Rear diff won't engage

[robsauce]

I have a stock '98 4Runner Limited and took it off roading for the third time this weekend. I'm a relative newb and am not all that educated when it comes to vehicles so my apologies if my description of the problem is lacking. If you need any more info please just ask.

While in 4low I pressed the r.diff button and as per the manual, the rear diff indicator blinked. Its supposed to do this until the rear diff is properly engaged, but as I sat there and waited, it just kept on blinking. So, I turned it off and continued on without it for a bit, then decided to try again and voila, it engaged on first press of the button. After turning it off and driving for a bit I then attempted to turn it on again but the blinking problem occurred again and it never engaged. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

The other thing, the abs indicator light came on whenever the rear diff is engaged or trying to engage. Is this normal?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Elton H]

it takes forever to lock if you just sit there i find if u go slow and go in a circle it locks quicker

 

[Pikeman]

I dont have one on my 98 Runner but on my 01 Pre-runner I would push it while sitting and it took forever but after I started to roll it would engage. Never had to do circles though. Unsure of the ABS light as this was a few years ago.

 

[robsauce]

Thanks. I'll try slowly rolling forward (maybe in circles) next time.

Thoughts on the ABS indicator light??

 

[JohnsD90]

Thanks. I'll try slowly rolling forward (maybe in circles) next time.

Thoughts on the ABS indicator light??

ABS shuts off when locker is engaged, the light stays on as a warning that ABS is disengaged.

 

[johnny c]

Pushing the RR diff lock cancelles out the Abs, hense the light coming on. My 99 limited did the same thing with not engaging. I took the indicator switch out of the rear end and freed it up a little (seemed to be a little gummed up) and it worked much better. Also if you push the button, either listen for it to engage, or you can actually feel one of the rear wheels slipping on ground. Sometimes my light doesn't stop blinking, but it actually is engaged. Use it and get the feel for when it is engaged, it will be difficult to steer when engaged. And yes, moving slightly does help engagement. (did I overuse the word "engage" LOL)?

 

[Elton H]

my locker works in 2wd which was really simple to do

 

[DewRunner]

it has to be engaged under 5 mph, but if your on level ground it doesnt really need to engage so it doesnt, but if your spinning a tire from being stuck and then stop the wheels from spinning push the button then let off the brakes once that wheel spins it will engage.

the circle thing is because it makes the wheels spin at different radius's in turn making it seem as if the inner wheel is spinning more than the outter wheel.

the abs thing is normal, while doing slick rock you dont want abs, it will force you to drive downhill and not be able to stop. cause there is occasions when you want your wheels locked and to actually slide down ledges and not be letting off the brakes because you would go out of control, so thats why the abs kicks off. its a good thing.

hope this information helps this is just things ive heard so its welcome to be corrected by anyone who wants to chime in their 2 cents

 

[robsauce]

Thanks for all the advice. I gave your suggestions a try on some dirt last night and all it needed was for me to let off the brake and drive a bit slightly turning the wheel. I'm guessing the gears (for lack of better terms) in my rear diff just needed to line up properly in order for it to engage.

Cheers!