2011 Tacoma Rear Diff Electrical Malfunction?

My 2011 tacoma(4WD TRD Offroad) had the rear diff lock light, ABS light and traction control light suddenly turn on while driving home from the boat ramp (I wasn't in 4wd when it occurred). Cycled through 4Hi, 4Lo and turning on and off the rear diff locker and everything works as it should (i.e. nothing gets stuck which can be a common problem). However, the lights remain on. One thing I did notice is that the lights do turn off then slowly come back on after 30 seconds to a minute.

I pulled the rear diff lock actuator and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. Could it be a bad diff locker switch(located next to the actuator)??

Has anyone else ever ran into this issue? I haven't found much information on this problem.

 

from experience.. and my guess might be the same as yours.... the abs sensor went out. usually when one goes out it throws the whole system out of whack.

do you have anyone that can pull abs codes?

2nd option i came across was a fuse went out. check all your fuses under the dash

 

You might have codes, get it scanned

But also on my old 2011 OffRoad the red diff light (only) started coming on randomly. I pulled the switch out of the pumpkin, worked the plunger up and down a few times with my thumb, put it back in and never saw the light again. But it sounds like you already did that..

 

Could be, unplug it and see if they go out.

 

I am going to take it to get it scanned to see if codes do pop up. I haven't tried unplugging the switch yet...I did unplug the actuator with no avail. I don't know to much about the fuses in the dash...I'd assume they're underneath the steering column.

 

If you backed down and got the rear end and wheels underwater and sensors got water intrusion (got wet inside) then dry them out/spray with electronic cleaner or brake cleaner and when it evaporates reinstall.

If you stayed in the deep water for a while, check the rear diff also - simply remove the fill plug insert finger and see if all gear oil no water (mocha mix). If you do this alot see the posts on moving the rear vent up higher as I moved mine up behind the right rear taillight. I was backing into salt water and looks of silt/sand and it ate my rear spring poly bushings in about 2 years (crud got in between bushings and metal). If you are also doing saltwater launches the rear brake drums and hardware will suffer so keep an eye back there. Same with the big trailer connector if you still have it under the bumper may want to move it up into the bumper.

 

@b_r_o did you pull the diff locker switch or actuator? I unplugged the switch with no luck. But haven't completely pulled it out yet.

 

The switch on the diff. It's really similar to a reverse light switch on a manual trans.

 

Did you have to remove the actuator to remove the switch?

 

No it's just a plunger switch that threads in on the top if I remember correctly.

 

Problem solved. The issue was indeed the transfer case switch. Didn't go bad but either got stuck or had some sort of short. Once I pulled the switch and worked the plunger the problems went away.

In summary...Rear locker, abs and trac. control lights came on when I was not in 4wd...but the electronics thought it was in 4Lo w/ the rear locker engaged due to a stuck transfer case switch. Resolution: pull the switch (all you need is a 27mm deep socket) and work the plunger a little bit. The switch is located directly next to the rear diff locker actuator.

Thanks for all who helped. Hopefully this helps someone else in the future.