Locking Center Diff - ratcheting, clicking sound....

[Jetmugg]

On my new-to me 2005 4Runner Limited (V8), I just had the first opportunity to go off-roading.

Over the weekend, I was at a friend's family farm, located in the Ozarks. Plenty of steep gravel trails and such, so it was a welcome opportunity to check out the 4Runner's off road features and manners.

Everything worked as it should, with the possible exception of the center locking diff. When I would engage the center diff lock, I would often get a clicking/ratcheting type noise (like when going down a steep hill). I also got the VSC "off" light flashing on the dash. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to flash, or should it stay on?

Since 4Low was so sure footed, I wasn't really convinced that I needed the locking center diff.

Anyway, is the ratcheting / clicking sound normal, or a sign of problems in the transfer case?

Steve.

 

[M1911]

It shouldn't stay flashing. It should flash while the diff is locking, then stay on. When you unlock, it should flash, then go off.

 

[wkeryder4]

On my new-to me 2005 4Runner Limited (V8), I just had the first opportunity to go off-roading.

Over the weekend, I was at a friend's family farm, located in the Ozarks. Plenty of steep gravel trails and such, so it was a welcome opportunity to check out the 4Runner's off road features and manners.

Everything worked as it should, with the possible exception of the center locking diff. When I would engage the center diff lock, I would often get a clicking/ratcheting type noise (like when going down a steep hill). I also got the VSC "off" light flashing on the dash. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to flash, or should it stay on?

Since 4Low was so sure footed, I wasn't really convinced that I needed the locking center diff.

Anyway, is the ratcheting / clicking sound normal, or a sign of problems in the transfer case?

Steve.

The only time I get a ratcheting/clicking noise is when I have the center Diff unlocked and VSC kicks in. Your VSC should shut off when you lock the center diff.

 

[CXS]

Put it in neutral and then engage the CDL. I think you'll find it's fine and noise free doing that.

 

[Jetmugg]

Yeppers - after rolling a bit in Neutral, CDL engaged into a noise free, silent locked position.

I think the problem over the weekend was that I tried to engage the CDL while moving (albeit very slowly) in 4L.

I learned something new today - thanks.

Steve.

 

[wkeryder4]

Yeppers - after rolling a bit in Neutral, CDL engaged into a noise free, silent locked position.

I think the problem over the weekend was that I tried to engage the CDL while moving (albeit very slowly) in 4L.

I learned something new today - thanks.

Steve.

Was going to ask if you were moving when you tried to engage. Make sure you are stopped in neutral for both the CDL and going down to 4LO.

 

[ARunner]

Was going to ask if you were moving when you tried to engage. Make sure you are stopped in neutral for both the CDL and going down to 4LO.

Never found the need to be stopped for CDL. For 4 low, of course. The key to locking the CDL is to not be binding the driveline while you're activating. Let off the gas and be going straight and it goes in fine.

 

[wkeryder4]

Never found the need to be stopped for CDL. For 4 low, of course. The key to locking the CDL is to not be binding the driveline while you're activating. Let off the gas and be going straight and it goes in fine.

Yeah, I've just found it to be a safer way to do it. Obviously he was having trouble engaging it while moving and I'd hate to break something because I didn't want to bring the truck to a stop. I always just bring it to neutral and engage and slowly move it forward if it hasn't locked. If I'm going to be using it chances are I will engage it before I need it rather than during.

 

[CXS]

Yeppers - after rolling a bit in Neutral, CDL engaged into a noise free, silent locked position.

I think the problem over the weekend was that I tried to engage the CDL while moving (albeit very slowly) in 4L.

I learned something new today - thanks.

Steve.

Nice to hear!

 

[tysauce]

[MENTION=120133]Jetmugg[/MENTION] where in Missouri are you located?

 

[m85476585]

You are allowed to be moving when you engage the CDL, but it often works better in neutral. In general it won't let you shift the transfer case or CDL in a way that can break anything, but it's not perfect.

VSC is disabled when it is locked, but you might still hear the brakes distributing power between the left and right wheels on each axle to help you get traction. You might also hear the ABS kick in, or feel it in the pedal.

 

[M1911]

Yeppers - after rolling a bit in Neutral, CDL engaged into a noise free, silent locked position.

I think the problem over the weekend was that I tried to engage the CDL while moving (albeit very slowly) in 4L.

I usually lock it while moving. It is often easier to get it to lock while moving in a straight line, than while standing still.

 

[Jetmugg]

[MENTION=120133]Jetmugg[/MENTION] where in Missouri are you located?

I'm in Festus, MO. My friend's farm is in Miller County, near Tuscumbia / Eugene.

Steve.

 

[nevada]

I usually lock it while moving. It is often easier to get it to lock while moving in a straight line, than while standing still.

yep, i have locked my while moving a few times now. in fact, I think that's what the manual calls for.

either way, it works fine, as long as you are driving straight.