Locking Differential

A10MileHusker

A10MileHusker

New member

Hey guys. Just a quick question. I did a search on locking the differential but didn't find anything regarding my issue.

During this last storm, I wanted to do a little fish-tailing and I locked the differential. However, do you just have to remember that it's locked to unlock it or is there supposed to be a light that turns on while your differential is locked?

On my 2005 Sport, No identifying light turned on while it was locked.

Thanks in advance!

Doug
 
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Disregard the note. It's from my VSC off post. The lights should look like this when the center-diff is locked. You should have an amber locked indication and a VSC off indication when locked.

10.jpg~original
 
Yeah, I don't think yours locked. Sometimes, it takes a little bit to lock. Also remember that you have to be in 4LO to lock the center diff.
 
p nut said:
Also remember that you have to be in 4LO to lock the center diff.
Click to expand...

:confused: :confused: My '07 will run in High or Low range locked. As I understand it all the 4th gen T4R's do the same thing... Maybe I missed something, wouldn't be the first time:bash:
 
CJ3Flyr said:
:confused: :confused: My '07 will run in High or Low range locked. As I understand it all the 4th gen T4R's do the same thing... Maybe I missed something, wouldn't be the first time:bash:
Click to expand...

Really? Could be my bad. I swear that's what it says in the manual. That's the way it was in my 2002 4Runner, too, IIRC. Someone confirm this?

EDIT: Ok, I think you're right, CJ. Maybe I was getting the rear locker protocol confused with the CDL. Sorry for the confusion. :bash:
 
Last edited:
:confused: Hmmm, oh well, that's wierd. I know my '07 locks and I was going on that, this and the test procedure outlined in the 2003 service manual for testing the t-case. It includes locking and unlocking the center diff in 4hi.

:cheers:
 
4boer said:
My '04 V8 will only lock in low.
Click to expand...

Well I just read the manual online. It says it WILL lock in high. Mine never wants to. Next time it snows I'll double check. Sorry for the bad info:confused:
 
I haven't occasion to lock or unlock my center diff as yet, but the manual for the 2008 V8 4WD says that center diff can be locked in both 4WD modes. Even has a logical pattern through the book like: In V8 4WD (FT4WD), First, do nothing to drive through normal roads, snowy and icy roads (try it in Normal 4WD Hi, unlocked center diff). If that doesn't work, lock the center diff while still in 4HI. If that doesn't work, try 4LO, center diff unlocked. If that doesn't work, try 4LO with center diff locked...Seriously, that's about what the manual says to do. lol

I've been studying up in "the book" on this 4Runner 4WD system since coming over from a multi-mode GM that was otherwise "shift on the fly" 4WD with the exception of shifting to 4LO. The rear diff in that had an Eaton electronic locker, and the front hubs stayed locked (but free-wheeling) in even in 2WD mode (made it hard to turn, another reason I got rid of it for the 4Runner) and when you activated 4WD it just engaged the front diff.
 
SubSonic said:
I've been studying up in "the book" on this 4Runner 4WD system since coming over from a multi-mode GM that was otherwise "shift on the fly" 4WD with the exception of shifting to 4LO. The rear diff in that had an Eaton electronic locker, and the front hubs stayed locked (but free-wheeling) in even in 2WD mode (made it hard to turn, another reason I got rid of it for the 4Runner) and when you activated 4WD it just engaged the front diff.
Click to expand...

I know this is off topic babbling but what GM did you have? Was 4HI an auto 4HI or soft surface use only? If auto was it smooth? Thanks.

:cheers:
 

Thanks for the great information guys! I can't wait for it to snow again down here so I can give it another try. Or until I go back up the mountains.

I was pushing the button on 4HI and could hear a sound as if it was locking and working correctly but no light came on. But once I started to pull out it was driving awkwardly (wouldn't go when wheel cranked to the left or right, etc) and made me too nervous so I turned off my car and restarted her and she ran like normal.

So, I wanted some information before I tried it again.

 

I feel I should also clarify when I was talking about it not going when the wheel was being cranked left or right. This was without any gas at all.
 
It does sound locked to me also . You should have been able to push the button and have been fine.

Why did you shut off the truck ?

I think this may be a bulb issue.
 

Since it was my first time messing around with this and I wasn't sure on what should happen I felt that turning it off would reset itself and I could figure it out another time.

The main reason for the uneasy feeling was because I didn't see the lights turn on. I know the lights work because the week I bought the car the gas cap became "unpreasurized" as the stealership says and all of the VSC and center diff lights came on by default. They fixed the problem for me for free after I had a few chosen words for them. Something along the lines of "I just bought this [great] car and these kind of [annoying] problems shouldn't be happening!!! So [what kind of customer service do you offer]!!!!"

If you catch my drift :biggrin2:
Ill give the differential another trial once we get another snow or once I find another slick spot.

Thanks again for all the great input guys!

Doug
 
please correct me if I am wrong but I lock the diff from any speed below 30mph the little yellow light comes on the VSC OFF comes on. I do it when stopped and when rolling. it gives me more control over the vehicle in variable conditions especially heavy new snow.
 
I can lock in both 4HI and 4LO; but I've only done this once just to see if the center differential would lock. All my lights came on and it locked with no issue. I would try again and see if you can get the lights to come on.
 
alaskaman said:
please correct me if I am wrong but I lock the diff from any speed below 30mph the little yellow light comes on the VSC OFF comes on. I do it when stopped and when rolling. it gives me more control over the vehicle in variable conditions especially heavy new snow.
Click to expand...

You are correct. The 30mph thing is smart but is it a limit? I think I've locked and unlocked mine going faster than that...:confused:

:cheers:
 

So last night I was sitting at a sonic getting some food before the consumption began and decided to look and see if it came on. One push and the lights came on. I guess I just missed it before.

Now I just need some snow to test it out! :D Hope everyone had a fun and safe New Years!

Thanks for all the help again guys!

Doug
 
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