Newb Needs Help with Diagnosing Diff Lock Problem

[MikeBoom]

I've visited here from time to time, but just registered.

I have a '96 4Runner that is a hand-me-down from my son, who recently bought a '11 Trail. Yeah, I know it's supposed to work the other way, but this is basically a "farm truck."

My '96 runs great, with 184K on the clock, but it has one mechanical issue: the rear differential lock won't engage. Given the low value of this vehicle and the fact that I seldom would need the differential locked, I'm only willing to go so far as a simple diagnostic check and a cheapo repair. If it's anything serious, I can live without the differential lock.

Is there someplace I can find a step-by-step to diagnosing this? If it takes much more than some WD-40 and a hammer, I'll likely stop there.

Thanks in advance.

 

[blcktpgsr]

And when you're trying to engage the Diff lock you put the transfer case to 4Lo, correct? Sometimes you also have to steer left to right while driving to fully engage it.

 

[Mellow77]

First things first, please describe how you're trying to engage the locker. Is the truck parked, is it moving, is it in 4WD...etc?

Can you elaborate on what you are seeing when trying to engage it? Are the lights flashing, coming on and then going off, not coming on at all...etc? Can you hear anything physically trying to engage?

Fair warning, if the fix turns out to be something you're not willing to pursue you may consider selling or swappnig the rear axle. Several folks on here would love to have a locker and likely would trade you their stock axle.

 

[Nelsonmd]

You can probably fix it for free, just some time/work.

Like blcktpgsr said, make sure you are in 4L, then turn slightly left and right while moving very slowly. This aligns the gears correctly. If this doesn't work, then check that you are getting the electrical signal to the locker. If that checks out ok, then remove the locker (not the diff, just the locker), take it apart, and clean it out. I couldn't do this full job because of all my rust, but if you don't have extensive rust, then I think it is actually a pretty easy job. Here are a couple threads on it:

E-locker Fix - TTORA Forum
E-locker actuator rebuild - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

 

[MikeBoom]

You can probably fix it for free, just some time/work.

Like blcktpgsr said, make sure you are in 4L, then turn slightly left and right while moving very slowly. This aligns the gears correctly. If this doesn't work, then check that you are getting the electrical signal to the locker. If that checks out ok, then remove the locker (not the diff, just the locker), take it apart, and clean it out. I couldn't do this full job because of all my rust, but if you don't have extensive rust, then I think it is actually a pretty easy job. Here are a couple threads on it:

E-locker Fix - TTORA Forum
E-locker actuator rebuild - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

Thanks. The links should be helpful. Yes, I'm doing it the right way. 4LO, and I've tried the slow right and left turns, all to no avail. The light just flashes continuously.

I'll check out the wiring and if that doesn't work try to see if the actuator is hung up by corrosion.

 

[Trickedout]

Broke face plate of actuator

Does anyone know where I can get a stock e-locker actuator? I just bought a 1999 limited 4runner and diff lock had the blinking light. I went through the test to try and get it to lock and did the wire test for proper power. And found that I needed to remove and clean it. Well the face plate (the part up aganced the diff its self just crumbled and there is part of it welded into the hole in the diff were the gear slide in. I need a new one I might be able to get away with a face plate. But don't think so.

.So if you know of one please let me know.

 

[1moreToy4me]

Is this for the RR DIFF?
Thanks

 

[JohnMc]

It's been over a year. He might have found one by now, or given up looking.

 

[1moreToy4me]

Wondering if the thread was for the rear Diff?
I am having issues with it not engaging.

 

[habanero]

Wondering if the thread was for the rear Diff?
I am having issues with it not engaging.

Yes, they are talking about the stock e-locker for the rear diff. Both of the links above have relevant information.

With mine the magnets came unglued. They go a certain way, there's info on that around too. I've got a little bit in my build thread and there's info on t4r if that's your case.