Edit: I know how to use my locker, but it still won't engage. Update: I think it's the actuator

Actually, I might be lying about everything. Does the 5th gen 4Runner use the old 8" e-locker or the BD22AN axle that's found in 3rd gen Tacomas? I'm talking about the BD22AN in all my posts and not about the older 8" locker. I just realized I don't know which is used in 5th gen 4Runners.

 

I'd be lying if I said I knew.

 

Shoot I was assuming it was the 8" like the FJ!

 

Looks to be an 8.2" elocker. So everything I said about specific hardware doesn't apply and I'm not familiar with this diff. I would still confirm that it isn't locking by jacking up the rear. If it does lock with the light still flashing you can start with the indicator switch, otherwise it's motor/mechanical.

 

Looking at the parts diagram it does seem to match the FJ's

 

Will do! Thank you!

Makes sense. The FJ was just a goony looking, shortened 4runner.

 

Just adding for trouble shooting reference. The e-locker actuator itself makes a very clear sound when you press the button. I put a phone under it recording, and it’s clear as bell. But if you are inside, it’s very hard to hear.

 

I haven't gotten around to taking a very close look at anything yet. But, I did confirm that I can hear the relay in the passenger footwell when I hit the button. And, the differential clicks, or pings when I engage or disengage the button.

But, I drove back and forth with the wheel turned slightly again after work today with no engagement. The relay clicks, it sounds like the actuator is trying to do something, but, it will not snap into place. I'll have to look into what can go wrong with the actuator itself.

Thank to @McSpazatron and everyone else for the input so far!

 

I have always been able to hear when the lock engages and disengages. Mine has a definite click. Every month, I thoroughly exercise the 4WD system. My diff lock sometimes takes a minute to engage, and those times I roll forward slowly while turning the steering wheel and I can hear it engage and the light comes on steady. I have only 30k on my truck, but do take it out to play and get dirty.

 

Try tapping on the actuator with a hammer (lightly!). The actuator which makes the noise, btw, is located in the rear differential, drivers side of the yoke. You won't really hear anything from the transfer case to indicate whether its working or not.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqPmA0J0Zco

 

As I mentioned earlier, I have used the locker numerous times without any issues. I always hear the click when it actually engages, but I have never really noticed the sound it makes when you hit the button.

Yes, I realize that the differential locker is located on the differential. I'm not listening for noise coming out of the transfer case.

 

That video was very explanatory.

 

Any updates?

 

Based on the video @McSpazatron shared with me, and a video I took from underneath, the actuator is trying to engage, but it seems like something is stuck. I plan on removing the actuator and testing it at some point.

I've been super busy, and it kind of slipped to the bottom of my list of priorities. I also have a 2012 Scion TC that needs a clutch.

Edit: thanks for checking in!

 

I've been curious because I don't exercise my diff lock very often and mines a '19 also - if i have problems id like to know where to start looking. Going camping this weekend so plan to work out 4lo, diff lock, and winch. Probably won't need any of them but a good chance to use them in the proper terrain.

 

If I had to guess, I might have gotten dirty water into the actuator breather. But, I'm just guessing at this point. I'll update as soon as I actually look into it.

 

Update?

 

I haven't even thought about it. It's been a busy winter. I'll probably pull out the actuator when it gets nicer out, and try to figure it out.

Edit: thanks for reminding me, though.

 

Booooo! One of the reasons I bought the TRD ORP was for the factory warrantied locker

 

Maybe, but there's nothing like wrapping your fingers around that manual shift knob and throwing it into 4wd like a man

 

I would definitely consider this option if I ever end up regearing. Mine has behaved predictably up until this past summer, but it definitely isn't the easiest to engage.

This is actually my thought as well. If I wanted to do a real hardcore build, I'd start with the closest thing to a blank canvas. I think the off-road is a good platform for a mild build, and the PRO is best to leave stock.

 

This goes back to the bronco thread about bare bones reliability and capability. I agree, i wouldn't have gotten KDSS if i could have justified the cost of replacing the suspenion (coils and shocks) right after i purchased. I test drove a non-KDSS though on a very windy day on the highway and didn't like the wandering. Probably would have gotten used to it but... why not just strip down some of the other unneeded stuff (like TSS on newer models) and just put a decent suspension on the base model for the same original price?

 

Mine is an ORP. I will probably add a front locker eventually. I'll definitely add one if I regear. I've been in a few spots where I could have used it.

 

Lol! Yes, it's certainly appealing. Plus, a regear would do me a lot of good, between bigger tires and the extra weight. It's one of the very next things I'd like to do.

I'm just kinda leaving it alone for a bit right now. I have been considering switching to a different platform, so I don't want to dump any more money into it until I make up my mind.

 

@Thatbassguy - back to the original question - do you have a shop nearby that specializes in Toyota vehicles, other than a dealership, that can help diagnose the rear locker issue?

We have one in Abq. that I would use if I needed mine worked on. I think the guy is a mechanic that used to work for Toyota, but started his own shop, kind of like the Car Care Nut, only on a smaller scale.

 

I was working with a good shop nearby, but they're more of a jeep place. There are a few other off-road shops within reasonable distance, but IDK if it would be worth the money.

I'm planning on doing the fluids as soon as the weather gets a bit nicer, so maybe I'll pull the actuator out and look at it.

 

Any updates on your locker issues? It's been another 6 months.

 

No. I was messing with it a few weeks ago, just hitting the button over and over to see if maybe it would magically fix itself, and I somehow caused the whole 4WD system to act up. I ended up unplugging it, and plugging it back in and got everything else working and decided to leave it alone because I had a trip the following weekend.

I use the 4Runner every weekend, so it's hard to find an opportunity to take things apart and putz with them. I did see a video where a guy had diagnosed and fixed a similar problem. Once the camping season winds down, I'll probably pull out the actuator and see if it's the same issue.

In the meantime, I have found A-TRAC to be a much more valuable tool than I initially gave it credit for.