Locking Rear Differential

[FlyNavy]

Has anyone experienced any problems with the electronic locking rear differential in the TE? Mine seems to keep flashing and not lock. Might be headed to the dealer. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Does the TE have to be in 4lo for the rear diff to lock? I'm pretty sure it does; are you trying to lock it in 4lo?

 

[jca21]

Does the TE have to be in 4lo for the rear diff to lock? I'm pretty sure it does; are you trying to lock it in 4lo?

yeah, it has to be in 4Lo to lock the rear diff.

so... were you in 4lo when you tried to lock it?

 

[FlyNavy]

Yep, as per the manual. Still flashing.

 

[jca21]

weird... my diff locked fine last time.

i'll try again when i take it out next week

 

[SeattleMike]

From the Manual:

Press the switch to lock the rear differential.

At this time, the rear differential lock indicator will flash. Wait a few seconds for the system to complete operation. After the rear differential is locked, the indicator will stop flashing and remain on. To unlock the rear differential, press the switch again.

Are you waiting long enough, in 4LO, while stopped?

 

[FlyNavy]

Oh yeah. Minutes

 

[SeattleMike]

Oh yeah. Minutes

Roll it forward a couple of feet in 4LO and try it again. Sometimes it takes a second try for 4HI to lock in (same flashing light problem) so it might be something to try...

 

[FlyNavy]

Good call. I'll mess with it again tomorrow. Thanks

 

[02SE]

I don't have a '10 TE, but I do have an older 4Runner with the rear locking diff. If I'm just sitting stationary when I push the rear diff. lock button, the splines may or may not be lined up to allow immediate engagement. In that case it just takes rolling along a bit until everything lines up, and the diff lock engages.

 

[mgrande]

The first couple of tries it may a while to brake the elocker in. In 4LO, press the button and slowly try to activate by driving around turning your wheels sharp in each direction. As time goes by, it it get easier to engage.

 

[Uneek]

The first couple of tries it may a while to brake the elocker in. In 4LO, press the button and slowly try to activate by driving around turning your wheels sharp in each direction. As time goes by, it it get easier to engage.

:iagree: On my Tacoma, I wiggle the steering wheel side to side (no more than like making a lane change at city speeds) while rolling slowly. After subsequent and frequent use of the locker, engagement is a lot faster.

 

[FlyNavy]

Tried all the tricks. Seems to be working just fine now. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[wjamyers]

awesome. thanks for the update!

 

[BradleyB]

thank you

Tried all the tricks. Seems to be working just fine now. Thanks for the suggestions.

Decided it was time to check out the rear locker just this afternoon and found myself in FlyNavy's straights. Thread in hand, I returned to the truck and ran it through the paces suggested here. Now I can get 'er eased in and out of lock at will. All good. Thanks, everyone.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Hawkdog21]

:iagree: On my Tacoma, I wiggle the steering wheel side to side (no more than like making a lane change at city speeds) while rolling slowly. After subsequent and frequent use of the locker, engagement is a lot faster.

This exactly... same way i have done it in all prior 4runners, works within a few feet

 

[-JD-]

This exactly... same way i have done it in all prior 4runners, works within a few feet

+1 for the wiggle the steering wheel trick. Always worked for me in my old runners

 

[Johnny Utah]

good to know about the wiggle. thanks fellas!

 

[-JD-]

Anyone know if its possible to bypass the 4lo only for the diff lock?? the 'grey wire mod' is what they used to call it on the 3rd gen....

 

[harper7]

Anyone know if its possible to bypass the 4lo only for the diff lock?? the 'grey wire mod' is what they used to call it on the 3rd gen....

Thank LWN........ http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ocking-rear-dif-other-than-4l.html#post540503