Center diff still light out. Changed out switch on transfer case

[imperium]

Hey all

Have an '04 LC and the center diff light on the dashboard does not illuminate when the diff is locked. I know the diff locks because I can hear and feel it actuating, but the light will not come on on the dash. I've gone through some threads and it seems unlikely that the bulb is out, but I'm wondering what else it could be?

I changed out the center diff lock/transfer case switch from this thread today and no dice. The diff lock still actuates, but still no light on the dash.

I'll also throw in there that the diff does not lock automatically when I put it in low range and the VSC off light does not illuminate when the diff is locked or when I switch to low range. Also from my reading into this, the diff lock light is not supposed to illuminate when you turn the key to accessory mode. Every other light on the dash does except this one.

There was someone in that thread that drove around in figure 8s for a few minutes until their light came on, so maybe I'll give that a shot tomorrow if I can find somewhere to do it.

 

[medtro]

Did you test the switch?

 

[imperium]

Did you test the switch?

I did not test the switch itself before installing it. I figured the chances of being sent a dud were low, though it is possible.

How would I go about testing it? Applying voltage? If so, unfortunately for me I don't have any equipment for that.

 

[take123]

I haven't tested my switch yet that I bought. But I think maybe it'll be a simple switch design (i.e. when the circle thing is pressed in, the two electrical contacts will create a Short, and when it's not pressed in it'll be an open circuit. A simple Voltmeter has a beepy function for that.

 

[medtro]

I did not test the switch itself before installing it. I figured the chances of being sent a dud were low, though it is possible.

How would I go about testing it? Applying voltage? If so, unfortunately for me I don't have any equipment for that.

You could test your old switch .

 

[imperium]

You could test your old switch .

Agreed that would be a place to start. Thankfully I didn't toss it. Do you know if pressing it creates a short like take123 mentioned above?

 

[medtro]

Agreed that would be a place to start. Thankfully I didn't toss it. Do you know if pressing it creates a short like take123 mentioned above?

No, I don't. There are 2 positions, one of them has to be a short.

 

[medtro]

Have an '04 LC and the center diff light on the dashboard does not illuminate when the diff is locked. I know the diff locks because I can hear and feel it actuating, but the light will not come on on the dash.

Are you sure it is locked? Any change in driving behavior?

There was someone in that thread that drove around in figure 8s for a few minutes until their light came on, so maybe I'll give that a shot tomorrow if I can find somewhere to do it.

No benefit in doing this if your diff is locked already.

 

[imperium]

Are you sure it is locked? Any change in driving behavior?

100% sure. I've tried it in a gravel driveway and very briefly in a parking lot. I can hear the relay click and the diff lock engage under the car. Also the steering gets heavier.

 

[take123]

I recall there are three switches, on the transfer case. The one that was mention to replace in articles around ih8mud is the one that is at 11o'clock when looking from the front of the car at the transfer case. Was wondering which one you replaced?

 

[medtro]

100% sure. I've tried it in a gravel driveway and very briefly in a parking lot. I can hear the relay click and the diff lock engage under the car. Also the steering gets heavier.

In that case, disconnect electrical connector to the switch, and use a paperclip or jumper to short the 2 wires on the connector (harness) side. Center diff lock light should be illuminated with diff locked. Replace the switch if diff lock light is illuminated.

 

[imperium]

I recall there are three switches, on the transfer case. The one that was mention to replace in articles around ih8mud is the one that is at 11o'clock when looking from the front of the car at the transfer case. Was wondering which one you replaced?

The one you're describing is the one I replaced. But now thinking I might need to replace the others if the switch I did replace is actually good.

In that case, disconnect electrical connector to the switch, and use a paperclip or jumper to short the 2 wires on the connector (harness) side. Center diff lock light should be illuminated with diff locked. Replace the switch if diff lock light is illuminated.

Will give that a shot. Heading out of town for work for the week but will try as soon as I'm back. Want to get this working!

Thanks for the advice.

 

[imperium]

Figured I'd close the loop on this. Got the CDL light to come on by doing absolutely nothing. It fell down on the list of priorities to get it fixed and since the CDL worked, I was just remembering that it was engaged when I was on the trail.
Went wheeling yesterday and about 10 mins after engaging it, the CDL light faded on. It now comes on whenever the diff is locked.

 

[take123]

I think the switch might have been stuck to make electrical contact. So once you start using it it can cause it to work again. My recommendation is if you have buttons and features on the car you need to occasionally activate them. Or else it will age.

 

[imperium]

I think the switch might have been stuck to make electrical contact. So once you start using it it can cause it to work again. My recommendation is if you have buttons and features on the car you need to occasionally activate them. Or else it will age.

I think you're right. It had probably been a while since the CDL was engaged before I bought it, and I believe the 7 pin mod (or whatever the 100 series equivalent is) has been done so whenever I go into low range the CDL doesn't lock automatically. So even if/when the PO had gone into low range, that doesn't mean the CDL was locked.