Diff lock light flashing (1 Viewer)

[splitbuseric]

Hi all,

I am looking at replacing my BJ60 with a '97 3.4 4 runner with 269KM on it... It seems to run nice and the body is decent.... Everything works and the miles are supposedly all highway.... My only complaint is its an automatic.... boring!


The only problem I can find is the flashing diff lock light... The diff lock doesn't seem to work from my real world gravel burn out tests...And I assume this is why the indicator light flashes?

Any insight? I would love to get it working properly....

Also any other issues I should have checked out other than the usual stuff.... I have owned lots of toyotas but this is the newest one.....

Thanks,
Eric

 

[bowyer2002]

Is the diff-lock switch engaged? What gear were you in while trying the "test"?

If it is flashing (if I remember correctly) that means that the switch is engaged but you have to be in Low range for the diff-lock to actually work unless the "grey wire" mod (allows diff-lock engagement in any gear) has been done to this vehicle.

I hope this helps - especailly for a VW enthusist!

Edit: like Jet boy says - 4Low is necessary not 2Low for engagement

 

[Jetboy]

IIRC the flashing indicates that it's not engaging. Most likely it needs the actuator rebuilt or replaced. Of course it could be a broken gear or something, but generally if that was the case you'd know about it. I think the only way to tell would be to pull the actuator off the axle and have a look inside.

Edit: I forgot about the 4low requirement. If it's in 4low and not working...

 

[splitbuseric]

Not sure now if I tried it in 4low... think I did and it was still flashing but I will have to check again....

i think it is a fair deal... certified and etested (ontario) with 269Km for $5K... no rust really and new tires... this will be a daily driver.........

 

[WristPin]

you make sure the connector is still attached, or the wires aint broke off?

 

[Jacket]

Did you try: in 4Lo, truck stopped, tranny in neutral, engage diff lock switch. Move tranny back in to gear, and move forward a bit (and possibly turn left or right) to get the locker to engage. Sometiimes they're just a bit finicky....

 

[splitbuseric]

Did you try: in 4Lo, truck stopped, tranny in neutral, engage diff lock switch. Move tranny back in to gear, and move forward a bit (and possibly turn left or right) to get the locker to engage. Sometiimes they're just a bit finicky....

I did this when I tried it initially no go... I learned about this trick with a 4x4 VW bus I used to have(yes i said VW bus). It had a rear diff lock and sometimes a little zig-zag was required to get it to engage or disengage.....

I pick the truck up tomorrow so will look/try things further then.....

 

[splitbuseric]

Did you try: in 4Lo, truck stopped, tranny in neutral, engage diff lock switch. Move tranny back in to gear, and move forward a bit (and possibly turn left or right) to get the locker to engage. Sometiimes they're just a bit finicky....

Tried today in 4Lo... worked great, engaged and disengaged smoothly....

Thanks !

 

[toyminator]

If you want it to work in hi range or 2wd you need to do what is known as the "grey wire mod". Here is a link to instructions.

Tech Knowledgebase - Grey Wire Mod - Lock Rear Diff in 4Hi

It's an easy mod to do - Only takes about 15 minutes. But be careful as to which wire you cut. I have heard that the wire on some trucks are not grey in color as the instructions say.

 

[Kuech]

Every time I engage my locker on my taco the ABS light flashes, is that normal? It's a pre-runner.

 

[splitbuseric]

Every time I engage my locker on my taco the ABS light flashes, is that normal? It's a pre-runner.

I believe mine does too... I assumed the ABS disengages when its locked...not really sure...

 

[toyminator]

I believe mine does too... I assumed the ABS disengages when its locked...not really sure...

Yes. ABS is disabled when locker is engaged.

 

[Duane]

hey enjoy the new ride...be careful with all that extra power over the 60
just in case you didn't know.. your 3.4 has a timing Belt.... might want to see when it was changed or do it before it snaps!

Glad you found one with a rear diff lock..nice option!