Diff Lock Indicator flashing when truck started and while driving (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter LCHardriver_02
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- Thread starter
- #22
I felt it would be best to update this thread, as I have dropped the vehicle off at the dealer due to the "continuous intermittent" problem of the flashing center diff lock indicator.
So yesterday, the light came on upon start up. I have noted that it only comes on during start up and the continues to flash continuously until the engine is shutoff. Whether or not it comes back upon the next start up seems to be based upon a druid's prayer somewhere in the eastern UK, while waiting upon his mother's father's great aunt's cousin's brother's uncle to show up.
Well, yesterday was the day... so I stopped off at the dealer to show them the indication and get them to troubleshoot the problem. They did see the indication, noted that the vehicle would NOT shift between 4H and 4Lo, would not engage the center diff lock, and that the VSC and warning lights were NOT on. That all said, they called Lexus and were told...."Operator Error".
I lost it!
So, I did have a length conversation with the service rep and they are repeatedly starting the vehicle over the remainder of the week to replicate the initial instance of the problem, since for some reason they feel they have to be the one to do that before they can determine whether or not the vehicle has a "problem". Yes, the frustration has set in... yes, I am thinking of returning the vehicle... yes, I may need counseling after this week.
I will continue to update the thread with any pertinent technical information to help any other poor soul with the same problem.
Jonathan
So yesterday, the light came on upon start up. I have noted that it only comes on during start up and the continues to flash continuously until the engine is shutoff. Whether or not it comes back upon the next start up seems to be based upon a druid's prayer somewhere in the eastern UK, while waiting upon his mother's father's great aunt's cousin's brother's uncle to show up.
Well, yesterday was the day... so I stopped off at the dealer to show them the indication and get them to troubleshoot the problem. They did see the indication, noted that the vehicle would NOT shift between 4H and 4Lo, would not engage the center diff lock, and that the VSC and warning lights were NOT on. That all said, they called Lexus and were told...."Operator Error".
I lost it!
So, I did have a length conversation with the service rep and they are repeatedly starting the vehicle over the remainder of the week to replicate the initial instance of the problem, since for some reason they feel they have to be the one to do that before they can determine whether or not the vehicle has a "problem". Yes, the frustration has set in... yes, I am thinking of returning the vehicle... yes, I may need counseling after this week.
I will continue to update the thread with any pertinent technical information to help any other poor soul with the same problem.
Jonathan
- Thread starter
- #24
The really funny thing is that it was Lexus themselves, not the local dealer claiming OE. That withstanding, I got a message from the service rep. and he said that the tech was trying to cool various components to see if that had an affect on getting the indication to return. Like some others, I have noticed that it happens more frequently in cooler temperatures... of course, we are having a bit of a heat wave over the next couple of days too... figures.
I've never shifted any of my 80's,100's or now 200 to anything other then 4 high. Never needed to. Goes every where I've ever needed to go in 4 high. Keep us posted so incase the time ever comes and I have a problem.
- Thread starter
- #26
Will do SWU. I spoke with the service rep this morning and of course, the light is not coming on for them. This may end up being a long term commitment to see it through.
As for Hi/Lo usage, here in Idaho, I have used Lo with my lockers on the 80, used the Lo with the ATRAC on my 100 (got video of that one!), and plan to use Lo on my 200, if given the chance. This is usually in BLM land SW of Boise (Owyhee Mtns), in snow, or in rocky terrain East of Hell's Canyon, in the mountains. This is why it is so important to me to get resolution.
As for Hi/Lo usage, here in Idaho, I have used Lo with my lockers on the 80, used the Lo with the ATRAC on my 100 (got video of that one!), and plan to use Lo on my 200, if given the chance. This is usually in BLM land SW of Boise (Owyhee Mtns), in snow, or in rocky terrain East of Hell's Canyon, in the mountains. This is why it is so important to me to get resolution.
I know that if you try and shift to 4hi or 4lo without it being in neutral it will cause flashing lights and may not go into drive. I shifted the transfer case while in P once without thinking and it took 20 mins to get the lights off and for D to actually give me a gear.
- Thread starter
- #28
Thanks bj70. The truck has been at the dealer all week long and I will get it back this afternoon. So far, they have not been able to replicate the problem.
To reiterate the problem, we are seeing the center diff lock continuously flash at engine start up, with the operator (me) only pressing on the brake and pressing the start button... nothing else.
I am now feeling like I REALLY need to invest in a full set of Factory Service Manuals (FSMs). I have only seen a couple of sets on Ebay and at a premium cost.
Jonathan
To reiterate the problem, we are seeing the center diff lock continuously flash at engine start up, with the operator (me) only pressing on the brake and pressing the start button... nothing else.
I am now feeling like I REALLY need to invest in a full set of Factory Service Manuals (FSMs). I have only seen a couple of sets on Ebay and at a premium cost.
Jonathan
gaijin
GOLD Star
If you don't know about it already, a subscription to Toyota's TIS (Technical INformation System) can provide all the latest tech info for your truck. Find the portal to the service here: https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInf...Oc%3d&TARGET=$SM$https://techinfo.toyota.com/
HTH
- Thread starter
- #30
Thank gaijin. For me, I like having the written word in my hands... call me old fashion.
- Thread starter
- #31
So, after another camping trip, we came home with the various indications blinking again. I was able to then drive it to the local dealer and show them the issue. It does look like the truck HAD gone into "limp" mode but was not throwing a code.
So, after the dealer having it a week and not being able to recreate the issue, once they initially turned the engine off, I did find out that they pulled and ECU (not sure which one) to try and subject it to cold (placed it into the fridge/freezer for a few hours) and then plugged it back in. After that the error has not shown itself. This may mean that I am just having to wait for it to show up again and then take it back or it may have been a simple fix of removal and reinsertion of the said ECU, providing better connectivity to the pins and therefore a better signal to whatever was missing a signal.
On a similar point, we went camping again on Memorial Day weekend and came home with additional error status and a code.... oh, and we later found that culprit... a mouse. So, I don't think it was necessarily connected, but I thought I would mention it. Said rodent chewed through a sub-harness under the intake manifold, so the code was a P0333 for knock sensor #2. Engine was running fine. Back in limp mode though... I do have to say that I LOVE the fact that LIMP mode can get me and my family home, while hauling a #5000+ travel trailer. That is AWESOME!
After ~$65 in parts and $500 in labor (I really need to get those FSMs!) I am right as rain (less almost $600).
So, after the dealer having it a week and not being able to recreate the issue, once they initially turned the engine off, I did find out that they pulled and ECU (not sure which one) to try and subject it to cold (placed it into the fridge/freezer for a few hours) and then plugged it back in. After that the error has not shown itself. This may mean that I am just having to wait for it to show up again and then take it back or it may have been a simple fix of removal and reinsertion of the said ECU, providing better connectivity to the pins and therefore a better signal to whatever was missing a signal.
On a similar point, we went camping again on Memorial Day weekend and came home with additional error status and a code.... oh, and we later found that culprit... a mouse. So, I don't think it was necessarily connected, but I thought I would mention it. Said rodent chewed through a sub-harness under the intake manifold, so the code was a P0333 for knock sensor #2. Engine was running fine. Back in limp mode though... I do have to say that I LOVE the fact that LIMP mode can get me and my family home, while hauling a #5000+ travel trailer. That is AWESOME!
After ~$65 in parts and $500 in labor (I really need to get those FSMs!) I am right as rain (less almost $600).
I have the same gremlin - just turn it off and on after it has warmed up and it's perfect again!
- Thread starter
- #33
I local dealer and I are now on a first name basis. ANYTIME I see this thing, it is going in! They are either going to figure it out, fix it, or ... well, I am not sure what else there is.
Yeah -mine too. First time was when someone else drove my car and I knew they had fiddled with the switches. It has happened one more time (and again, someone else had moved my car). I normally just drive for a few miles then switch off and it resets! I shall be keen to know how you finally rid yourself of this gremlin.....
[
Flashing Center Diff Lock indication
Multi-display did NOT indicate VSC Off, like it would normally.
Warning light (triangle) did not light, like normal.
Center Diff push button would not do anything. (I pushed it several times to see if the flashing would stop).
The vehicle would not shift into 4Lo, since I tried to see if it would engage or not. Definitely NOT.
Thanks guys,
Jonathan[/QUOTE]
HI Jonathan
I found this forum whilst searching for the exact same problem i have on a LC Series 200 VX i recently purchased second hand - 100 000km.
Dealers recon they need to replace the actuator - cost about R16 000.
Did you manage to sort out your flashing light?
If so, what was the cause?
I addition, to your problem above, my cruise control is also not working whilst the center diff light is flashing. Did you notice the same?
I am now starting with the same process you did with the dealers.
Regards
Josias
Flashing Center Diff Lock indication
Multi-display did NOT indicate VSC Off, like it would normally.
Warning light (triangle) did not light, like normal.
Center Diff push button would not do anything. (I pushed it several times to see if the flashing would stop).
The vehicle would not shift into 4Lo, since I tried to see if it would engage or not. Definitely NOT.
Thanks guys,
Jonathan[/QUOTE]
HI Jonathan
I found this forum whilst searching for the exact same problem i have on a LC Series 200 VX i recently purchased second hand - 100 000km.
Dealers recon they need to replace the actuator - cost about R16 000.
Did you manage to sort out your flashing light?
If so, what was the cause?
I addition, to your problem above, my cruise control is also not working whilst the center diff light is flashing. Did you notice the same?
I am now starting with the same process you did with the dealers.
Regards
Josias
- Thread starter
- #36
Josias,
I did notice the same regarding the cruise control. It seems like the system goes into a version of "limp mode" when the diff light is flashing. I still have not resolved mine, as it only flashes occasionally and then stops when I drive the truck and restart. Sometimes I don't even have to drive it, just let it warm up and then once the truck has been restart, it goes away. This makes it fairly impossible for the local dealer to troubleshoot, to my great frustration.
I did notice the same regarding the cruise control. It seems like the system goes into a version of "limp mode" when the diff light is flashing. I still have not resolved mine, as it only flashes occasionally and then stops when I drive the truck and restart. Sometimes I don't even have to drive it, just let it warm up and then once the truck has been restart, it goes away. This makes it fairly impossible for the local dealer to troubleshoot, to my great frustration.
Jonathan
A friend of mine experienced the same thing. Battled for a long time to solve, after desperation he replaced both batteries and the problem was gone and never cam back - since July 2015.
I had my batteries tested - tested OK.
I borrowed his two batteries, same problem.
This morning the light did go of and was able to switch to 4L, then started getting optimistic and tried the center diff switch. Flashing light is back and now i am stuck in 4L.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better and be able to get it out of 4L back to 4H.
I booked it in with the dealers for Monday. Lowbed or drive??
A friend of mine experienced the same thing. Battled for a long time to solve, after desperation he replaced both batteries and the problem was gone and never cam back - since July 2015.
I had my batteries tested - tested OK.
I borrowed his two batteries, same problem.
This morning the light did go of and was able to switch to 4L, then started getting optimistic and tried the center diff switch. Flashing light is back and now i am stuck in 4L.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better and be able to get it out of 4L back to 4H.
I booked it in with the dealers for Monday. Lowbed or drive??
- Thread starter
- #38
Which batteries are you referring to? My main battery is new. I had it replaced within the 1 year of current ownership - no change in status on my flashing light. It comes and goes and I have not been able to nail down a common theme, other than first start in the morning.
If you are stuck in 4L, I would have the truck picked up and not drive it there in Low.
If you are stuck in 4L, I would have the truck picked up and not drive it there in Low.
Yes, talking about main battery.
Thought it might help you - same as friend, but obviously not.
Lowbed it is - thanks.
Will keep you posted if mine is sorted out - hopefully soon!!
Thought it might help you - same as friend, but obviously not.
Lowbed it is - thanks.
Will keep you posted if mine is sorted out - hopefully soon!!
- Thread starter
- #40
Yeah, let me know what the dealer finds. I would LOVE to have this sorted out. It makes me question the electronics as a whole, when an intermittent problem like this can inhibit it's own ability to get you out of a mess that requires 4 wheel low.
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