differential lock switch inquiry
#1
Driver
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Hey guys,
A weird thing happened to me but it may be just lack of knowledge.
I did a tire rotation today and while cleaning up around the dashboard before climbing into the car I accidentaly hit the differential lock button (2022 model FYI).
I noticed that the car acted a little differently when hitting the corners (slowed the car down), I noticed that the lock diff light was on. I pulled over and I put it into "N" then tried turning it off. For some reason, it wouldn't turn off. I drove it around a few feet to see if I can put it back to "N" and turn it off. But no luck. In the attempt to go back to the shop that did the tire rotation I gave one last try and this time it worked.
I feel like I'm missing a step or something that I'm not aware of.
Any thoughts?
A weird thing happened to me but it may be just lack of knowledge.
I did a tire rotation today and while cleaning up around the dashboard before climbing into the car I accidentaly hit the differential lock button (2022 model FYI).
I noticed that the car acted a little differently when hitting the corners (slowed the car down), I noticed that the lock diff light was on. I pulled over and I put it into "N" then tried turning it off. For some reason, it wouldn't turn off. I drove it around a few feet to see if I can put it back to "N" and turn it off. But no luck. In the attempt to go back to the shop that did the tire rotation I gave one last try and this time it worked.
I feel like I'm missing a step or something that I'm not aware of.
Any thoughts?
#3
Driver
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After successfully being able to turn off since the incident, I'm able to turn it on and off like before. I just don't want to run into thay situation again but if i know whay may have caused it to act like that would be very helpful.
#4
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obviously, don’t drive in diff lock unless needed because of snow or ice.
#5
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To avoid actuator issues, I exercise the 4L and center diff lock once a month, I have a gravel road were I drive ¼ mile or so, then shifts back to 4H and no center diff lock
If you go online you will see several post mentioning Toyota 4L and diff lock, can be temperamental if not on flat surfaces etc.
Anyway I just keep teh monthly exercise and so far no issues.
If you go online you will see several post mentioning Toyota 4L and diff lock, can be temperamental if not on flat surfaces etc.
Anyway I just keep teh monthly exercise and so far no issues.
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darkoozy (03-07-23)
#6
Driver
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To avoid actuator issues, I exercise the 4L and center diff lock once a month, I have a gravel road were I drive ¼ mile or so, then shifts back to 4H and no center diff lock
If you go online you will see several post mentioning Toyota 4L and diff lock, can be temperamental if not on flat surfaces etc.
Anyway I just keep teh monthly exercise and so far no issues.
If you go online you will see several post mentioning Toyota 4L and diff lock, can be temperamental if not on flat surfaces etc.
Anyway I just keep teh monthly exercise and so far no issues.
#7
Pole Position
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With the diffs open, all wheels are able to rotate at slightly different rates, so taking a u-turn on asphalt would see the outside tires travel further than the inside tires. If you had the diff locked, there would be driveline binding as the front and rear axles are now connected solid, and can result in jerky/hopping/binding when attempting the same maneuver.
The CDL won't unlock if the driveline is bound up, shifting to neutral is usually enough to relieve the pressure, but driving forward and backwards in figure 8 pattern will get the job done if it's being stubborn.
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#8
Pit Crew
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Hills are fine, the issue is high traction surfaces. You want to be on gravel/dirt/grass/snow/ice/etc when you have the CDL engaged.
With the diffs open, all wheels are able to rotate at slightly different rates, so taking a u-turn on asphalt would see the outside tires travel further than the inside tires. If you had the diff locked, there would be driveline binding as the front and rear axles are now connected solid, and can result in jerky/hopping/binding when attempting the same maneuver.
The CDL won't unlock if the driveline is bound up, shifting to neutral is usually enough to relieve the pressure, but driving forward and backwards in figure 8 pattern will get the job done if it's being stubborn.
With the diffs open, all wheels are able to rotate at slightly different rates, so taking a u-turn on asphalt would see the outside tires travel further than the inside tires. If you had the diff locked, there would be driveline binding as the front and rear axles are now connected solid, and can result in jerky/hopping/binding when attempting the same maneuver.
The CDL won't unlock if the driveline is bound up, shifting to neutral is usually enough to relieve the pressure, but driving forward and backwards in figure 8 pattern will get the job done if it's being stubborn.
Some see 'lock the diff' and think the GX has rear lockers, but it's actually the transfer case that is being locked into 4wd. The GX transfer case uses a Torsion diff for 'full time 4wd' (like AWD mode). You then lock the Torsion diff inside the transfer case to get locked 4wd. The axle diffs do not have a locking feature on US GX's.
Many 4x4s use a part time transfer case; 2wd or locked 4wd, most 4Runners are like this. Some 4Runners also have a rear locking diff, but not the same comparison to what the GX uses. The 4Runner Limited used the same/similar transfer case as the GX for full-time-4wd (not sure for 2023 though as the web site say's otherwise).
The following 2 users liked this post by GX4602011:
Hobbes22 (02-15-23),
RealMenDIY (03-09-23)
#9
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going between forward and revers can release the bind and the actuator can move
I'm just exercising both CDL and 4L/4H to make sure they move as intended, few other in this forum are doing similar tings.
#11
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