2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD OF Rear Locker Not Working

Not too long ago I noticed that my rear locker indicator would continually flash while my locker was engaged. The locker was engaged but the indicator was not showing that it was engaged, it also obviously didn't show when it was disengaged, I accidentally drove in 2hi with the rear locker engaged for a couple of miles which is a big no no.

So what's the problem? Luckily for me the connector to the rear locker indicator broke and is now just dangling in place, I've added a picture for reference. My initial thoughts were great now all I need to do is replace the rear indicator and I should be good to go right? Well no...

For anyone wondering what it will take to replace this indicator it doesn't just pull out of the 3rd member like I originally thought, you need to take the carrier assembly apart in order to replace it. This really isn't much of a hassle for someone who is mechanically inclined and has the proper tools but for someone who is new to working on cars it's best to go to a local shop to replace this. This is not something you want to learn for the first time is what I am trying to say.

Also be diligent in doing your own research before taking your tacoma to the dealership with the same issue that I explained here. I paid my local dealership to "diagnose" the truck well knowing and explaining to them what the problem was and they still quoted me a job of $1.2k to replace the e-locker and the indicator. Frustratingly I asked why I couldn't just replace the indicator and they couldn't give me a better answer than that's how the parts needs to be replaced. I knew this was BS considering that the indicator and rear locker assembly are not bonded together.

With that out of the way here is the parts and info you will need.

PARTS
The only "parts" you will need to replace for this job is the indicator and gasket, bolts and nuts can be reused. If parts are non reusable the manual will indicate this; the part numbers are listed below

As of Jan 2023 ($96.96) Rear locker indicator - 842220K010
As of Jan 2023 ($11.56) Rear Diff Gasket - 42181KK010
Lastly you need diff oil, the service manual specifies LT 75W-85 APL GL-5 or equivalent

INFO

Since I am lazy and there's already a service manual with the info you need I have attached a PDF with the chapter related to the differentials. This chapter is especially useful if you want to measure the preload and backlash after you have torqued the main cap bolts.

This service manual was sourced from another tacomaworld post.