Rear differential lock

[Reverenddude]

So I've decided it! I want a 3rd gen. I went and looked at a 98 Limited 4x4 this afternoon and it has the diff lock. I put it into 4Lo in the parking lot and pushed the button. I went about 15 feet and the light never stopped blinking. The manual says it should just stay lit when it successfully locks. Is this a sign of a blown diff lock?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[threadlessclimber]

Try turning side to side while driving slow. Not figure 8's but a little side to side (nothing fast of aggressive). I wouldn't recommend driving in 4lo on pavement but I understand you would like to confirm the functionality of the locker before purchase.

 

[BigBluePile]

That's a sign that it's in transition.

Don't do that on dry pavement lol

Try turning left and then right, serpentine, on a loose surface.

 

[pluton]

Find a big dirt parking lot or other dirt road to test the diff lock and 4WD. You can tell when it's locked on dry dirt...the rear end kind of jumps and chugs a little during turns.

 

[BrianSD_42]

On your 98 .....

1. Don't ever engage the 4WD on pavement on that 98

2. Don't ever put the rear locker on when on pavement as well.

The manual clearly says NEVER to do that. If you don't follow these simple rules you will destroy your 4Runners drivetrain and the cost to fix it will easily run over $2,000.

I hope you read this in time!

 

[OffRoadGuy]

You can test on pavement. Find a long straight road and keep it straight, just don't turn. Light blinks while in transition to lock. Yes, you'll hear a little clunk when the rear axle is locked and the light stays on.