MTS

That's not the way it works. The signal to the actuator is held to make it stay locked.

 

It runs constanly to keep it engaged. Just like an air locker

 

So my 4Runner has a-trac and mts, pure magic right there.

 

this is true.

one of the youtube channels I follow a lot Ronny Dahl, from australia.
The jeep they always go out with has all open diffs but great traction control.
Jeep keeps up with all the fully locked 79 series landcruisers so problem.

Like said above there are times where nothing will replace a locker. But the MTS is great in certain places.

I used it a bit this winter to see how it was, it worked great in snow.
My only issue with MTS is I have to be in 4lo for it. As when dealing with snow coverd roads I use 4hi, 4lo would be stupid on snow covered roads as that torque is not needed. If I could have MTS in 4hi that would be perfect.

 

Have not looked to much into the 3rd gen e-locker but the old ones did not work this way, I believe your getting them mixed up with the electro magnet type e-locker which do require constant power but the older trd lockers only require power while engaging or disengaging the locker, I may be wrong about the 3rd gen locker but from my understanding it operates the same except the motor is inside the diff.
On the other hand it's actually the MTS that is not supposed to be run for extended times as it can cause the abs system to over heat.

 

I agree with the 1st and 2nd gens acting this way, because if you remove the elocker assembly in a pinch you can flick the gear over and have the locker engaged to get you out if you're desperate, not need to hold the gear over in the locked position.

Don't own a 3rd gen so no idea about it

 

So does anyone know for certain how the 3rd gen locker actuator functions?

 

Can't say for certain as I have not had one apart in my hands but from all the info I have seen and heard it still has a motor and operates similar to the older model.

 

I would be surprised if the locker was any different than the second gens

 

Well I only used the locker for about 10 minutes and then turned it off when I got back to some more full lock stuff where it would spin inside while turning. I must say I underestimated it! I think MTS on, no locker will be my go-to from now on and only use locker last resort.

 

Well, according to the shop manual the e-locker is actuated by an electromagnet. Push the button, and as long as all conditions are met (ie must be in 4lo) the 4WD ECU will apply voltage to the coil. I don't recall seeing or reading about a means by which the locker stays locked besides this voltage. If this is true, it's conceivable that it may overheat.

Edit: The locker mechanism is held apart (unlocked) by a spring arrangement until the electromagnet pulls it together.

Frank

 

Interesting, if it is in fact an electromagnet there still shouldn't be any overheating issues if toyota propperly engineered and wired the system.