Newbie to Lexus LX470

[westaussielx470]

Hi All
After owning a few 200 series, 100 series and an 80 (not to mention our farm HZJ75 with 420k km) and currently driving a 740li BMW I decided to go a bit old school with a 2004 LX470 (last owner had for 19 years) 514k km on the clock, garaged its whole life and never been off road. It drives superbly being serviced religiously with same shop for the whole time the 80 year old lady was sad to see it go. One thing that did occur to me on the 200km drive home that I didn't know if it would engage the centre diff lock so I stopped to try it.....lights came on once, then I turned it off but hasn't done anything since. I did see a YT video in which they swapped out the switch and that fixed it or is there something else I should also check? I tried a few different search queries but nothing seemed to jump out at me. Thanks in advance

 

[excessive]

you dont want to engage the center diff lock unless you are on an unpaved surface.

 

[westaussielx470]

you dont want to engage the center diff lock unless you are on an unpaved surface

No I didn't, it was gravel but then there was no idea if still engaged. I found out in no uncertain terms yesterday at the start of a 200km drive and as my farm is all unpaved and slippery I didn't find out it was still locked until I made a sharp full lock turn into car bay and it felt like the wheels where going to snap off. I reversed as gentle as possible and drove back to the farm and took another vehicle. I took another look and I may have fluked the unlocking but no lights at all on the dash but its been years since I owned a 100 series and cant remember if there is lights that even tells if low range is selected.
I spoke to both Toyota and Lexus and were a bit vague about the switch required under the car so if anyone could help with the actual original part number for the centre diff lock switch it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[baltistyle]

You can audibly hear the diff lock. Press it as you slowly roll forward or back. You can hear it engage and disengage. There are lights on the dash when it’s on. Many switches in these 100’s can have the bulb replaced so that’s a consideration for illumination vs operation of the switch. The manual can help you here.