FZJ80 - Factory diff locks won't engage anymore....what's the first thing to check?

[Christian P.]

The 80 got parked for a couple months at Panama Passage and now the diff locks won't engage. the lights are flashing (front and rear) but that's it. they were working before we parked it. As far as I remember, the truck does not have to be in low-gear or even 4x4 to activate them, right?

I haven't had much time to do any research online yet, sorry about that - but what would be the first thing to check?

 

[Mauka2Makai]

When I purchased my LC one of my big concerns was whether or not the differentials would engage. With transfer case in Low and in a gravel lot I turned the magical dial to front and rear got both flashing lights while driving straight did multiple figure eights while under 5mph and by the third one both front and rear engaged.
Here is a link that I refer to when I need help with the diffs.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/114122-front-rear-diff-lock-not-working.html

GoodLuck.

 

[Moody]

Mine needs to be in 4 low -OR- have the CDL switch engaged before I can engage either the front or rear locker. Can't imagine yours is different, but it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong...

 

[Salue]

As far as I remember, the truck does not have to be in low-gear or even 4x4 to activate them, right?

Unless you've installed a cdl and have done the pin 7 mod, you do have to have the transfer case in low. The link Mauka posted should help you out.

 

[Christian P.]

thanks - I believe those modifications have been done by the previous owner but I will try again in low-range. I tried low just for a few meters.

 

[a.mus.ed]

The diffs can only engage in the following order: center, rear, front.

If you have the pin 7 mod done, you can engage the center (then rear and front) in High-4 by pressing the CDL button. If not, Low range locks the center automatically.

 

[ssssnake529]

Mine won't just engage while standing still. I need to drive forward slowly, and wiggle the steering wheel a bit. Same goes for unlocking. Have to be moving, and wiggling steering wheel back and forth. (And yes, as described in the above posts, I need to have the center diff locked for them to engage at all.)

 

[sleeoffroad]

If it stood for some time, it is possible the actuator motors are stuck due to corrosion / contamination. Try to cycle them. If you have someone with you, have them cycle them and listen at the actuator if they the motor is running. If cycling them does not get them unstuck, you might have to remove the actuators and clean them up.

 

[Christian P.]

Well, I used them again many times....

I did not do all the mods on this truck so sometimes I forget, especially after 4 months not driving it...turned out that I don't have to be in low range, but I have to have the transfer case engaged.

The previous owner of this 80 installed front manual hubs and modified the transfer case so it's manually engaged by a switch in the dash. I usually drive it purely on rear wheel drive.