How do I lock the center differential?

[flange!]

I've had my 4runner all of 3 days now, and was hoping you guys could answer a question. Yes I've used the search feature, but to no avail.

In the manual, it says to press the button/switch to the left of the steering column to lock the center diff and turn vsc off. When I press that button it just sort of moves around but doesn't really seem to have a switch type feel. No lights come on on the dash or anything.

What am I doing wrong?

The 4runner is a 2003 SR5 V8 if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Biff]

if its 4 wheel drive, there is a switch on the left hand side of the steering wheel. The switch has an x in the midle that signifies the center diff. Push the switch in and it will lock. I believe you have to be in netural, but not sure.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Switch with "X" on it

It's a pushbutton switch, On, and off. Push it in, and on the right hand gage display, the symbol will flash, and go solid when it has locked the Torsen center differential. You have to be in 4WD, which the V8 always is. No special instructions, push the button, and the center diff lock light should go on. You should be moving a little at least, but I have gotten it to engage even when not moving.

 

[olliebear]

Just don't run it on dry ground.

go to a dirt lot or grassy lot before pushing it on. The wheels need to have some slip front to rear;left to right whne driving on dry ground. Otherwise it could damage the driveline. A dirt lot allows slippage so as not to damage the driveline.

 

[sharp4runr]

The instructions for switching modes are on your sunvisor in case you ever forget

 

[flange!]

Well I must be a complete dork, but that button will not push in and lock at all? Even if I hold it down, the light does no come on.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Is it 4WD??

Well I must be a complete dork, but that button will not push in and lock at all? Even if I hold it down, the light does no come on.

You never said it was in your post, and I just want to make sure!!! Are you driving a 4WD or a 2WD? I'm not trying to be an ass or anything, just making sure. :

 

[flange!]

Yep, it's 4wd. I'm going to the auto show today, and I'll check it out on a new one.

Thanks

 

[tipotex]

Just checked this out on my own V6 '05 4Runner (two weeks old as of today).

Sitting in park, engine running, switched to H4. After the 4WD dashboard light stopped flashing and was "steady on," a single press of the diff lock button resulted in a steady light for that, as well. Took maybe 5 seconds, could hear relays closing and hardware working underneath (left the door open). The diff lock switch had no positive on/off setting; it's just a contact switch that always returns to the same position.

 

[flange!]

Tipotex, thanks, maybe I'm not waiting long enough for the thing to work? How long does it take for the light to come on in the dash?

I tried the switch on the one at the auto show and it's exactly like mine at home.

 

[tipotex]

The diff lock light begins flashing immediately after pressing the button; there is no delay. Then, just a moment after it remains on steadily (which may take a few seconds), another indicator comes on to show that the vehicle stability control (VSC) software is deactivated.

Again, this is all with 4WD engaged (as confirmed by the green 4WD symbol being illuminated). Pressing the diff lock button in 2WD -- no effect.

As someone indicated above, your V8 is full-time 4WD, so I suppose the 2WD/4WD distinction isn't an issue in your case.

Good luck, hope that helps.

 

[flange!]

Well, I took the truck in for the 15k service and had them look at it. It turns out the plug had come out of (or never was in) the back of the switch. The tech plugged it back in and all is fine.

Thanks,

Flange!

 

[sharp4runr]

Well, I took the truck in for the 15k service and had them look at it. It turns out the plug had come out of (or never was in) the back of the switch. The tech plugged it back in and all is fine.

Thanks,

Flange!

hehe, yup that would do it

Glad you got it figured out. I take it from your post that you got your truck used, I wonder what they were doing back there when they didn't plug the switch back in...

 

[flange!]

Yes, I got it used, and oooh boy, I don't even want to think about what they were doing in there!