Diff Lock Switches
Someone just asked me whether the active light on the diff lock switches is proof of actual physical engagement or not and I realised that I don't know.
So is there some kind of physical activator or could the light show active when the diff locks aren't actually working?
The light, left of the switch indicates switch activated.
The light right of switch indicates actual phyical lock-up.
Regards,
Hi,
The switch is only an indicator, that the l/diff is engaged but need not necessarily be that, the diff. is locked. Unfortunately, it is not a foolproof design.
The switch mounts on the end of the l/diff solonoid, as long as the solonoid moves sufficiently, the l/diff light will illuminate. It is hoped that the movement of the solonoid is sufficient enough to effect engagement, hence the engaging the light.
Conditions where this can give false signal are when, the wires at the solonoid pinch or there is damage to the switch, where it is partially broken and almost hanging off but yet maintaining to retain some contact to give false signal.
On the whole it is good enough to rely on the indicator but it not necessarily 100 percent. One has to resort to driver feeling and instinct to sense there is something a miss. If you have doubts about possible transmission wind up, I would take the vehicle on bumpy and soft ground to allow the system to un wind. Alternatively, resort to jacking an axle at a time to take the weight off the vehicle and let it unwind , taking care no one is infront or behind any of the jacked wheels, nor that, there are any wheel braces or tools of any sort left onto a wheel bolt to act as a missile. Keep kiddies and pets locked in the house.
Thanks - that is the info I was looking for.
I did post this problem some time ago but no answers!
My red light for the back diff lock does not light. Diff is deffinately locked up ok. Checked bulb. Tried connecting the two contacts on the acctuator wiring but still no light. Any thoughts?
Check that the system receives power. I guess that if the orange light works oK, then power is probably OK. Then, check the limit switch on the actuator, which seems the most likely cause. You'll need a multimeter to check that the closed resistance is near zero ohms. A wiring diagram of the electrical connector on the actuator to show which pins are which will also help.
If you remove the plug from the actuator and short the terminals on the plug it should illuminate the red light. Do all 3 of them fail to illuminate?
I did try and short the terminals but no red light. Other two red lights fine. What feeds the red light, any relay?
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Hi Rakesh, thanks for the response. I'm aware of how they function but perhaps I wasn't clear in my question.
What I mean is the red light "physical proof" that the diff locks are actually engaged or is it only a visual indicator which could be inaccurate?
ie Is there a switch on the actual locker which sends the confirmed engaged signal to the dashboard switch that can only be triggered when the two opposing components are physically engaged or can an incorrect confirmation be sent in error?