RR Diff Lock does not engage

I saw a thread the other day where someone described engaging their locker and it wouldn't engage at first and then would "clunk" into place after driving a few feet. Most of the comments said this was normal but it made me realize that I have never experienced anything like that. I have a 96 and when I push the button to the left of my steering wheel in 4lo nothing seems to happen. I don't know if there is supposed to be a dashboard light in the 96s to show when the locker is engaged but if there is it definitely has never turned on. Also, one time I did notice only one rear wheel turning while the RR Diff Lock button was pushed in while in 4lo.

So, it sounds like my locker is not engaging at all. Are there any possible simple problems that could be causing this or do you guys think its just broken. I only know a little about these diff lockers so any input is helpful.

Thanks

 

Sounds to me like a wiring problem, the locker itself is probably fine it just isn't engaging. If the wiring was good but the locker wasn't working right, the RR Diff Lock light on your dash would blink but not go solid. Since it isn't coming on at all I would think that indicates an electrical/wiring issue.

Marlin Crawler sells new OEM Toyota e-locker wiring harnesses https://www.marlincrawler.com/air-electronics/wiring-harness/electric-locker-wiring-harness

hopefully someone else with a similar experience can chime in though

 

Ah good point. Ill look into that

 

So does your locker engage ? There is a 20A 4wd fuse. Check to see if it's blown.

If your locker is working, but your light does not engage, then check the bulb. It should come on with the ignition switch during the bulb check.

 

Pretty sure it isn't engaging at all. Ill check the bulb next time i turn the car on though.

 

If the locker itself was working you would hear an audible click (more like a "clack") sound when it engages/disengages, usually after you drive a few feet forward.

 

Ill test it out when I get home but as far as I can remember I have never heard it make a noise. I don't think its engaging. Hopefully its a wiring issue that can be fixed fairly easily

 

you'll know if locker is engaged, it steers like shit on pavement. it steers like shit on dirt too but less so

 

True but we don't want him to try it on pavement as you have to be in 4lo for it to activate...that could cause a whole nother host of issues

 

Maybe you're pushing the clutch start cancel button.


Just kidding, I'm just mad that's the only button I have over there.

 

I do this all the time on the trail lol. The RR Diff Lock button is hard to see behind the steering wheel when you're wheeling and half the time I hit the CSC button instead on accident.

 

Sure, rub it in some more!

 

Hey you have 4x4, that's the important thing lol. My previous truck was a non-TRD Prerunner and I was always bummed that I didn't have 4wd or the locker at least.

 

Yeah, it's so much better than my old 2wd s10.

 

So is the dash light for the locker next to the green light for 4x4 on the right side?

 

Mine's on the left side of the dash, but it's an '04. I think on the earlier model Tacoma's it was on the right next to the 4x4 light

 

So there are some empty holes where it looks like a light might be supposed to turn on but when i turn the car on there are no lights for the locker. That means the bulb is out is all?

 

Yeah man my best guess is that something's wrong with the wiring harness. I just don't know if it's just a loose wire or if the whole thing would need to be replaced, heck it may just be that the switch on the dash isn't working right. If you're like me and not comfortable taking the dash apart and dealing with the electronics/ECU, then I'd take it to a local Toyota mechanic (not necessarily the stealership) and have them take a look. It could be that it's a quick fix.

 

Yeah I think its likely its something like that, that would be an easy fix for someone that new what they were doing. But maybe thats just my optimism talking.

 

Anyway thanks for the help guys. The next step is definitely checking out the wiring