Hilux V6 Heritage - Diff lock won't engage

[jafman]

Dear Members,

Just a small question.

I have a Heritage Edition 4.0 V6 Hilux from 2011 and my diff lock won't engage.

I've tried putting the gearbox into H4 and L4 and then trying it but the dashboard indicator won't turn on.

This is my first proper 4x4 so I would appreciate simple instructions on how to fix the issue.

Thanks in advance.

[Mars]

It will not engage in H4 only in L4 and then the light does not come on immediately. When you start driving the lock will engage. It helps to turn left and right whilst driving.

[jafman]

Thanks for the reply Mars.
Tried what you recommended but still nothing. Not even the flashing indication that it's starting to lock diff.

I traveled a little distance say about 40/50 meters turning right and left at a slow speed. In L4 all this distance.

Should I try longer distance or is the above enough to at least start the diff indicator flashing.

[Mars]

When the diff-lock button is pushed in the diff-lock indicator should be flashing and when the diff-lock engages the light should stay on. I have experienced in the past that it seemed as if the diff-lock was not engaging even after driving for some distance but then found the moment the one rear wheel was starting to lose traction it engaged. So your experience does not necessarily mean it is not working.

[jafman]

Ah. So it could just be the indicator light malfunctioning?

[Hangover]

Also check the difflock fuses... No light might mean no power...

[jafman]

Will do, Hangover.

Stuck at office :-(

[jafman]

Um. If you don't mind.... where's the fuse located?

Sorry for being a complete noob.

[jafman]

Ok. So took the jumper behind the switch out. Used a testing screwdriver to check if it was receiving power. And the screwdriver lit up. So the switch is receiving power. Next will be to check if the actuator is receiving power at the diff. Looks like I'm going to have to get under the rear suspension tomorrow.

[Mud Dog]

If there's no juice getting there, remove the actuator motor completely, strip, clean out, re-lube and re-fit. They get full of gunk over time and stop working (you can check that the motor still works at the same time). When re-fitting first use your finger to manually engage the locker fork ... you should have the rear end jacked up and turn the wheels by hand to verify that it engages. Re-fit the actuator while the locker is engaged. Test it while the rear is still in the air with engine off but ignition on, neutral L4 (turn wheels by hand).

[jafman]

Thanks Mud Dog. have booked mechanic for this saturday to do just what you've recommended.

I dont want to mess with it myself just yet.

[jafman]

Ok. So first discovery: fuse for 4wd located under glove box was missing. Put in a 20A fuse and light came on. Now going to test it. Though mechanic says he heard the motor engage. Fingers crossed for test.

[jafman]

It was the fuse. Yay!!!!

Second discovery: when the glove box was removed there was a steel box tucked in next to the fuse box.
On it were the words UNICHIP. :-)
Seems previous owner had decided to put in some extra horses.
Everything is now sorted.
Rear diff lock operational and in perfect working order.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

[Mud Dog]

Glad to hear that it's sorted and that you found a hidden bonus!

[mossie89]

[4x4BEES]

Nice. Glad to hear

[Hangover]

[Mars]

Happy for you!