centre diff light

[djelica]

Hi and thanks in advance for any help.

My list of small issues grows a bit every day, but so far nothing serious. This question is about a flashing “centre diff” light. I have the flashing light and have searched this and other sites and it appears that this is a common problem with a sensor and not a problem with the transfer case itself.

With the snowy slippery streets I figured it would be a good time to test out the super select and while shifting in and out of all selections is easy with no “bad” noises or anything to suggest a problem I am wondering what does this sensor actually sense, just in case.

I figure I have ears to hear strange noises, a nose to smell bad odours, a body to feel bad vibrations and eyes to see things that don’t look right. I’m OK with all these sensors, but generally like to try and use the ones I was born with anyway. So, until I can get a chance to take care of the flashing centre diff light, what other kinds of output should one be aware of if, in fact, there is a problem with the centre diff. Or is this a case where there may be a problem with no obvious external clues.

Thanks again to all that have an answer.

Oh and btw what are the knobs for above the gas filler release and hood release.

I saw somewhere that they were a throttle control and/or an air intake control but I still can’t figure them out (may be different on the L300?).

Cheers, Darren

[jessef]

Hi Darren

Where abouts are you located ?

Most of the imported L400's probably never had their difflocks engaged after they rolled off the assembly line in Japan.

When you do end up shifting it into any of the 4H modes, you may get a flashing light.

Keep driving, shifting through the 4H modes while in neutral and then drive back and forth in a straight line about 30-40 feet.

Test it in the rain on a wet normal road in a straight line between 2H and 4Hlc to see if the front diff is engaging.

The shifter on the floor is a mechanical direct link to the transfer case, so you'll know it's in one of the 4H modes when you shift it in.

The dash lights are indicators only. They are not a switch, so even if you are in one of the 4H modes, the dash lights may not reflect that.

Underneath the hood, under the large fuse box, there are two square black boxes. Those are the diff/lock solenoids. If your front differential is not engaging, you can try swapping the solenoids with one another to see if one is out.

The other thing is to check the vacuum on the front axle/diff. It's a yellow vacuum tube.

Cheers and enjoy
Jesse

[djelica]

Hi Jesse,

I'm in Calgary SW and the machine works just fine. I did the test last week-end with the first bad snowfall and the super select works smoothly through all modes and all gear combinations.

Low Range 4 WD is obvious with the low pull driving through deep snow. If the front wheels weren't working it would not go through this stuff so I know it's working. It's just that flashing lights are a bother that I don't care for.

I am driving in first-position-up from 2WD right now. I call it AWD and this may be incorrect but it works great for current conditions. I have used the 4 High and 4 Low numerous times last week-end, driving back and forth and shifting through all transmission gears and super select modes in all combinations trying to get the light to go off. Still flashing and may just go out one day by itself, or I will eventually get to the sensor and have it corrected.

Just wanted to know what would be going on if the sensor was actually working and giving me the signal that something was really wrong. Would there be other evidence of the problem (example high squealing, grinding, smoke, smell; that kind of thing).

Thanks again,

Darren

edit: there are no flashing lights in "AWD" mode and only the centre diff flashes in 4 High and 4 Low

[jessef]

2H (rear-wheel drive) = solid green lights on the bottom

4H (all-wheel-drive in all conditions) = solid green lights on the bottom and top

4Hlc (4x4 mode suitable only in offroad conditions) = solid green lights on the bottom and top with solid orange center light

4HLlc (4x4 low mode suitable only in very low speed offroad conditions) = solid green lights on the bottom and top with solid orange center light


Regardless if the lights do or do not work on the dash, a malfunctioning transfercase/4WD drivetrain will make grinding, metallic popping and crunching sounds. It would be impossible not to notice right away.

[madmazda]

hi I'm in Calgary and noticed a few times when it's cold (ish) out if when my transfer case is in 2 hi and I wiggle it a bit, push down whilst wiggling the gear selector the flashing goes away, hope this helps

[djelica]

Hi madmazda and Jesse,

Thanks for the info and it's just as I thought. If there was a problem it would be noticeable beyond a flashing light.

I will try the push/wiggle idea and see if it helps.

Thanks a bunch guys,

Darren

[tonydca]

Oh and btw what are the knobs for above the gas filler release and hood release.

I saw somewhere that they were a throttle control and/or an air intake control but I still can’t figure them out (may be different on the L300?).

Cheers, Darren

On mine I believe they are just spring-loaded blanking plates where there can be an air diverter (left) and hand throttle (right). I haven't pried off the dash yet to see, but I have tried pulling and twisting them while idling in Park, and no change to idle speed or anything else for that matter.

Might make a good place under which to hide a fuel solenoid bypass aka theft preventer.

Tony.

[djelica]

I think you are right tonydca. With the steering column case off I was able to see behind the knob above the fuel release lever. It's just a blank knob, not attached to anything. I couldn't see behind the one above the hood latch, but I think it is likely the same deal.

Cheers

[Stiful]

See http://www.delica.ca/forum/l400-flashin ... -6501.html Cheers

[djelica]

Cheers Stiful