I thought the CDL and ABS lights when 4LO is requested?

[offroadkid]

I'm back in the 100 series forum! I joined Mud in 2003 when we bought our first Cruiser, a 1992! Since then we've owned a 1997, then a 1998 100 series, and then back to a 1997 Collector's Edition that just went away last weekend and we replaced her with a new to us 1998 LX470.

It's been 6 years since I've been on the 100 series forum, and 6 years since I've owned a 100 series and I can't remember, but I was certain that when the t-case is put in 4 LO the CDL indicator on the dash should light-up and possibly the ABS light also?

When I road-test it and pressed the CDL button, no lights came on in the cluster but I did feel the sensation associated with driving with a locked center diff. When I took it to work I raised it on the hoist and diagnosed the CDL indicator switch had an open circuit.

I replaced it after work today and now the indicator comes on in the cluster when the button is pressed as designed but I don't see an ABS light.

I checked the lights that come on when the key is turned-on and verified the ABS light does illuminate.

So then, I put it in 4LO and I don't see any indicators in the cluster and that's why I'm writing this post to ask if the CDL and ABS lights come on when in 4LO? If the ABS light and CDL lights are supposed to come on in 4LO, I'm thinking I may have another bad t-case indicator switch as there are 3 total.

Thanks for your input!

 

[jLB]

I believe it's the rear diff lock that disables ABS:
ABS Problem after Brake Job

 

[offroadkid]

Thanks for the reply jLB! I found this in the owners manual but just can't make sense of it! Are they saying in "L" the CDL is ready, but not engaged until the indicator light comes on?


”L” (low speed position, center differential locked): Lever at ”L”

Use this for maximum power and traction. Use ”L” for hard pulling in situations the vehicle cannot negotiate even in the ”H” (lock) mode.

The indicator light tells when the differential lock is engaged. Note that the differential is not still locked as long as the indicator light remains off.

If the indicator light does not come on when the lever is in the ”L” position, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible."

 

[jLB]

My understanding is that the 98 & 99 models (by default) enable the center diff lock when the transfer case is shifted to 4L

The 00+ models do not auto engage the center diff lock by shifting to 4L, it is manually engaged with the diff lock switch.

It sounds like the owner's manual is saying the dash light is positive feedback that the center diff lock is engaged, and if the light is not on, it is not engaged.

 

[Julian Stead]

I have a 98 and when put into 4L then the CDL light comes on, then when rear lock is activated the red diff lock light and ABS lights illuminate.

 

[ScubaJon]

does the light come on when you turn on the ignition ? if not the bulb may be out.

 

[offroadkid]

I have a 98 and when put into 4L then the CDL light comes on, then when rear lock is activated the red diff lock light and ABS lights illuminate.

Yeah thanks for trying to help, you may not have read my whole post, (I don't blame you it's long) but yes I stated that I did check it to see if it lights up when I turn the key.

This is a US LX so no rear diff locker like our old 98 100 series. So your post says the ABS comes on only with rear diff lock, but yes CDL with 4LO?

 

[Julian Stead]

Yes CDL light does come on when I put it into 4lo, no abs light.

 

[offroadkid]

All fixed! Tried to clean and operate CDL indicator switch on t-case but it was still not working. Replaced that switch, tried cleaning and operating "4LO" indicator switch on t-case and was successfully able to "wake it back up!" Now CDL indicator light in cluster illuminates when lever moved to "4LO!"

Case closed!!