Rear locker Problem

Stinkyfinger · 09-03-2007, 09:53 AM

This has been going on for a while, but when I press the rr locker button the red light on the dash will keep flashing anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes. I turn right and left and drive back in forth and doesn't seem to help. I thought that the rear locker wasn't engaging, but right before I brought it to the dealership I found out that the rear locker engages with in seconds of pushing the button, but the light will keep flashing. After three hours at the dealership they confirmed this too. Know they want me to drop it off for a day so they can tear apart the dash to check the switches.
I'm having a hard time believing it's in the dash, from others threads I read on this, it usually was the actuator that was the problem or a loose connection.
The service manger said despite the mud,dents and tree branches underneath(I thought I cleaned it better before I brought it in, oops) that it doesn't look like I did this and the warranty should cover this. But I don't want them to waste a day in the dash when it's probably underneath.

Has anyone had similar problems, and was the problem in the dash?

Tankota · 09-03-2007, 10:09 AM

Nope, it's probably the electronics in the locker itself, it's not getting the postive connection when the locker "locks" to tell the 4WD ECU that it has in fact locked. The dash is nothing more than a light bulb. There's a remote chance that it could be the 4wd ECU itself, but it's very rare compared to the electronics in the locker itself since it gets water and mud in it.

Stinkyfinger · 09-03-2007, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Tankota previously said:

Nope, it's probably the electronics in the locker itself, it's not getting the postive connection when the locker "locks" to tell the 4WD ECU that it has in fact locked. The dash is nothing more than a light bulb. There's a remote chance that it could be the 4wd ECU itself, but it's very rare compared to the electronics in the locker itself since it gets water and mud in it.

I totally agree, but the dealership said they checked all of that first and that they are following Toyota's diagnostic sheets and that's telling them to check the dash and the rr switch.
I probably wouldn't have a problem with them taking my fj for the day,but their giving me a corolla for a rental. A corolla, if they where to give me a new tundra. then they can keep my Fj for the week.

I'm going to print out some off these thread to give to them so hopefully they don't waste my time in the dash or their going to have to give me a better rental.

Tankota · 09-03-2007, 10:51 AM

From the sound of it, it's going to be the rear differential lock indicator switch, which if they are following the Toyota diags will be one of the last things they check. I attached the diags if you are curious, it will be step 6.

Stinkyfinger · 09-03-2007, 11:23 AM

Thanks, I guess they are on the right track.
I didn't realize the rr locker was that complicated.

MJPie79 · 09-20-2007, 02:05 PM

Read the manual as to how the rear locker works. It only locks when you are in 4L. In 4L, the light stays on steadily. In 4H or 2wd it flashes meaning its not locked beacause you don't understand how it works. Also manual states to not exceed 5mph with the RR locker engaged in 4L.

homedad · 09-20-2007, 03:47 PM

the 4wd computer is right behind the glove box and comes out without a single tool....so don't sweat the dash check....and like everyone else said....locker only goes solid in 4wd/lo/stopped or slightly rolling...