Cdl

[high4runner]

when pressing the CDL button my light doesnt allways come on the dash...earlier this morning when it happened (in my driveway not moving) i also put it in 4low and the light still didnt come on...so i took it for a drive to get pizza for the kids and i played with the button on and off for a few miles then said "f it"...comming home from pizza i presss the button and the light came on...pressed it a few times..on and off it went just like nothing was wrong...pulling in my drive way i could deffinetly feel the 4wheel was engaged...is this normal or should the dash light come on immediately when CDL button is pressed??

 

[Ross IV]

yes the light should come on but if it engages whats the diff? is it not always engaging?

 

[Romer]

Lots of times you have to drive a bit to engage or dis-engage. Abit to me is less than 100 feet

 

[firetruck41]

It is not a good idea to lock the CDL on a high traction surface such as dry pavement, probably not a big deal, but I would not do it regularly as you introduce alot of driveline binding. The light will come on once the cdl is actually locked, which can take a little while until things "line up" to allow it to engage.

 

[high4runner]

i dunno if its engaging or not with the light off...it didnt feel like the front tires were grabbing at the time the light wasnt on and the CDL button was pressed

 

[Hants]

Find a gravel parking lot and do some testing. Press the button and drive in a figure 8. Once the light comes on solid, you will probably notice that your turning radius is larger. I haven't heard of anyone having the light on solid, but NOT being locked.

Once the center is locked, the Rear & Front axles are lockable (if you have lockers). Keep driving 8's with each and feel the difference.

Check the FAQ for the "Pin 7 Mod" -- corrects the transmission shift points.

 

[CJBury]

The first time I took my truck wheeling after I bought it I had trouble engaging the center dif. I had to drive atleast a 100 yrds back and forth to get it to engage. After locking it and unlocking it several times during the day it would eventually lock at will. I chalked it up to many years of inactivity.
Chris

 

[high4runner]

thats what im thinkin here....ever since i drove it down the road and it engaged....it engages no problem now..

 

[FrankTorres]

Check the CDL switch it could be sticking.
There is a CDL indicator switch on the front extension housing of the transfer case.
Two wires going to it white / black stripe and yellow / black stripe.
Remove and cycle the switch could help. It helped in my case.

On mine I unplug the connectors and jump the wires going to the switch, to see if my light was working properly.

good luck