2015 4Runner e-locker doesn't enage

[Boyds4Runner]

This may be a dumb question but does the e-locker require some way to create vacuum to activate?

The reason I ask is that I recently extended the breather for the rear-axle and the e-locker all the way to a zero-pressure style ARB breather up under the hood on top of the driver side wheel well. With all the twists and turns its about 14' of 5/16" fuel line hose to the ARB breather, give or take.

The first day I did this I engaged the e-locker and it locked right in.

Today, after driving around running daily chores (sadly the 90% of use this vehicle will get, but I hope to change that soon!) I sat in the driveway and decided to turn on the e-locker. In 4L on the transfer case and N on main drive shifter I would press the e-locker button and it would just sit there flashing (on and off about 1 second intervals). I would drive straight forward into my garage and back out all the way straight down the driveway (about 25 yards) and it would not seem to engage.

So, did I just disable the e-locker by extending the breather to a zero-pressure type and it actually needs that little thimble top to pull shut to create vacuum and engage the locker? Or as the name states, is it an e-locker where an electrical motor actually engages the locking mechanism and I have some other problem that will have to be taken to dealership to look at?

This site has been a great resource. Looking forward be able to contribute my $.02 soon!

 

[hearno]

As you stated, definitely an electronic locker. It takes a little while sometimes. I'm gonna exercise mine today.

 

[Donkey]

Just keep waiting, it will engage. Sometimes it takes a little while. Totally normal. Try turning the wheel lock to lock, sometimes that will allow the splines to come in to alignment.

 

[Boyds4Runner]

Just keep waiting, it will engage. Sometimes it takes a little while. Totally normal. Try turning the wheel lock to lock, sometimes that will allow the splines to come in to alignment.

Thanks for the quick reply Donkey and Hearno.

I just went to an empty parking lot and drove it farther and it actually did engage. Drove in a straight line since I was on dry pavement in 4L and gave it a little more gas rather than just letting it idle forward and it engaged pretty quickly.

That probably answer the vacuum or electric question too. I used to have a 95 Chevy Blazer that would use and electric valve to open up the vacuum tube which would then pull a steel cable to engage the front differential. I totally hated that system as the long rubber vacuum tube would eventually melt a hole in it as it was run along the hot engine and exhaust manifold.

I know Toyota's are way better engineered than that but thought maybe the electric motor in the e-locker was the device creating the vacuum to activate the locker rather than just engaging the lock electronically.

Hope this little blurb might help someone else with the same question too.

 

[Jeremy556]

You need to turn and move to align the gears. Going straight won't do it.

 

[Intruder]

You need to turn and move to align the gears. Going straight won't do it.

This. Going forward while sawing the wheels does the trick when it won't engage right away.

 

[adam2562]

totally normal for it to takes it's sweet ole time to engage and dis-engage..

 

[Boyds4Runner]

Thanks all!
It makes sense now with the suggestions about getting the gears to line up.

I just got a little scared too soon with a brand new truck and something not working right-away instantly. lol

 

[3wbdriver]

You need to turn and move to align the gears. Going straight won't do it.

Or, if you wait until you are in the mud and the wheels are already slipping it lock's right in! Lol.