VSC OFF and TRAC lights stay on after unlocking center diff

[sacmaster]

title says it all. Was playing around today in my 03, and when I unlock the center diff, the VSC and TRAC lights stay on. If I cut off the engine and turn it back on they are gone.

I do need new pads and to turn the rotors in the rear. Could that have anything to do with it? Drives fine.

 

[LXPearl]

The pads and rotors should not cause the effect. It seems electronic rather than mechanical, since the lights go out when you restart the LC. You might try stopping and backing up a bit then going forward to see if that releases the electronics for the VSC and TRAC lights. That usually works to release a "sticky" diff lock switch.

 

[Scoin]

I'm looking at an 06 and saw in the service history that previous owner had it in a few times for this same issue, it seemed like it was never resolved. Was wondering if I should be worried about this. Sorry for the thread hijack, hope you figure it out.

 

[sacmaster]

Tried backing up, etc. lights still stay on...

 

[2001LC]

Sometimes CDL will hang up from lack of use. This can apply to lights coming on or off. Keep using over next few weeks as much as you can.

 

[TrekboxX]

I have the same intermittently. It's not the CDL actually staying locked, just a solenoid/switch on top of the diff getting stuck if I remember right. Usually cycling the engine (off/on) will turn out the lights. There is a very old post around here by Shotts (Sr.) I think with the fix. Never bothered myself. Next time I'm down there I'll work it out, but as I said I don't think it's affecting function, just the sensor is sticking.

 

[sacmaster]

I have the same intermittently. It's not the CDL actually staying locked, just a solenoid/switch on top of the diff getting stuck if I remember right. Usually cycling the engine (off/on) will turn out the lights. There is a very old post around here by Shotts (Sr.) I think with the fix. Never bothered myself. Next time I'm down there I'll work it out, but as I said I don't think it's affecting function, just the sensor is sticking.

Thanks, I need to find that thread I guess. As far as I can tell, it doesn't affect the truck's handling so I'm not too concerned about it. Just annoying to have to cycle the truck on and off to clear the dash.

 

[TrekboxX]

This may be the thread I was remembering...
TRAC/VSC/CDL light acting up?

 

[mtn2roady]

Happened to me as well, fairly new vehicle to me and I do t think the vehicle ever been in 4L. Lights stayed on after CDL. Cycling power (shift off then turn back on) did the trick...I'm good

 

[2001LC]

I bought the relay to fix the issue, but returned after finding it started working over time with constant use. These are the post that will show which rely "transfer indicator switch" to buy. Sometime just cleaning will fix issue as well.
Center Diff Light Fix - My Experience
Lexus LX470/Toyota Landcruiser 4WD Center Differential Lock Transfer Indicator Switch Problem

 

[socalmtbiker]

This link shows how to clean the CDL sensor but I can get a wrench in there. Anyone have hints on how to get it out?

CDL Sensor/Switch

 

[wesquire]

This link shows how to clean the CDL sensor but I can get a wrench in there. Anyone have hints on how to get it out?

CDL Sensor/Switch

That link describes what I experienced when we had a little snow in Little Rock last week. Thanks for supplying! Had the truck in for an oil change Monday so I had my mechanic look at it - could hear the CDL engage and he confirmed it was operating when he test drove it. Will see about climbing under there this weekend and test my skills at cleaning this switch.

I love this site! Wish the app was still around.

 

[wesquire]

All the pics I've seen for the CDL sensor switch are for an LX or 80 series. The best picks for the LX here:
Lexus LX470/Toyota Landcruiser 4WD Center Differential Lock Transfer Indicator Switch Problem

show it near the rear propellor shaft - possible that is actually the front shaft isn't the pic on that site? The only switch I find on top of the transfer case and where the heat shield is an issue accessing it (rad that in another thread) would be near the front. Based on the diagram in that link appear the shaft is mislabeled and the one near the rear is the low switch.

Want to make sure I'm replacing the correct one.

Not sure how to post the pic I have of it on an iPad.

 

[wesquire]

All the pics I've seen for the CDL sensor switch are for an LX or 80 series. The best picks for the LX here:
Lexus LX470/Toyota Landcruiser 4WD Center Differential Lock Transfer Indicator Switch Problem

show it near the rear propellor shaft - possible that is actually the front shaft isn't the pic on that site? The only switch I find on top of the transfer case and where the heat shield is an issue accessing it (rad that in another thread) would be near the front. Based on the diagram in that link appear the shaft is mislabeled and the one near the rear is the low switch.

Want to make sure I'm replacing the correct one.

Is this the right one?
front propellor shaft in the foreground looking towards the rear; heat shield along the left.

CDL lock sensor

• wesquire
• Jan 15, 2017

 

[wesquire]

Is this the right one? Front propellor shaft in right foreground and heat shield along the left.

 

[2001LC]

Looks right;

 

[revoked]

I have the same problem intermittently. Helps to cycle the center diff lock more often. At least that cleared it up for me.

 

[wesquire]

Looks right;
View attachment 1383196

Thanks!

 

[mookamatook]

I started with no lights on the dash with CDL engaged but could hear it moving. Then I replaced the sensor with the one that I posted earlier in this thread. That didn't solve it the lights coming on/off so I just kept on cycling the CDL on and off for a few weeks every time I got to a place with some loose road surface. That eventually got the CDL lights and VSC to show up when I engage. 2nd time I got it to light up, the VSC lights wouldn't turn off after disengaging the CDL... so same thing as mentioned here.

I'm just continuing to cycle the system as I think this was never locked (CDL) or put into L in its entire life... From what I have seen and experienced so far, you gotta use it or you lose it. More reason to get off the pavement.

 

[PhantomII]

I've had that issue since the day I purchased my 100 (used).
However, I've been assured by the good folks on this furum, that it's the way those lights are supposed to work.
VSC TRAC light