Differential switch - what exactly is this?

[cwmoser]

What exactly does the Differential switch do?
Is it OK to drive around with it OFF?
Any benefits to running in OFF?

I did take my 2002 LX470 for a drive with this switch OFF but could not
feel it drove any differently.

 

[JessPurviance]

Only turn it on when you are in a situation where your wheels are slipping and either are stuck or could get stuck. (like mud, snow, dirt, sand). Engaging it locks the center differential, which in simple terms means it forces the front and rear tires to rotate together. If you drive with it on while on dry pavement, you might damage the truck. So in normal road driving keep it off.

 

[cwmoser]

Only turn it on when you are in a situation where your wheels are slipping and either are stuck or may be stuck. It locks the center differential, which in simple terms means it forces the front and rear tires to rotate together. If you drive with it on while on dry pavement, you might damage the truck. So in normal road driving keep it off.

What is the mode for normal driving? I've been driving for a lot of miles with it ON.
In the OFF position I get an orange warning like icon.

 

[JessPurviance]

What is the mode for normal driving? I've been driving for a lot of miles with it ON.
In the OFF position I get an orange warning like icon.

When it is turned on the dash will display the differential lock icon. When it is off the light is off.

 

[flintknapper]

What is the mode for normal driving? I've been driving for a lot of miles with it ON.
In the OFF position I get an orange warning like icon.

'Normal' (hard pavement) driving would be done with the Center Diff Lock in the OFF position. This feature locks the 'center' differential in the transfer case....causing the front and rear driveshafts to share power and to turn at the same speed.

If you are seeing a lit icon on your dash...then the CDL is 'ON/LOCKED'. When not lit (assuming the dash bulb works) it is unlocked and in normal (for hard surfaces) driving mode.

 

[uHu]

RTFM
download through the faq
Edit:
link in faq dead.

 

[Dwight S]

RTFM
download through the faq
Edit:
link in faq dead.

Try this....
Dropbox - COMPLETE.zip

 

[Julian Stead]

That button is not for soccer moms.

 

[LEX]

You should really read your owners manual.

 

[labcab]

Try this....
Dropbox - COMPLETE.zip

Or here:
http://dustbird.com/ih8mud/FSM/Owners Manual.pdf
Page 139

 

[OG 91 LC]

 

[PADDO]

Model year specific manuals can be downloaded directly from lexus.com too - and they may still send you a hard copy at no cost.

 

[flintknapper]

That button is not for soccer moms.

Agreed. Had to put this on my Wifes LX470 when she asked me "What does this button do"?

 

[cwmoser]

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. See this photo:

 

[lhommec13]

Is this thread for real??

 

[JessPurviance]

Is this thread for real??

LC 101

 

[JessPurviance]

This is my favorite differential video. 1937 even! (the differential lesson starts at 3:10)

 

[DFXR]

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

 

[sdnative]

The X signifies the relative position on the truck of the device being locked. On trucks with axle lockers there would be icons with the X on the front or rear depending on which axle is locked.

 

[JessPurviance]

Also the icon signifies you should only turn right.