Center Locking Diff not engaging

[timkeq]

I bought a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser with 190K miles for $3,700. Runs good, no front or rear lockers, great tires, getting around 14mpg average, but it has some issues.

When I put it into low gear, the light that should show that the center locking differential is now locked doesn't engage. Also, when I put it into neutral (between high gear and low gear), no lights show up on the dash either (not sure if any are supposed to). So does this mean my center locking differential isn't working AND the car isn't in low gear?

The car also burns through a quart of oil every 600 miles. I don't see any oil drips on the floor where the car is regularly parked, but I do see oil on the engine block (near where you add oil). Maybe a gasket is in order? I tightened the bolts thinking maybe that would help, but I don't think it is doing anything.

Finally, the check engine light is on. The code readers says it is possibly an EGR valve (which I presume just needs to be cleaned and the gasket replaced). Problem is, I can't take the flare nut off (the one that attaches the EGR valve to the exhaust). I've been told that since it's part of the exhaust, it is essentially heated on and I won't be able to take it off (a professional will have to do it). Liquid Wrench didn't help.

Any ideas? My main concern is the center locking differential.

 

[akarilo]

Get the dash mounted CDL activation switch, it seems to work every time. You can also use the hazzard switch in place of it and see if it accomplishes your mission.

 

[timkeq]

What do you mean "use the hazard switch in place of it?"

 

[ppc]

Switching to low range is a pure mechanical process. The indicators and center differiential lock are a total different story being part mechanical and electrical. There are to many to permutations to describe here for Neutral, ABS, Center Lock indicators. Even if you don't have front and rear locking diffs you can still gain knowledge on it all works by looking through the FAQ or many threads you can find by searching on things like Pin 7 Mod, Lockers, Center Diff Lock.

One last point is that you may have to drive around a bit for the Center Diff to lock and the indicator to turn on. Double that if your truck was a mall cruiser and not shifted into low frequently.

 

[mercfan]

Ok - there's obviously lots of threads on the topic if you search, but have a look at my thread on the same troubleshooting process that I recently went through:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/472546-please-confirm-transfer-indicator-switch-me.html

Finally there is these write ups that will help you. Try the Slee one first - it worked for me. Basically you need to get under the truck and have an assistant shift the Hi/Low lever so you can locate the mechanical switch that gets activated. Find the plug next to it, disconnect it and use paper clip to short the terminals (make sure you've got the right plug!). This simulates the proper closing of the mechanical switch. With the paper clip in place the lights should illuminate properly - if they do then you need to work on the switch (get it unstuck) - I worked mine back and forth using the Hi/Lo lever until it started working on its own - took about 20 shifts to get it:

Slee - Fixing a Center Diff Lock Indicator (Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser)

Troubleshooting the Toyota FJ80 Land Cruiser Center Diff Lock (CDL) | Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures

Good luck -
James

 

[TexasJack]

I have had the same problem and I read all the threads on this issue. Strangely enough, I can get it to work by simply getting the truck off road. The bouncing around seems to help it engage. Putting it in reverse seems to work also. Try this before you try to get up under the truck and remove the switch. You can always follow the threads above if it doesn't work.

 

[Dave 2000]

You have to remember that to engage the centre diff lock that unless your diff teeth happent to be in alignment you may need to have some turn the steering right to left to allow the the front/rear wheels to rotate at different speeds and allow the diff to engage.

regards

Dave

 

[lomar]

hey guys , i have a landcruiser 80 u.s and its come with no cdl switch so i plug 1 and its dosnt work , i hear the machine work and all lights on the dash is working on and of cdl but in fact it dosnt ,can any 1 help plz ?

 

[robertk61]

lomar, this is probably what's wrong:

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/technical/tz_centerdiff.htm

 

[hh4whiskey]

Back from the dead....for my 95.

Paper clip gets abs and center dif lights on dash going, so I replaced switch on t-case. Then, nothing. Dif is not engaging. Have driven all over in all sorts of surfaces and turns and in and out of low....no dif engaging that I can tell. Could trans relay in kick panel be bad? Would seem unlikely, but what next? Thanks

 

[Tools R Us]

CDL Actuator Fun

 

[ZackR]

Once you get it working be sure to "exercise" it on a dirt road monthly. I lapsed in doing so on mine recently and it was slow to light up on the dash (took about a mile of dirt road, several minutes). After using it off and on a few more times it clicks right on.

 

[Tools R Us]

Once you get it working be sure to "exercise" it on a dirt road monthly. I lapsed in doing so on mine recently and it was slow to light up on the dash (took about a mile of dirt road, several minutes). After using it off and on a few more times it clicks right on.

Or, could go wheeling occasionally?

 

[ZackR]

Or, could go wheeling occasionally?

True.... most of my off road recently has been exploring forest service roads so the CDL isn't necessary but it a good opportunity to exercise it. Once the snow starts accumulating on those roads it'll be a different story.

 

[hh4whiskey]

Or, could go wheeling occasionally?

Since I bought it 2wks back, it’s seen more wheeling than it’s last 23 years.....just in my back 40.

 

[hh4whiskey]

The issue is getting stuff unstuck/fixed to begin with.