Center Diff in a 2007 LX

[Cfbrenton1]

This is my fourth LX. In all of the others, when I go into four-wheel low, the center diff automatically engages and the light goes on. Last night, I was messing around with different settings in the snow and noticed that in 4-Low, the center diff does not automatically engage. It is supposed to, right?

On a side note, even though it did not automatically engage, I could still turn it on and off with the switch, which I actually prefer.

I am wondering though, if something is wrong with the system?

Thanks!

 

[TXLX100]

This is my fourth LX. In all of the others, when I go into four-wheel low, the center diff automatically engages and the light goes on. Last night, I was messing around with different settings in the snow and noticed that in 4-Low, the center diff does not automatically engage. It is supposed to, right?

On a side note, even though it did not automatically engage, I could still turn it on and off with the switch, which I actually prefer.

I am wondering though, if something is wrong with the system?

Thanks!

The center differential lock is independent of 4 wheel Hi & Lo and can be used (or not) in either gear mode. Maybe your other LX's were broke

I may be wrong, the 1998 owners manual has some wording to indicate the CDL may engage automatically in Low. I'll go check mine and report back.

Update: I can't say on mine, I think my CDL light is out or it's not engaging in Hi or Lo. Does anyone know if the CDL light comes on the cluster when turning on ACC before starting?

 

[arbetrader]

My understanding is that in the 1998-1999 models the center diff automatically locks when in low range, mandating (at least in my mind) the need for the pin 7 modification. In the 2000+ models the center diff does not automatically engage and must be manually engaged. This is a far better setup anyway, especially if you do a low of towing, boat launching, or 4x4ing in tight trails etc. For those in 98-99 models it's a super easy mod, especially because the center diff button is already there.

 

[Prado]

This is how my '06 UZJ100 works as well...CDL is independent of whether I'm in Hi or Lo range but can be switched on or off in either mode.

I vaguely recall reading something on here that indicated that there was a change in how the CDL worked for trucks built after a certain model year so that in earlier model years the CDL automatically locked when in Lo but later model years behaved as ours do.

Cheers!

 

[CappyKD]

That's how my 01 LX works. Only when you press the center diff switch while in low, the CDL light comes on as well as the VSC off / ABS lights. Shifting from Hi to Low does not engage the center diff lock.

 

[Wilsil]

That's how my 01 LX works. Only when you press the center diff switch while in low, the CDL light comes on as well as the VSC off / ABS lights. Shifting from Hi to Low does not engage the center diff lock.

That was how mine worked, until a few weeks ago.
Now I can't engage the CDL (no light comes on) and when changing to Low, no VSC off etc comes on.
There must be something wrong.

 

[CappyKD]

That was how mine worked, until a few weeks ago.
Now I can't engage the CDL (no light comes on) and when changing to Low, no VSC off etc comes on.
There must be something wrong.

Agreed, hope you get it sorted out. Hookup your tech stream and check for codes.

 

[Wilsil]

No codes ans still no light.
However I noticed yesterday night when looking for the CDL engage button, I couldn't find it.
Does this button normally have a back light when the head lights are on?
Mine doesn't (anymore?) therefore I couldn't find it in the dark. That might be part of the problem?

 

[CappyKD]

Don't think mine is backlit. I will take a look later when it is dark.

 

[CappyKD]

Don't think mine is backlit. I will take a look later when it is dark.

Nope, mine is not backlit.

 

[Wilsil]

Thanks.
I need to crawl under th ecar and see if I can find the switches and have someone in the car push the button to hear if the actuator is running.