Front diff temp sensor

Sorry for digging up an old thread. The 2021’s do not have it? It is only the 16-19 @Jeff Lange

 

I have one I'm a 17 trd off road

 

I have a 2023 TRD Pro manual transmission and apparently it doesn’t have it. The FDT reads -69 F continuously. That’s disappointing that you don’t have things like that on a Tacoma that expensive

 

There are no 2020-2023 Tacomas with the front differential temperature sensor.

Jeff

 

The same front clamshell front diff setup has been used since the dawn of time it seems (at the VERY least since 03 when the 4.0L and this IFS setup was introduced on the 4th gen 4runner, if not since IFS was introduced in the late 80s).... and it didnt have a temp sensor till 2016 apparently.

This is THE FIRST I have heard of a diff temp sensor UP FRONT....on an open diff... just makes no sense why they felt the need to put one there (especially when the rear is going to be the hot one under load for 99.999% of people). Just one more thing to go wrong IMO that serves no purpose.

 

2017 TRD Sport and I have it. As far as I know some have it some don't.
Here is a front diff install with 5.29 and ARB locker where you can see it well. Go to 15:33 on the video.

https://youtu.be/TnRm7S-ha1k

 

There’s a diff temperature issue that someone at Toyota was concerned about. Some 4-runners (probably awd) have multiple and impressive ducts in the front skid plate in order to cool things. Ducts and the parts they cool reduce mpg.

 

If you think about the way a part time 4WD system works (50:50 F:R split when in use), and given that the front diff is much smaller and has less oil to sink heat into, along with added loading from steering, and lastly that it’s covered with mostly air that’s been through the radiator to cool it down, I would be more concerned about front diff temperatures than rear as well.

But, apparently they stopped being concerned, haha.

Jeff

 

I just went to do my own oil change on my trd offroad 17' and found my temp sensor wire ripped. Anyone know where to find a replacement wiring for it or just from toyota?

 

the 2016 service manual implies all models have a front diff temp sensor. couldn't tell you if the newer ones have it or not. i only have access to the 2016 service manual.

 

Generally speaking, If you think about it, the smaller front diff is mainly only used at the lower speeds were there's less friction on gears due to the lower speed, while on loose terrain.
Some folks do use 4X4 at higher speeds in snow/ice covered roads, but the much colder ambient temperatures should take care of those concerns.

Either way, I would think that, even though the power assigned maybe the same, the rear diff would still do more of the work load as it’s ”pushing” forward, while the lazy front would have a tendency to “lift” as it tries to pull thereby unloading on the poor rear.

Moreover, IDK if I got all that right, but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it, till proven wrong lol!

 

Does the 2020-up still have the harness in place just with an unconnected wire, or has everything been deleted (like the lack of low washer fluid on the US Tacomas).

I can read mine with my ScanGauge but I’d be curious if anything is still programmed into the truck if you get a second in there. The fact it still reads an out of range value (-69F) makes me think it could still read a sensor if it’s wired in place.

 

weird that the front would have one but not the rear. the rear gets a lot more action.

 

Anyone know of any good threads on TW about people retrofitting aftermarket temp sensors to the stock rear diff on 2nd gens? That's on my long-term list of add-on sensors, along with the manual trans & transfer case.

 

not that i know of. people usually just use an infrared thermometer for checking the rear diff temp after some hard driving.

 

I'm interested to install a real sensor for data logging purposes. To plot graphs of temp vs. different combinations of ambient temp, load (towing + cargo,) speed, & average grade of selected test routes.

 

When it comes to the torque applied to the actual differential, if there is no wheel spin, it wouldn’t matter where the vehicle load transfers to under acceleration, the torque applied to the differential would be equal for front and rear.

Jeff

 

I'm sure 2017 OR had it, as mine was throwing the fault code anytime the ambient temp droped below something like 12*F. Mentioned it at an oil change, and I have not had an issue again, even in -12F*. My guess, I had a loose connection after taking a rather hard bump, popping a curb with a much deeper than I thought hole on the opposite side.

I only got the code when engaging four wheel drive, and it re-appeared every few minutes, after clearing, as long as 4 wheel drive remained engaged.

 

That would be true if the vehicle is being operated on a paved road which TOYOTA does not recommend, and I try not to do.