Locker issues

In 4L, locker engages (light on steady). Pull forward less than truck length and light starts fast flashing. Doesn't stop flashing even when back in 2WD. Turn off truck, back on and flashing is off. Has happened last three times I tried to use it. What should I be looking into for fixing it? Relay, electronic module, internal rearend??

 

It’s solid in 4lo then once you move it starts flashing in 4lo while still engaged?

 

If you're still under warranty, take it in and have the dealer troubleshoot it.

 

Yes. And on throttle you can see one tire spin and other doesnt.

 

ditto, if it engages (goes solid), and then when you travel forward it starts blinking something is impeding the splines engaging.. probably a burr, or something.. but still if you are under warranty, get it checked out.

have you tried engaging 4lo, the locker, let it lock.. and go in reverse for 1-5 feet, then forwards? does this make a difference?

 

59000 miles. Supposedly got a 100000 mile drivetrain warranty. I forgot about that. Thanks!

 

I will try going into reverse. I know it worked last fall on a tough trail, but havent used since ... until yesterday.

 

They will not cover under my drivetrain warranty. $70 to inspect and advise.

 

Are you just driving straight after engaging the locker.... try turning left and the right.

 

Did they say why?

 

Driving a "snake" pattern to ensure it engages. Light is on solid for a few moments, then goes to blinking fast and will not stop until the truck is power cycled.

 

"Too old, too many miles. We will only cover transmission and engine at this time." So not even transfer case, to say nothing of the front- & rear- ends.

 

The issue could be part of the lubricated drivetrain components, and be covered by warranty... they wont know until they inspect so you shouldn't pay... or maybe get an agreement that you will pay only if the issue they find is not drivetrain related...

That said, $70 to actually diagnose isnt too bad, because those symptoms dont correlate to any failure mode that are likely that I am aware of. I just cant come up with a plausible failure that causes those symptoms...

 

I'd give your warranty documents a good read.

 

Ones I have read say oil lubricated components... blah blah...

 

That made a difference. I engaged 4L, moved a few feet forward, engaged locker, drove back about 10 feet, then drove forward about 500 feet with no issue. What is that telling me??

 

Probably should try it a few more times. I had a few issues with mine the first few times I tried using it but it works as it should now

 

I had some problems engaging 4LO and the locker when I first got the truck... Nowadays it just does what I tell it to. I don't know if it just needed to be exercised a bit, or if I've developed a better subconscious feel for it. Most of the tricks people have mentioned here are good: turning left/right, reversing and going forward, etc.

 

The standard new car power train warranty will cover... don’t drive past the 60K until you get this resolved. Call the Toyota Customer Experience Center (800) 777-8119 if the dealer won’t accept responsibility. See below and look for your Owners Warranty Rights Notification booklet, it will have a claim form in the center that you can file for arbitration if Toyota will not resolve.

READ, you are still covered:

 

After reading this (again), and verifying the factory drivetrain warranty covers much more than the engine & transmission, my next call would be to the dealership General Manager for an explanation as to why you were lied to. Then, call corporate and explain what was said... finally, leave comments/reviews describing your experience at that dealership. Once Toyota Corporate resolves this specific problem, find a new dealership to service your vehicle. I would be extremely pissed at this point, and would rant all over the internet about the unscrupulous actions by the service department.