1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Locker Anytime Mod for Dummies 2005+

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by jsi, Nov 30, 2014.

  1. Nov 30, 2014 at 2:59 PM
    #1
    jsi

    jsi [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2013
    Member:
    #102881
    Messages:
    1,927
    Gender:
    Male
    native earthling
    The etsy shop is closed :( But not to fret I have found a replacement. It's a factory made relay and diode from Omron. (Think of Omron like a Toyota of electrical parts).

    The part number you want is: Omron LY2N-D2 DC12
    You can order them at these sites. They're respected sellers and I've spent way too much money there.
    https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Omron-Automation-and-Safety/LY2N-D2-DC12?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsKEdP9slC0YVzLoqlJlno%2B28rChTsbwK0=

    https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/omron-automation-and-safety/LY2N-D2-DC12/1813758?s=N4IgTCBcDaIDIE0wDkC0ARMqAmBjAjBALoC+QA

    This is my first mod to my Tacoma and I was struggling to follow the instructions. There are multiple threads, many confused posters and unclear and conflicting instructions. As I was reading them I felt like I was back in my college calculus class when the Professor would get about half way done with the equation and say “so from this point on it is intuitively obvious how to finish the problem.” Uh no, it's not obvious :mad: So I decided to do a Dummies version for those that don't find this sort of thing “intuitively obvious.” (oh and I did pass calculus)

    First rule #1 don't be stupid. (That's all I'm going to say here. Read my rant at the bottom if you want.)

    OK with the warnings out of the way, let's get started. Why do you want to do this? Well, from time to time you're going to get a little stuck where 4wd feels like over kill, but you still need a little help. Hitting the rear locker is just the ticket in these situations. I chose to do the Radio Shack Amazon relay version of this mod, but there's another one out there where you fool the truck into thinking its in 4wd Lo all the time. That one may well be better, or not. I only have one truck and the relay mod “felt” better to me.

    Things you can do to break rule #1. I'm sure the reason Toyota limits the locker to 4wd Lo is the number of stupid people out there. A rear locker is dang handy, but it has its limits. If you have one wheel spinning and hit the locker button you will break rule #1 and blow up the diff. If you are driving over 20 mph in slippery conditions with the locker on you break rule #1 and the rear end will spin out. If you are driving on a side slope with the locker on the rear will slide to the low side. If you drive on dry surfaces with the locker on you will wear out the tires. There are surely many more ways to break rule #1 with a locker, but you get the idea. A rear locker really is just for slow speed, getting unstuck situations.

    Here we go with the step by step instructions

    Get your parts
    Relay - use one of the links above
    Crimp ends - http://amzn.to/2gQm81A
    Crimper tool - http://amzn.to/2vsfthj
    1N4007 Diode - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W17LOBO

    Back when I posted this I did not include a flyback diode in the design, which I've since come to understand is a problem. After purchasing an oscilloscope and trying a few experiments I see it at as pretty big problem.

    [​IMG]


    Here's the trace showing a 500+ volt spike. Wow, I knew about inductive spiking, but I had no idea how big they would get.
    [​IMG]

    I've made a video on my Youtube channel showing the problem in detail and how to make your own relay w/ diode combination. If you don't want to make it yourself I've included links above where it can be purchased.



    Here are some pictures of what you'll need.
    01-LAM-TheParts.jpg



    Get your tools

    • Wire strippers
    • electricians tape
    • cable ties
    • 10mm socket with extension
    • Crimper tool
    • soldiering iron and soldier
    • crimp on connections
    • (not in picture shrink tubing and vampire tap)

    01-LAM-TheTools.jpg

    Getting access

    Make sure the locker is not engaged and turn off the key.
    Open the glove box and find the opening damper on the right side. (red arrow)
    02-LAM-GloveBox1.jpg

    Squeeze the two ends of the post together and slip the damper off. (it should come off easily with just finger pressure)
    [​IMG]

    On either side of the glove box are the stops. Gently squeeze the sides in near the red arrows and the glove box should drop down. Lift it out and set it aside.
    [​IMG]

    Next remove the glove box top cover. The 10mm bolt holds it in. Once it is removed pull gently on the hidden clips on the far left and right sides.
    02-LAM-GloveBox4.jpg

    Finally the plug

    Once the glove box and covers are out of the way you can see the plug we will be working on. It, the plug, is a little hard to see so I've marked the photo so you can get your bearings under the dash. To take this picture I literally had the camera on the floor pointing up at the roof of the truck.
    03-LAM-ThePlug.jpg

    This is the plug after it is removed from the 4wd control module. The arrow is pointing at a clip. Just push it down with your thumb and gently work the plug out. The is no reason to remove the 4wd control module.
    03-LAM-ThePlug2.jpg

    It's getting real now - cutting the wires

    Here is a diagram of the plug and the wires we will be working with. There are two blue wires in the plug and if you look really closely one of them is a lighter shade of blue, is bigger and is in slot number 1. This is the blue wire we will be cutting. The other wires are also shown. There were some question in the threads if Toyota had changed the wire colors. I don't know. My 2011 matched the colors talked about in the other threads. If Toyota did change the colors I can't imagine them changing the pin-outs.

    This is the view from the front of the connector
    03-LAM-ThePlug3.jpg

    And this is another wiring view from the back side with the wires. It's a mirror image of the other.
    2backplug.jpg


    Here's a shot with all of the wires we are going to be working with. I removed all of the black tape. I've put red X's on the violet wire because that one is not cut. The violet wire provides the power and will be connected with a "Y" cable I'll show later.
    03-LAM-ThePlug3a.jpg

    The shit's just got real

    I got a little excited once I cut the wire and put a couple of the crimp ends on. But you get the idea. Notice I DID NOT cut the violet wire.
    03-LAM-ThePlug4.jpg

    Finished the connectors
    Here the work in process with all of the ends crimped on and the "Y" power cable in place. It doesn't look like it from the picture but all of the crimp ends are the same length. When you put the vampire tap for the "Y" cable you will want to put it as far up the violet wire as you can. I made the "Y" cable long and and cut the ends on to match. (you can see the blue vampire tap near the top of the image) I also put little pieces of electricians tape on the cut ends because I didn't want any chance of them shorting out under the dash.
    03-LAM-ThePlug5.jpg

    A note on crimping ends

    This is the ground wire for the relay. When you crimp the ends on you want to see just the tip of the copper wire peaking through. There is a split on the top of the connector that I always put in the round side of the tool. The dimple goes in the back. I don't know if there is a right or wrong way to do them, but that's how mine are done. Once the crimp is done I give them a good firm tug to make sure they are crimped correctly.
    03-LAM-TheRightWay.jpg

    Making the "Y" power cable

    On the first leg of the "Y" use a razor to cut the insulation about 1 inch from the end. Pull the insulation up leaving bare wires in the middle. Cut the excess insulation from the end. Strip the end of the other leg.
    03-LAM-YCable1.jpg

    Twist the wires together.
    03-LAM-YCable2.jpg
    Soldier
    03-LAM-YCable3.jpg

    Heat shrink
    03-LAM-YCable4.jpg

    Thanks to EDDO for posting this picture showing the lengths needed


    Making the connections

    Electrically speaking there are many correct ways to make the connections to the relay. The ones below are what you see in most threads. There is a PDF out there that suggests a different but electrically equal configuration. (it took me quite a while to compare the different methods, only to see in the end they were the "same") The only time this becomes an issue is if you are using something other than a Amazon Shack relay. Anyway, if you look closely at the bottom of the relay you will see numbers next to the connections. Simply plug the correct wires to the number.


    1. Green / Black Stripe
    2. Violet (one end of your "Y" cable)
    3. Violet (the other end of your "Y" cable) ((the third end of your "Y" cable is connected to the violet wire using the vampire tap))
    4. Pink
    5. Green
    6. Blue
    7. Ground (if you are using a diode equipped relay it's important that 7 and 8 are connected correctly. If you do it backwards fuse ig1 no.2 will blow.)
    8. Red / Black Stripe

    Finishing up
    Here's a shot of what it looks like before being put back together. I've taken a bit more electrician's tape and wrapped up the loose ends and made all of the connections.
    04-LAM-Done1.jpg


    Testing your project
    1. Plug the connection back in to the 4wd control module.
    2. Turn on the key to run but don't start the engine and press the locker button.
    3. You should hear the relay click and the rear locker motor activate. (neither of them make much noise so listen carefully)
    4. If you heard both of them go on to the next step otherwise make sure your connections are correct.
    5. Take a short drive. I did this on the quiet, paved street in front of my house. (you're not going to hurt anything if you go slow and just feel for the bind and then back off)
    6. In 2wd press the locker button. The locker light will no longer flash. It only lights when engaged. The light should turn on and you should feel a bind in the rear when turning slowly from left to right.
    7. Push the locker button again and the light should turn off. You may need to turn slowly back and forth to relieve the bind.
    8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 in 4wd Hi and 4wd Lo. You are feeling and listening for the rear locker to engage and disengage.
    9. Everything worked as expected? Yes, then go put your truck back together. No, go check your connections to the relay.
    The final assembly
    And the final picture before putting the glove box back in. You can see in the background where I grounded the relay. The loose bits have been corralled with a cable tie and the relay cable tied to the main wiring harness. (for clarities sake I have removed the second plug from the 4wd control module. In your project you shouldn't have to remove it, but if you do make sure to put it back.)
    04-LAM-Done2.jpg

    Put the glove box back
    It is the reverse of taking it out. And you are all done.

    That's it. I would rate the project a 4 on a scale of 10. It's not hard, but you are cutting the wiring of your truck and if you break rule #1 it could be expensive to fix.

    Oh yeah and here is my rant
    (rant)all over the internet people post instructional threads and then say “don't try this at home folks.” WTF really? Are they some how responsible for my actions? It seem so condescending to me. If you see someone do something stupid and then you do the same damn thing aren't you the one that is responsible? If it seems reasonable and later turns out to be stupid aren't you the one that is responsible? If they did it right and you do it wrong aren't you the one that is responsible? If you follow my instructions and it goes badly, I am sorry. My purpose here is to help. I just think everyone should follow rule #1 “don't be stupid” also rule #2 is important as well “take responsibility for yourself.” :D(/rant)
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jul 20, 2022
  2. Nov 30, 2014 at 3:20 PM
    #2
    glwood6

    glwood6 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2008
    Member:
    #8125
    Messages:
    2,268
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gary
    Albuquerque, NM
    Vehicle:
    03 XCab Prerunner
    Bilstein 4600 shocks.
    No photos. Just little squares.
     
  3. Nov 30, 2014 at 3:36 PM
    #3
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2013
    Member:
    #114055
    Messages:
    13,850
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    13 DCSB TRD OR v6 Auto
    yup same here.
     
  4. Nov 30, 2014 at 3:43 PM
    #4
    boomer6

    boomer6 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2011
    Member:
    #55337
    Messages:
    508
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    TN
    Vehicle:
    Tacoma TRD Offroad
    disabled DRLs disabled seat belt chime disabled the key in the ignition with door open buzzer Installed Illuminated 4wd switch circuit board Marker lights Flashing with turn signals Toggle switch ABS Disable Fog Lights on AnyTime Mod Changed to Yellow bulbs in the Fog Lights Converted interior lights to leds Installed oem roof rack Installed Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags and Daystar Cradles for the air bags Added oil catch can Relentless Tailgate Protector installed
    I dont even get the little squares.
     
    MTopp likes this.
  5. Nov 30, 2014 at 5:18 PM
    #5
    jsi

    jsi [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2013
    Member:
    #102881
    Messages:
    1,927
    Gender:
    Male
    native earthling
    Fixed it. I don't know why that happens when I do big posts.
     
  6. Nov 30, 2014 at 5:24 PM
    #6
    1rooster

    1rooster TACOMA31750

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2010
    Member:
    #38925
    Messages:
    984
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tundra crewmax
    5100's ALL WAY AROUND, 885X COILS, DRIVER SIDE LEAN SPACER, ICON PROGRESSIVE AAL W/O OVERLOAD, 265/75/16 KENDA KLEVER M/T. 1 1/4 SPIDERTRAC WHEEL SPACERS, GEN 1 TRD COLD AIR INTAKE, STOCK MUFFLER WITH CHOPPED TURNDOWN, 5% TINT OVER FACTORY, DEBADGED, TOYOTA RUBBER BED MAT, WEATHERTECH MATS,UWS TOOLBOX, UNDERCOVER SE, LOCKER MOD, REAR BUMPER, PIONEER DOUBLE DIN WITH PARKING BREAK OVER RIDE, CUSTOM OIL CATCH CAN, FULL LED INTERIOR, ARB BUMPER REPLACEMENT. COVERKING SEAT COVERS. MORIMOTO H1 MINI COVERSION WITH MINI GATLIN GUN SHROUDS AND 5000K MORIMOTO BULBS. TRAILER PLUG RELOCTED TO BUMPER. 20 INCH LED LIGHTBAR MOUNTED BEHIND CUSTOM PAINTED GRILL. STUBBY ATNENNA
    I did this almost a year ago. Best 5 dollars$$ Iv spent!
     
    Blackout Z7 likes this.
  7. Nov 30, 2014 at 6:17 PM
    #7
    boomer6

    boomer6 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2011
    Member:
    #55337
    Messages:
    508
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    TN
    Vehicle:
    Tacoma TRD Offroad
    disabled DRLs disabled seat belt chime disabled the key in the ignition with door open buzzer Installed Illuminated 4wd switch circuit board Marker lights Flashing with turn signals Toggle switch ABS Disable Fog Lights on AnyTime Mod Changed to Yellow bulbs in the Fog Lights Converted interior lights to leds Installed oem roof rack Installed Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags and Daystar Cradles for the air bags Added oil catch can Relentless Tailgate Protector installed
    Thank you........got pics now[​IMG]
     
  8. Nov 30, 2014 at 6:24 PM
    #8
    cotrailruns

    cotrailruns Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2014
    Member:
    #134716
    Messages:
    186
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Luke
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    14 TRD Offroad
    Icon, Dakars, LR UCAs, Relentless Fab Front Bumper. All Pro Pack Rat, RTT. SOS Sliders
    Nice write up!
     
  9. Nov 30, 2014 at 6:38 PM
    #9
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2013
    Member:
    #114055
    Messages:
    13,850
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    13 DCSB TRD OR v6 Auto
    you put heat shrink over the connections at the relay yes? Otherwise you will short something out at some point.
     
  10. Nov 30, 2014 at 6:40 PM
    #10
    TacoBrah

    TacoBrah Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2013
    Member:
    #119596
    Messages:
    1,517
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    Icon stage 1, 255/85/16 KM2
    You dont have to solder the Y connection.

    Great writeup.

    This mod is a lot easier than it seems, just take it slow and follow all instructions.
     
  11. Nov 30, 2014 at 6:41 PM
    #11
    username

    username Fluffer

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2010
    Member:
    #44704
    Messages:
    6,067
    Pendleton, Or
    Vehicle:
    05 Taco with some crap welded to it
    mostly stock
    I did this almost ten years ago. It really is the most useful mod for the money.
     
    Nopro likes this.
  12. Nov 30, 2014 at 10:04 PM
    #12
    jsi

    jsi [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2013
    Member:
    #102881
    Messages:
    1,927
    Gender:
    Male
    native earthling
    I did not feel the need to cover up the crimp connectors. The relay is cable tied in an inaccessible location behind a cover panel. I believe in Murphy's law, but I can't see a way even for him to short out the relay.

    I soldered and heat shrunk the Y connection because it guarantees it can't come apart. Fixing that cable would be a PITA and you'd only find out about the problem when you needed the locker. I had an ARB locker in my Jeep and it would blow its fuse every now and then. Nothing sucks like needing the locker, hitting the button and nothing happening.
     
  13. Dec 17, 2014 at 5:37 PM
    #13
    yeos

    yeos OCD Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2013
    Member:
    #98297
    Messages:
    1,206
    Gender:
    Male
    Moses Lake, WA
    Vehicle:
    2011 AC TRD OR 2007 Lexus GX
    I followed this diy and completed this mod today. It's pretty straight forward. I did not have a vampire tap available so I removed some of the insulation from the purple wire and soldered my Y into it. Thanks OP!
     
  14. Dec 17, 2014 at 6:23 PM
    #14
    boomer6

    boomer6 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2011
    Member:
    #55337
    Messages:
    508
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    TN
    Vehicle:
    Tacoma TRD Offroad
    disabled DRLs disabled seat belt chime disabled the key in the ignition with door open buzzer Installed Illuminated 4wd switch circuit board Marker lights Flashing with turn signals Toggle switch ABS Disable Fog Lights on AnyTime Mod Changed to Yellow bulbs in the Fog Lights Converted interior lights to leds Installed oem roof rack Installed Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags and Daystar Cradles for the air bags Added oil catch can Relentless Tailgate Protector installed
    Waiting on radio shack to get me the relay.
     
  15. Dec 17, 2014 at 6:46 PM
    #15
    yeos

    yeos OCD Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2013
    Member:
    #98297
    Messages:
    1,206
    Gender:
    Male
    Moses Lake, WA
    Vehicle:
    2011 AC TRD OR 2007 Lexus GX
    Question for any of you wiring gurus: I would like to safeguard this mod by installing another switch to control the power to the locker motor so that I or someone else doesn't accidentally hit the switch and cause a disaster. How would I go about doing so?
     
  16. Dec 17, 2014 at 6:51 PM
    #16
    username

    username Fluffer

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2010
    Member:
    #44704
    Messages:
    6,067
    Pendleton, Or
    Vehicle:
    05 Taco with some crap welded to it
    mostly stock
    Driving it around locked won't hurt anything. The tires squeek on sharp turns, but it's not that big of a deal. You could always use a covered switch, or a hidden switch somewhere.

    [​IMG]
     
    AbunaiTaco likes this.
  17. Dec 17, 2014 at 6:57 PM
    #17
    kenneth.morris07

    kenneth.morris07 كافر‎

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2014
    Member:
    #124665
    Messages:
    2,137
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kenneth
    College Station, TX
    Vehicle:
    08 PreRunner
    Relentless Fab plate bumper,aFe Cold air intake, 12" JL sub, RE tweeters and speakers, Kenwood Head unit, Autodim/temp/compass mirror from Bob, baffled oil catch can
    You don't have to worry about it if you follow rule #1.
     
  18. Dec 17, 2014 at 7:00 PM
    #18
    yeos

    yeos OCD Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2013
    Member:
    #98297
    Messages:
    1,206
    Gender:
    Male
    Moses Lake, WA
    Vehicle:
    2011 AC TRD OR 2007 Lexus GX
    I'm afraid the switch may accidently get knocked on while reaching for the fog light switch while the vehicle is moving.

    I'd rather not change the factory switch out to a covered one, but rather just add another secondary switch and make it a two button activation. I'm just not wiring-savvy enough to figure out what kind of switch, where to hook it up, relays required or not etc.
     
    AbunaiTaco likes this.
  19. Dec 17, 2014 at 7:04 PM
    #19
    username

    username Fluffer

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2010
    Member:
    #44704
    Messages:
    6,067
    Pendleton, Or
    Vehicle:
    05 Taco with some crap welded to it
    mostly stock
    If you let tards drive your truck, you could install a normally open switch that breaks the green wire. Ken's advice is better, don't let them drive your rig if you can't trust them to go mashing buttons and ignoring the big flashing light on the dash. Go lock it and go for a drive, it's really not even noticeable that it's on unless you are pulling into a tight parking spot or intentionally doing donuts.
     
    AbunaiTaco likes this.
  20. Dec 17, 2014 at 7:13 PM
    #20
    yeos

    yeos OCD Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2013
    Member:
    #98297
    Messages:
    1,206
    Gender:
    Male
    Moses Lake, WA
    Vehicle:
    2011 AC TRD OR 2007 Lexus GX
    Totally understood. I guess it's not my buddies that I'm worried about. It's moreso the alignment guy or the repair tech at the dealership. You never know what the hell they may be doing in your car while it's being serviced. I strive to do everything on my own (maintenance, fixes, replacement parts etc.), but sometimes there's no way out of bringing it into a shop.
     
To Top