Please help!

[Hairris]

I posted this in problems forum, but responses are very scarce.


I have a 2003 4runner V8 4WD. Nothing has been changed on it except a spacer lift and little bigger tires, but this was done almost 8 years ago....so lets not consider that part of the problem....

Here is the problem:
Was at work and was turning sharp left in the parking lot when the car seemed to be struggling to turn, something popped and the VSC OFF light and the differential lock light both came on. VSC OFF flashing for about 10-15 seconds and then went solid. Now whenever I turn its like the differential is locked fully and I don't know really what to do? I don't want to do anything to make it worse....can I drive it or will it damage something more? I have done absolutely nothing to try and rectify the situation given my fear for hurting if further? I have driven it about 100 yards in straight line....no problem.....also turned it off then back on and lights are still illuminated..

ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED>>>>>!!!!!!

 

[07V8]

Sounds like the center diff is locked.

 

[mrpurplepenguin]

+1 to that, your center diff is locked.

There's a button to lock/unlock it on the dash to the left of the steering wheel, did it accidentally get pressed?

Also, FYI: the little electric motors that control the diff locking and 4wd hi/lo selection are known to seize up over time if they don't get used. Once you get the center diff unlocked, consider locking-unlocking it several times to free up the actuator.

 

[Hairris]

+1 to that, your center diff is locked.



Also, FYI: the little electric motors that control the diff locking and 4wd hi/lo selection are known to seize up over time if they don't get used. Once you get the center diff unlocked, consider locking-unlocking it several times to free up the actuator.

So I pressed the center diff, and it unlocked. Everything seems fine. one question that worries me is have you ever heard of the diff just locking on its own? I didn't press the button and it happened about half way through my turn? Seems weird, and I'm hoping its a one time occurrence and not a symptom of a bigger or future issue? Thought on this?

P.S.- I locked/unlocked it a couple of times to free the actuator....could this have been the issue, cause its been at least a year or more since I have locked the diff.

 

[FI460]

After installing my lift a few days ago my center diff was unexplainably locked. The only thing I could think of was unplugging the ABS sensor did something.

I won't rule out that maybe my help pushed the button on accident with his knee though. He's a bit of a giant.

 

[Thumbie]

Sounds like your problem went away.


In general, if you title a thread with "please help" and nothing else, most people will ignore it.

 

[blind squirrel]

This happened to my wife the few times she drove my Runner. Her knee or something must have hit the button when she got in. Glad it was nothing major for you.

 

[mrpurplepenguin]

one question that worries me is have you ever heard of the diff just locking on its own? I didn't press the button and it happened about half way through my turn? Seems weird, and I'm hoping its a one time occurrence and not a symptom of a bigger or future issue? Thought on this?

I haven't heard of any electrical weirdness causing the diff to lock/unlock on its own or people having the switch fail, and I've only read 1-2 reports on here of 4wd shifting strangely due to a faulty selector switch (the rotary knob to the right of the steering wheel, but that's a different part).

Since it typically takes anywhere from a few to many seconds after the button is pressed for the diff to lock, are you _sure_ you didn't accidentally bump it in the 30 seconds or so beforehand?

If you're worried about it, pull the switch out and spray some electrical contact cleaner in there. Since it's the first offense I'd wait to see if it acts up again though; if it does happen again, it's not going to cause any major problem (system locks itself out when it's too fast to engage, just beeps at you) and the solution is simple.

 

[Hairris]

Thanks for all the responses. As for now I'm just going to assume that either I hit the switch or it's a one time problem. Hopefully it won't happen again!