HELP! - rear diff-lock actuator problem

[dclee]

A quick question. This is for the Toyota OEM electric locker.

I've recently had a problem where my diff-lock indicator light on the dash never stops blinking. I can positively verify that the locker actually locks, but that light never goes solid. If I lock up the front, the front indicator does go solid, but the rear keeps blinking. So I get under the truck and pull out the harness and short the wires in the harness together. Viola, the lamp goes solid. So fine, the harness seems OK, it must be a faulty actuator sensor. So I buy a new one, plug it in, and still no solid light! What am I missing? Did I just happen, by chance, to get a faulty replacement sensor out of the box? Seems far fetched, but I'm not sure what else it could be.

TIA,

 

[IdahoDoug]

If this switch is like the center differential switch, it's a fairly heavy 1950s vintage plunger switch with a steel ball on the end? If so, it may rely on getting a good ground from the part moving against it when the locker engages. Due to lack of exercise, that part may have accumulated a layer of grundge and won't provide a good ground? One of my lock sensors did this in the center differential and I simply pulled it, cleaned it well and tossed it back in. Back to 100% function.

So, sounds like the new switch's ball is hitting squishy poor ground crud and grundge. How's your rear diff oil look?

DougM

 

[Big_Moose]

Derek,

Generally, the new switch would of corrected the problem. The only other thing I can think of - is that there must be wear on the actuator rod. As it locks, the "wear" on the actuator shaft doesn't depress the detent ball of the switch to show a connection / solid diff light.

You could remove the washer between the switch & housing, so the distance is shorter between detent & switch contact - might work....

Joe

 

[robbie]

You can hook a meter to the pin and acutate the ball to see if the switch is good, if no worky on the bench no worky in the truck. later robbie

 

[ace10]

derek is saying that he can't verify that the locker is locking. that may indicate a problem with the actuator not necessarily a switch or harness. my front locks waaaaay before my rear. sometimes it takes some rolling front and back to ge it to get in there.

if you sit still, i'm sure that it will never go solid, but what if you drive around for a bit? when was the last time you go it to lock?

 

[IdahoDoug]

You say Derek "can't verify that the locker is locking" yet Derek's original post says " I can positively verify that the locker actually locks...." What's up?

DougM

 

[ace10]

simple... that's because i can't read. i'm projecting my problems onto others and wish that they would be solved without me actually tearing apart the mechanicals.

i'll shut up now.

 

[robbie]

Thanks ACE. It happens to us, open mouth------ insert foot. later robbie

what if no washer is on the sensor, it will no allow it to make contact. later robbie