What's this plug on the rear differential?

Came across this plug while putting in my new suspension. It was unplugged and I've never messed with it. Took a picture after plugging it back in to verify what it is

 

Do you have the off road package? Could be the e-locker

 

I do and that would make a ton of sense because the last time I tried to use it in couldn't figure out why it wouldn't kick on. I've so rarely needed it I didn't really think too much about it after the fact

 

its the connector for the rear diff lock up, I tell me customers to push the button every couple of weeks to keep it free and lubed, just like engaging the transfer to keep it lubed up

 

Anyone have a diagram they'd be willing to share so I can verify?

 

Just saw your post as i replied. I'm going to guess it may have been disconnected since I bought the truck. Do they ship like that or was it just a fluke? I'm going to find some dirt later and see if I can test it

 

I wonder if my locker is "locked up" hehe, tried engaging it today since finding that plug reminded me to test it. Unfortunately couldn't get the diff to lock, light on the dash just keeps blinking even though I crawled around in 4-lo turning back and forth for 30 minutes

 

You shouldn't be "turning back and forth" when trying to engage the locker. If you're in 4-LO, with the foot on the brake shift to neutral, depress the locker button, put it back in gear (4 or lower) and move forward. This should not be done on dry pavement.

 

Considering you found that unplugged, I would take it to a dealer if you are still unable to engage the rear e-locker off road.

 

Make sure you're in 4 Lo and not moving when you engage it. Turning back and forth will do absolutely nothing for you.

 

Lot of people mentioned turning the wheels to try and get the gears aligned for it to lock. I was on a dirt road. Tried just idling straight, turning,etc, wouldn't engage

 

I'm a few months out of warranty. Called the local dealer and they didn't seem keen to cover it

 

They should at least inspect it for you free of charge. If something isn't working from the factory I'd hope Toyota would make good on it.

That, or maybe this is a good opportunity for an air-locker and re-gear!

 

Yep in neutral and stopped, engaged it after 4-lo indicator turned green

 

I come to a stop, engage the locker and start rolling forward slowly. Turning the wheel slightly to the left or right will help it engage. You need to be in neutral to engage 4-lo but you don't have to be in neutral to engage the locker - just stopped.

 

Yea I agree with you. It's raining out or I'd crawl under and check the plug and see if it's getting power

 

The only thing turning back and forth will do is confirm it is on as the inside tire will break loose a bit

 

@rollin904 Try this. Shift the truck in to neutral. Once your in neutral than put the truck into 4lo turn wheel all the way to right press rear locker button. Turn wheel back to the left and take truck out of neutral. This is how I engage my rear locker.

 

you must be all the way in 4lo NO LIGHTS FLASHING ON THE DASH. then under 5 mph hit the elocker switch and creep forward slowly in a slight arc in ONE direction untill it clicks all the way in. turning back and forth will not work reliably as you might never line up the dog teeth so that they fall into place, What you are looking to do is create a difference in rotational speed between both sides (hence the slight arc in one direction) this will allow things to line up eventually.

I can get my truck to lock the rear diff EVERY time within 5 feet of pressing the button and moving forward.

 

Wow I think that did it! Nothing else worked. I heard a thunk after turning the wheel the opposite way and now my indicator is solid red