff is engaged. Toyota also left the diff engaged when I picked it up… So have two potential fixes:
1. Replace CDL switch on transfer case. Found a thread with a Napa part number. Seems like a good place to start and makes sense to me, but don’t know a ton about electronics and given what they said if it would be a potential fix.

2. Replace the physical switch with a switch that has a led light so I can see if it’s engaged on the switch itself. Anyone know if it’s a good old 12v switch and would THIS SWITCH plug and play if I either moved the switch location or dremeled out a hole?

Obviously starting with the transfer case switch would be ideal. Thoughts?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

You don't need to replace the whole cluster, you can just replace the bulb.

 

[BodhiBrodi]

You don't need to replace the whole cluster, you can just replace the bulb.

You think it is just the bulb? I read that like they tested it and the bulb worked fine, but the light still isn’t coming on. Pretty sure he told me it went the bulb. Makes me think it’s the switch in the transfer case.

 

[AARONTLC]

You think it is just the bulb? I read that like they tested it and the bulb worked fine, but the light still isn’t coming on. Pretty sure he told me it went the bulb. Makes me think it’s the switch in the transfer case.

Bulb.

 

[BodhiBrodi]

Bulb.

That would be the best news I’ve heard all day. Why the **** would they try to charge me $1200? That is wild.

 

[AARONTLC]

That would be the best news I’ve heard all day. Why the **** would they try to charge me $1200? That is wild.

Because they don’t know how to remove the cluster and no money to be made off a bulb? There are good YouTube videos on replacing bulbs in the cluster.

 

[BodhiBrodi]

Because they don’t know how to remove the cluster and no money to be made off a bulb? There are good YouTube videos on replacing bulbs in the cluster.

I’ve done the bulbs in my old 4Runner easy. Thanks!

 

[ODSTbee]

I’ve done the bulbs in my old 4Runner easy. Thanks!

My bulb was fine on a 237k mi LX. I did the switch on top the transfer case. If you have a ratchet that fits it just right, it might be easier than replacing a light in the dash.

I have a thread bookmarked somewhere for the CDL light switch. I can get you the exact listing on amazon too if you need it.

 

[Slap Back]

I had the same problem. My solution was to get underneath the vehicle, find the cdl switch on top of the transfer case, take it apart, clean it and put it back together. Bingo bango, problem solved for zero dollars. I was going to replace it. But when I took it apart, I found the electrical connection to be dirty/oily.
There are some threads that have pictures of its location.

K

Thread 'Center Differential Lock Transfer Indicator Switch Problem'

Jul 8, 2011

Just discovered I have this problem.

Found this web page that provides a good explanation/fix for the problem - Lexus LX470 (Toyota Landcruiser) 4WD Center Differential Lock Transfer Indicator Switch Problem

Anyone else ever had this problem, where the center differential locks, but the lights doesn't come on? And was the fix the same as this page describes?

• Kigiin
• Replies: 64
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

K

Thread 'Center Differential Lock Transfer Indicator Switch Problem'

Jul 8, 2011

Just discovered I have this problem.

Found this web page that provides a good explanation/fix for the problem - Lexus LX470 (Toyota Landcruiser) 4WD Center Differential Lock Transfer Indicator Switch Problem

Anyone else ever had this problem, where the center differential locks, but the lights doesn't come on? And was the fix the same as this page describes?

• Kigiin
• Replies: 64
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

 

[DFXR]

You think it is just the bulb? I read that like they tested it and the bulb worked fine, but the light still isn’t coming on. Pretty sure he told me it went the bulb. Makes me think it’s the switch in the transfer case.

My money is on the switch. I had the same issue at ~250K miles. CDL worked, but no dash light.

Not a big deal to swap it out. I used this one and now my dash light is working again:

Beck/Arnley 201-1788 Back-Up Switch​

It is true that the cluster bulbs are dirt cheap and not hard to change. But I think it's your switch.

 

[BodhiBrodi]

My bulb was fine on a 237k mi LX. I did the switch on top the transfer case. If you have a ratchet that fits it just right, it might be easier than replacing a light in the dash.

I have a thread bookmarked somewhere for the CDL light switch. I can get you the exact listing on amazon too if you need it.

My bulb was fine on a 237k mi LX. I did the switch on top the transfer case. If you have a ratchet that fits it just right, it might be easier than replacing a light in the dash.

I have a thread bookmarked somewhere for the CDL light switch. I can get you the exact listing on amazon too if you need it.

Ordered LED bulbs for the dash, which was on my list away. Will start there, then move to the switch if not fixed. I have a feeling it’s the switch though. Thank you!