Differential switch - what exactly is this?

[cwmoser]

I get what you're saying about the X. But don't overthink it too much. Just leave it off (no icon light).

I think you are right ... I'm overthinking this.
I've owned 4x4's for decades - all Isuzu Troopers.
The controls never were confusing with them.
Seriouisly, the back of my mind told me that normal
driving on hard pavement with the Differential locked
was not what its for. I knew the Lexus was
full time all wheel drive but on the Isuzu Troopers we
had a switch that engaged or disengaged AWD. Locking
the Differential is something we did not have with
Isuzu's other than manually shifting into 4wd with the lever.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Get a drink, find a comfy chair, and read your owner's manual. This is in there along with lots of other good info.

 

[flintknapper]

What made me question was the ICON light on the Instrument Cluster.
Apparently when the Differential is Locked, the ICON appears but the
confusion to me is that there is an "X" on the ICON sorta implying that the Differential
is unlocked.

I guess I can understand that (in an over-thought kind of way).

But then....you'd have to ask yourself, 'why are the front wheels turned in the icon...too'?

Just kidding. Generally, NO lights/icons are lit (on the dash display) during normal driving conditions (hard pavement). This would be true with almost any vehicle. So IF you see a lit icon....some investigation as to 'why' is in order.

It's understandable, a New to You vehicle....will involve a learning curve. IF you have a owners manual...do spend some time looking through it. Hope you enjoy your new vehicle and that it serves you well for many years.

Flint.