Differential lock problems 80 series (1 Viewer)

[Bigguy]

Hello all,
Hoping for some insight into a problem that has come up. I have an 94 80 series Land Cruiser and am having a problem locking the differentials. The switch is the spinner switch on the console that "should" lock the fron and rear differentials as needed. I have locked them before in the past but recently tried to lock them and cannot get them to lock. Has anyone had this problem before, if so, some insight would be great.

As info. I put my rig into 4low and try to lock the differentials and get the fron and back "not yet locked" blinking lights on the dash. Tried various things, neutral coast, forward and reverse, but cant seem to get them to lock. Previously, I could put it into 4low and lock the differentials no problem, but it doesnt seem to want to engage. No new noises to report, 4 low seems to be fine...

Thanks in advance

 

[landtank]

the first thing is do you get the ABS light when you put it in low?

 

[harrydunn]

As landtank stated, make sure your CDL is engaged in low-range ("ABS" & "Center Diff" dash lights). You won't be able to lock your axles until you get the center diff locked up. Several good posts on this: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/193216-cant-get-diffs-lock.html

--Mark

 

[snatchfj80]

abs/cld light?

as your post states the abs and cld dash lights should come on when you put the trans into low gear. Mine does not do that and my front and rear lockers won't engage and just blink. so where should i start to get my cdl and abs light to come back on/fix. I did not see anything in the long post of locking diff problems that harrydunn posted with that link

 

[woodsman 44]

BG, go out to a dirt road and do some big S turns, this should do the trick, not just forward and reverse.
It took a little while, but worked for me.

Like others said, make sure your ABS, CDL lights come on, or it wont lock in.

 

[harrydunn]

as your post states the abs and cld dash lights should come on when you put the trans into low gear. Mine does not do that and my front and rear lockers won't engage and just blink. so where should i start to get my cdl and abs light to come back on/fix. I did not see anything in the long post of locking diff problems that harrydunn posted with that link

First of all, what year is your Cruiser? May want to drop that into your signature to help people out when they see your post.

When you drop your transfer case into low, are you hearing a "click" from the driver's side kick panel area? Turn your truck off so you can hear better when trying this. You should at least hear a click that indicates your CDL control relay is working. If you do, that's a good sign. Read on.

The CDL actuator switch is located on the top of the transfer case. For starters, you can unplug and jump the connector attached to it with a paperclip (meaning stick the paperclip in both terminals of the connector). This should light up your CDL and ABS dash lights (just to see if they are working). Once that checks out, you can lightly "tap" the actuator switch on the top of the transfer case with an instrument of your choice to "encourage" it to engage the next time you try it. I hit it lightly with a small hammer several times. Beyond that, moving the t-case from high to low many times can finally free things up (I've heard some people doing this close to 100 times). This didn't work for me so I resorted to the "tapping." If none of this works, you may simply need a new CDL actuator switch (but don't go out and buy one before reporting back--they are pricey).

I was in the same boat as you, followed these instructions, and my CDL locks up everytime now. If it doesn't lock up right way after putting the transfer case in low (while in park/neutral), I simply drop the transmission into reverse and it locks right up. Hope this helps as a starting point. It's a process as is troubleshooting most things.

Let me know if you have any questions. Don't forget to post a signature!

--Mark

 

[azTony]

One day... I too will have lockers...

 

[Dave 2000]

First of all, what year is your Cruiser? May want to drop that into your signature to help people out when they see your post.

He stated '94' in his Q, not being smart just unusually observant at this time of the morning (05.15)

regards

Dave

 

[harrydunn]

Hello Dave--

I was responding to snatchfj80's comment. He did not have the year listed in his post. No worries, however.

--Mark

 

[rhyary]

And once you get it working, make sure you exercise the diffs regularly.
Ever since fixing my rear e-locker (actually buying a new one, I still need to fix the old one) I lock the diffs once a day. It is my routine when I get to work's parking lot. Lock - unlock - park - go to work.

 

[snatchfj80]

Thanks for the info i will try that when i have some time, mine is also a 94 and i will get my signature set up as well

 

[grizzlygibbs]

And once you get it working, make sure you exercise the diffs regularly.
Ever since fixing my rear e-locker (actually buying a new one, I still need to fix the old one) I lock the diffs once a day. It is my routine when I get to work's parking lot. Lock - unlock - park - go to work.

What does the manual say about locking them. Seems once every week or two weeks would be sufficient enough.

Disclaimer: I am not in any way trying to bash how you do things, to each his own, just curiouse. I don't even have lockers, otherwise I would probably lock mine in everyday too!

 

[retrofive]

You guys are on the right track. Couple searches will show hundreds of threads to shed light on the issue(s).

And the official mud welcome salute