LC100 2004 V8 GXL Major Problems (help)

[05downunder]

We have bought an Aussie LC100 2004 V8 GXL in May 04 and it is showing signs of problems.

Problem 1. It has tried to engage the Central Diff twice in the last fours weeks whilst entering a corner at very slow speed...bloody hairy !!. I was that worried of driving the thing back that i had it towed to the local Toyota dealer for a systems check, Toyota has said that they can not fault it and can not understand why it would, it didn't show any faults on the computer download, which suggests that it did what the computer told it to do..confused ? i am. Since this incident i have heard of two stories which were very credible, one Cruiser did the same and has been written off due to the system engaging the same way but at higher speeds causing the driver to loose control. The other was that the vehicle had the same problem and under went a Firmware upgrade. This was presented to Toyota with nil comments.

Problem 2. The main fuel tank fuel system is independent from the Aux fuel tank, why is both tanks being sucked whilst on the main tank only, this was also presented to Toyota but they have not found a problem. Both problems i see all lead to the computer, does anyone out there have any knowledge or can point me to the right area to seek further advice.

Thank you all for a great site, hope to seek some answers from the real users.

 

[Jukelemon]

To problem 1:

Really not that big of deal that you would need to get a tow. Locking the center dif just proportions the torque 50/50 between the front and rear. You still have your open and/or LSD's going on in the front and rear (not sure of your options). Certainly an issue but no need for that type of alarm. If it coming on intermittantly, sounds like a switch issue.

Problem 2:

Not sure how Toyota sets up their OE aux tanks but I would think it would have a generic type valve that would choose between tanks and fuel pumps (if it has two pumps). That type of system is simple in design (costly in replacement I bet).

Point though, I am sure you paid a lot and and it is still under warrantly. Bug them until it is fixed.

 

[Jim_Chow]

We have bought an Aussie LC100 2004 V8 GXL in May 04 and it is showing signs of problems.

Problem 1. It has tried to engage the Central Diff twice in the last fours weeks whilst entering a corner at very slow speed...bloody hairy !!. I was that worried of driving the thing back that i had it towed to the local Toyota dealer for a systems check, Toyota has said that they can not fault it and can not understand why it would, it didn't show any faults on the computer download, which suggests that it did what the computer told it to do..confused ? i am. Since this incident i have heard of two stories which were very credible, one Cruiser did the same and has been written off due to the system engaging the same way but at higher speeds causing the driver to loose control. The other was that the vehicle had the same problem and under went a Firmware upgrade. This was presented to Toyota with nil comments.

Problem 2. The main fuel tank fuel system is independent from the Aux fuel tank, why is both tanks being sucked whilst on the main tank only, this was also presented to Toyota but they have not found a problem. Both problems i see all lead to the computer, does anyone out there have any knowledge or can point me to the right area to seek further advice.

Thank you all for a great site, hope to seek some answers from the real users.

I take it you locked the center diff when cornering OFF ROAD? If you do it on pavement, you'll load up the suspension. The reason is, when turning, the front wheels travel a longer distance than the back wheels. Naturally, this would mean the front prop. shaft wants to spin faster than the rear. Normally w/ center diff locked, this can happen. But once you lock the diff, it forces both axles to turn at the same rate, so something has to give at some point. If on slick roads/offroad, the tires can slip a bit to relieve the suspension of stress. If on dry pavement, the suspension, gears, center diff, and t-case load up. If severe enough, you can break something (though I find this to be unlikely since I've done it myself slowly on dry pavement on my 4runner). I know when the suspension is loaded up since I can't easily shift the t-case from 4wd to 2wd. This has even happened offroad. The remedy was to turn reverse my turn.

 

[sleeoffroad]

I think he is trying to say the truck engaged the cdl and not him. Unexpected engaging of the cdl with the corresponding handling changes could make for a mess.

 

[DMX84]

I test drove an 80 with an aux tank, had about twice the amount of gas I needed to go where I was going, about half way we were running out of gas. No gas stations anywhere so we went until it started to sputter. I new I had some gas in the other tank as we had switched when the dealer put the gas in the aux tank (he was clueless on how it worked). When we switched back we found that all the gas had transferred its self to the main tank. And what a relief to us!
So you may want to check to see if your system is designed to transfer form the aux to the main tank while you are driving.

 

[Jukelemon]

Jim/Slee:

Not following you guys how a cdl engaged is going to hurt you whether it is sudden or not. Unless, I am having a complete melt down in the brain, I do not see how a 50/50 split and an open diff in the rear and front can cause that much of an issue. The difference between the front wheel and rear wheel speeds do not seem like they would be that far off. In my 100, during heavy rain, I have ran the cdl. This is recommended in the manual. My tires might slip a bit but not that much and I have never had any wind up i.e. the kind of wind up like one would experience with a rear/center lock on pavement.

What am I missing?

 

[Jim_Chow]

Jim/Slee:

Not following you guys how a cdl engaged is going to hurt you whether it is sudden or not. Unless, I am having a complete melt down in the brain, I do not see how a 50/50 split and an open diff in the rear and front can cause that much of an issue. The difference between the front wheel and rear wheel speeds do not seem like they would be that far off. In my 100, during heavy rain, I have ran the cdl. This is recommended in the manual. My tires might slip a bit but not that much and I have never had any wind up i.e. the kind of wind up like one would experience with a rear/center lock on pavement.

What am I missing?

On rain slick streets, the tires can give to relieve the stress on the drivetrain while turning. It's only if the streets are dry (high traction). Then the tires are less likely to give, meaning something else might break to relieve the stress (like the gears or xfer case).

 

[hank14]

We have bought an Aussie LC100 2004 V8 GXL in May 04 and it is showing signs of problems.

Problem 1. It has tried to engage the Central Diff twice in the last fours weeks whilst entering a corner at very slow speed...bloody hairy !!.

How could you tell it tried to engage, and did it engage completely, or do you know? Did the Center Diff indicator light come on, was it blinking, or did you just feel a bind in the corner?

 

[100 TD]

Q1.
My 100 has locked the CDL a couple of times while reversing, my knee hits the switch when I am reversing, is it possible that this happens to you on slow corners? I have looked in to moving the switch but it is a modular block incorporating the Hazard lights as well as a blanked light and I don't have a wiring diagram (will post some questions about that elsewhere) so it is a PITA.
Q2.
From the user manual it states "Due to the fuel passage incorporated in the sub fuel tank syatem, the fuel in the sub tank increases as you consume fuel from the main tank. This fuel passage is designed to encourage use of your sub fuel tank from time to time so that thew fuel pump within the sub fuel tank is properly lubricated. (Sounds like a system design fault they are covering up.

My sub tank gauge does not work and they have just ordered a new instrument panel for it to repair it, it still swaps the valve over though. They said they have had a few of this same problem. I now notice in the manual a CAUTION that says if the fuel gauge operation of the sub fuel tank is not normal, do not use the sub fuel tank syatem and take it to your dealer. Obviously they knew of the problem but don't want to recall all vehicles and will replace the ones that fail under warranty, and the ones that don't the user will pay for when they break down later.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Jim/Slee:

Not following you guys how a cdl engaged is going to hurt you whether it is sudden or not. Unless, I am having a complete melt down in the brain, I do not see how a 50/50 split and an open diff in the rear and front can cause that much of an issue. The difference between the front wheel and rear wheel speeds do not seem like they would be that far off. In my 100, during heavy rain, I have ran the cdl. This is recommended in the manual. My tires might slip a bit but not that much and I have never had any wind up i.e. the kind of wind up like one would experience with a rear/center lock on pavement.

What am I missing?

Wow, you've made me curious. I can't believe Toyota recommends locking the center diff in just the rain. When turning sharply on a slick street or on ice with the CDL locked the truck can slide or skid if the suspension settles itself. In the ice, there will be times the CDL locked will help. On a wet street, I can't believe they recommend it. Gotta read my manual. Riding CDL locked puts more wear on tires and other components. My 100 and 80 in the rain are race track runners with the CDL unlocked.

 

[Jukelemon]

Shot:

Went back and looked in my manual and now I cannot find the place. It is somewhere in driving tips I thought.

I do see your point now though. I thought that the open diffs inthe front and rear would remove any wind up issue but I guess not.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Shot:

Went back and looked in my manual and now I cannot find the place. It is somewhere in driving tips I thought.

I do see your point now though. I thought that the open diffs inthe front and rear would remove any wind up issue but I guess not.

Oh sorry. I forgot to look yesterday. I got wrapped up goofing off in the 80 forum. What a blast. All kinds of 80 vs 100 wars. FUN!