I'm trying to get this message to cj3flyr since he's a guru @ diffs and stuff but if anybody could help please do so.


I have a 2006 V8 limited 4x4. 52,XXX miles. I've done the "VSC off" cool mod to disable the VSC with the center diff unlocked.

Anyways, I was here in Idaho and got stuck in some snow. I wanted to get out by locking the center diff... 2nd button on the left console. I have the full time system so i didnt need to shift into 4wd. I was @ a complete stop with the tranny in N and in D. I pushed the center diff button and after waiting 30 seconds it was still flashing and the VSC off light didn't come on. After moving forward backward moving the steering wheel from side to side the center diff indicator light was still flashing. After numberous attempts I said F*** it and used my VSC off switch mod to get out...

In summary, should I get my vehicle checked out by the dealer to see if the center diff is "stuck"???? I've got an appointment @ 9 in the morning and i'm still under the powertrain warranty. Also, if I've done the VSC off mod, will Toyota void my warranty??? *** I had the VSC off mod done by a former toyota mechanic here in Idaho***

Thanks to all....

This happened to me a few days ago... I shut off the truck, started it back up, put it in N and held the brake, pushed the button, and it worked.

read the manual before asking dumb questions. You need to be moving in drive to lock the CDL

"Use the center differential lock system if
your wheels get stuck in a ditch..."

Maybe you should follow your own advice. (Not holding my breath).

OK in that case, your still in D and you need light throttle application to get it to lock. You need rotation in the transfer case to get it to lock, it will not lock without rotation period. I have locked it stuck in 3ft of snow in D with light throttle application. Now if you can get it to lock in N while coasting is another story; however, not necessary at all.

I've locked it in every combination imaginable including stopped in neutral.

Awaiting vid.

i would think you would need to remove the vsc off mod before going in for warranty for something that it directly affects.

Happy to, what's the bet? Loser doesn't post for two months?

I've sometimes locked my center diff while standing still in neutral. But sometimes it won't go in, and I have to move forward or back.

That said, just as you should be in 4WD before you think you need it, you should lock the diff before you think you need it. Otherwise you might end up like the OP, unable to get it to lock.

I doubt they'll void the warranty. They have a hard enough time figuring out oem problems, never mind digging into what mods an owner may make. Back when I was at a VW shop, customers would mod their 1.8T engines all the time and then bring it in for driveability issues. We would not cover it under warranty but would not void anything out.

As for your issue, sometimes the CDL needs a little coaxing to go in. Ive had it slide in while stopped at the end of my driveway and other times it took a few revolutions of the tires to get it engaged.

I just purchased a pristine 2008 Limited V8. I began testing all of the functions to verify function and also to familiarize my self. I got stump on the Center Locking Differential switch on the left side of the dash. When engaged it would just flash, flash, and flash some more. So like a typical tool, I opened the owners manual. Not able to get it to work according to the direction and what most of you had suggested, I brought it in to the Toyota dealer.
They had diagnosed it to a faulty "actuator and or module" that wouldn't allow it to engage the locker. My local Toyota dealership claims that they had contacted Toyota Engineers to help diagnose the issue. They came back with a 15 page step by step checklist to narrow the symptoms to a conclusion of whether it is the actuator or module. I AM STILL WAITING FOR TEAR DOWN APPROVAL.
It presents a 13 hour labor tear down.
This is covered under my extended warranty that I had purchased. Because I had brought it in before 30 days of my purchase, it is the DEALERS cost obligation not my warranty claims company. Now the two of them are fighting who needs to pay what and WHERE. F'ing crooks. My car has been sitting at my local Toyota dealership for 7 days......waiting approval for tear down.

If any of you guys have any further suggestions, please don't hesitate to IM me or leave commentary.

Why do guys post stuff and don't respond to how they resolved the issue they posted about?

My center diff usually needs movement to engage. I would image this is gear mating that is occuring.

Just like my situation. I was stuck out in the country 300 miles from home and my CDL flashed and never engaged. I limped home and took it in to the dealer and they diagnosed it with the seized CDL actuator. Its almost a $2500 repair because its labor intensive. I was out of my 30 day but they settled on if i buy the parts they would pay for the labor. So i got it fixed with around $700 damage and now i check it once a month.

I dont know how they're going to handle your situation but i hope it happens soon. Dont forget to check 4L while you're there.

After a long dragged out ordeal with the VW Dealership where I purchased my 2008 4Runner. They ended up trailering it back to a Toyota Dealer next to theirs. Toyota declared it a faulty or non functioning actuator. Total bill was 2361.88, not including the 4 hrs to diagnose by Toyota's Engineers play book.
Here are some tech notes and actions performed:
R/I Transfer case assy and replace transfer case actuator. Transfer case actuator not engaging. Disassembled transfer case replaced actuat0r resealed transfer case and rechecked okay.
Toyota Parts:
36410-60093 Actuator Assy. $921.18
00295-01281 F.I.P.G. Trans $18.38
00289-1ULBC ultra low brake cleaner $4.82
Gear Oil x4 $13.00
90430-18008 Gasket x2 $4.50

I think a bad actuator is fairly RARE. Testament to check and use your equipment regularly. I hope these notes helps someone down the road. If you are under warranty, put the pressure on the dealership to act in a timely manner. 3 weeks with out a car that I had only owned for 1 month and 20 days. bummer.