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rear diff issues

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by troy_279, May 1, 2010.

  1. May 1, 2010 at 6:01 AM
    #1
    troy_279

    troy_279 [OP] Active Member

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    Hi all, new to the forum and been doing some reading but now I have some questions. I bought an 02 quad cab TRD recently and sometimes when driving the Rear diff light comes on on the dash. The other thing is when I try to engage the locker in neutral and in 4Lo the light just flashes. When the light comes on when I'm driving I'm sure the rear diff is not locked because there is nothing noticeable when turning on pavement. Any help is appreciated...I'm doing as much reading as I can but google can only get me so far...lol thanks
     
  2. May 1, 2010 at 6:11 AM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Welcome to TW!

    Sounds like you may not be trying to engauge the rear locker correctly. It can only be engauged in 4Low (unless the locker mod is done).
     
  3. May 2, 2010 at 4:58 AM
    #3
    troy_279

    troy_279 [OP] Active Member

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    Yep, been trying that. I tried again this morning and as soon as i put it in 4LO the light came on and then when i hit the diff button it started blinking brightly and then stayed on bright solid. I'm guessing that it did engage but i was on pave so didn't want to try to much. So I guess that it is working but now i'm wondering why the diff light comes on on the dash randomly while driving down the highway in just 2WD. I can drive 10 miles and it will be on and then look down and then its off again? Just as random as that. Is there any sensor or anything that may be bad?
     
  4. May 3, 2010 at 5:50 PM
    #4
    troy_279

    troy_279 [OP] Active Member

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    no ideas??? I've been looking through the service manual but its not always easy to understand.
     
  5. May 7, 2010 at 6:38 PM
    #5
    troy_279

    troy_279 [OP] Active Member

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    Well I have the cluster out to replace a burnt out bulb and I may just pull the light for the RR diff. I know its not locked when I'm on the highway driving and I know that it does lock when I push the button in 4LO as I hear the actuator and when i turn on the dirt its dragging 1 tire so I know its locked. Any problems going to come if I take the bulb out? Does it provide any diagnostic info???
     
  6. May 7, 2010 at 6:45 PM
    #6
    tacomabuddha

    tacomabuddha BUDDHApower

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    Go to the dealership and get a "No. 1 Transfer Switch"and replace it. Will cost about 80 for the parts. Installation not sure how much..its a DIY if u know how to. I had the same problems with my diff light coming in and out but it wasn't engaged.
     
  7. May 7, 2010 at 6:52 PM
    #7
    troy_279

    troy_279 [OP] Active Member

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    THANKS SO MUCH. If thats all it is I'll gladly get it replaced. I figured it must be some switch or sensor. Did you replace yours yourself? Is it near the diff or in the cab somewhere?
     
  8. May 7, 2010 at 6:58 PM
    #8
    tacomabuddha

    tacomabuddha BUDDHApower

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    yea its a sensor on top of the diff in the rear. Just have that replace and you're golden. Does your ABS light also come up?
     
  9. May 7, 2010 at 7:09 PM
    #9
    troy_279

    troy_279 [OP] Active Member

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    Nope, no other lights all. I actually tested all the bulbs in the cluster now that I have it out to make sure they're all working before I put it back together too.
     
  10. May 9, 2010 at 4:04 PM
    #10
    troy_279

    troy_279 [OP] Active Member

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    WOW, here is a weird development. While i had the gauge cluster out I pulled each and every bulb and tested them before I re-assembled everything. Since doing this I have put about 300 miles on and the light hasn't come on at all. I tried locking the diff to make sure the bulb was good and it lit up like it was suppose to. So maybe all it was was a loose connection or something. It seems to be solved though so thats all that matters!!!
     

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