Hilux 4x4 Forum

Hi All...

I have a 2014 Toyota Hilux 3.0 D4D. My bakkie didn't come with a diff lock installed. I have been looking at options to get one fitted and the best looking option was to replace the rear diff with one on that has a diff lock (electronic) on it. I have been advised by the auto electrician that we now need to get a diff lock control module or something of a sort which is responsible for the signal sent to the unit to activate and de-activate it. I do have a diff lock switch. I have been making enquiries but it has been a dead end as I and most others don't know what I am looking for. I called Toyota parts division and they also couldn't assist. They said there is only a control unit on the 4x4 and not the 2x4. Does anyone have any advice or experience with this? Maybe an idea of the wiring? Would appreciate some input to assist me.

Thanks...

Hi and welcome!

You will need the control unit. When you activate the switch to engage the locker the control unit in turn activates the diff lock actuator motor. The controller deactivates the motor once the fork in diff has engaged .... it may not do so immediately because the lugs / teeth may not line up to mesh immediately. In that case your cab switch will be showing a red light (activated but not engaged). Once the lugs line up and it slips into lock-up, the cab switch will show a green light (activated and engaged).

In the same way, when you deactivate, it may not slip out immediately because of tension on the locker lugs .... the light will remain green to warn you that it's still engaged. Very important because you can do serious damage to the diff if you drive on a hard surface with it engaged ... (if it's not disengaging, you can reverse a little, the tension should come off and it will slip out. The green light will go off.

You need the controller for this and to control the actuator motor so that it doesn't sit with continuous power to it and burn it out. It must shut off when engaged or when disengaged.

Having said all that, I have to tell you that I am unfamiliar with your model and have no idea where the control unit would / should be situated (your wiring harness might even have provision for it). Maybe someone with better or first hand knowledge can elaborate.

Hope you come right.

Hi Mud Dog

Thanks for the valuable info and confirming what I have been told, your input makes me more confident with regards to how it works and what needs to be done. I did find a video on youtube where a guy actually uses 2 relays to serve as the controller, however you do need some knowledge and experience to pull that off.

Hoping someone can shed some light on what this control unit actually is as in like a part number and where it is located. I've made numerous queries however have been unsuccessful in getting assistance.

Cheers

The diff lock module is located behind where the switch normally is.
As far as wiring is i do not have a clue i have just modified mine so it would engage when in 2h, 4h and 4l.
Used this method to do it.

Hi, Just my two cents worth.
My 2014 Hilux diff lock can only be engaged in low range. It will not engage in 4H. This is a safety feature to prevent the diff lock engaging at high speed. This could damage the diff and cause serious accidents. Without a proper control unit it would be easy to make a mistake and engage at the wrong time.
Ronnie

Ronwob wrote:Hi, Just my two cents worth.
My 2014 Hilux diff lock can only be engaged in low range. It will not engage in 4H. This is a safety feature to prevent the diff lock engaging at high speed. This could damage the diff and cause serious accidents. Without a proper control unit it would be easy to make a mistake and engage at the wrong time.
Ronnie

I know this is a safety feature but there is some sand driving that requires 4H with diff lock and therefor i changed myne but i have installed a cover for the diff lock switch which make it that you cannot activate it without lifting the cover and therefor you cannot accidentally activate it.

Sent from my EML-L09 using Tapatalk

Hi

Just an update to this post which may help others. There is a company called 4x4 Traction, they were able to assist me with a made up loom with the diff switch, diff connectors and the signal control box to get this working. The instructions were simple enough and I installed it myself.

Now i'm good to go.

Regards
Vishnu

Great, glad to hear that it all came together.