120 Prado - Centre diff lock issue

[CasKru]

Hi All,

A buddy of mine has a problem with his Prado. The center differential indicator sometimes come on while his driving and then flashes for a while. It will keep flashing for some time but then eventually goes off again. This will happen intermittently with no set pattern.

The vehicle is in 2WD when this happens and the diff switch on the dash is definitely not switched on.

Toyota recons it could be the actuator and the will set him back R7K. Is this really the problem or could it be something else entirely

[LouisZ]

One can strip, clean the actuator. Usually the actuator.

[CasKru]

Thanks Louis... Would the diff oil level maybe also cause this?

[LouisZ]

Nope. Water usually cause the motor to stop working. Or check the rubber hose on the unit. it can perish or pull off at some point.

[CasKru]

Awesome... thanks

[jacques kotze]

Remember the 120 is permanent 4x4, Mine only does it when you press the center diff while in 4 High, as it only works in 4 Low.

[Rigger]

I just wanted to ask how can your friend say it happens in 2wd as the 120's are permanently 4x4 as Jacques mentioned. Does the diff lock engage when the car is in 4 Low?

[CasKru]

Seems I misunderstood that part. Think he meant to say that it's in 4H