TRD differential locker not engaging

98 trd 4x4 locker I do not think is working!!!
( the light on the dash just flashes) could it be destroyed internally? how do i tell if the Sylenoid is working? any diagnostic tips, hints etc will be greatly appreciated. this is my second toyota i bought it a month ago and will be spending big bucks on this unit (parts for repairs, labor not included already exceeding 2,000) on parts alone. i have tried backing up, low 4x4 and the light just flashes! could some moron have blown it up before i bought it? are they very strong? better yet, if it is broken. is it even worth fixing? and where or how much for the parts? thanks

im guessing that your just driving in a strait line. to engage it you have to turn slightly to aline the gears. i have no idea how you can break that lock. its very strong. anyways the warning may say that you cant go over 5 mph. thats only for liability isues. you can go as fast as your truck can go with it engaged. hope that helps.

so does it just feel like normal 2WD when you have it in 4x4?

so does it just feel like normal 2WD when you have it in 4x4?

He's referring to the rear-axle locker, not the transfer case.

im guessing that your just driving in a strait line. to engage it you have to turn slightly to aline the gears. i have no idea how you can break that lock. its very strong. anyways the warning may say that you cant go over 5 mph. thats only for liability isues. you can go as fast as your truck can go with it engaged. hope that helps.
thanks ill try to turn a little and see if it works to help it engage!!! ill keep you posted

im guessing that your just driving in a strait line. to engage it you have to turn slightly to aline the gears. i have no idea how you can break that lock. its very strong. anyways the warning may say that you cant go over 5 mph. thats only for liability isues. you can go as fast as your truck can go with it engaged. hope that helps.
well i just tried to turn a little and it does not engage at all. the darn light just flashes, only they should have made the light flashing in green rather than red because a flashing green light with a dollar bill sign would be more appropriate!! HAHAHA money money money its broke not engaging spend more money money moneyHAHAHA. oh well thanks for trying to help. i checked all the wires, they are intact not broken etc. is there a way to check the shifter on the rearend housing? to make sure it is engaging. where do i start? should i just jack it up pull the axles and pull the 3rd member out and look it over or what? i hate to do that if it is just an actuator or something to that effect. any body got any answers please let me know thanks! Richard

anybody know how to diagnose or test the shift actuators on the locker rearend?

Richard; Here is a link to the 2003 Tacoma factory service manual. I know you have a 98 but they should be close enough to use the 2003 manual, if not you will need a manual for your truck.
[dead link removed]
In Volume II look on page SA 176 for a drawing of the locking differential. This will give you an idea of the parts location and function.
Page SA 197-201 tells you how to test the electrical components for proper operation. It also tells you how to check the mechanical operation of the locker. Hope this provides enough information to help.

Clifton

Richard; Here is a link to the 2003 Tacoma factory service manual. I know you have a 98 but they should be close enough to use the 2003 manual, if not you will need a manual for your truck.
http://fsm.afraid.org/
In Volume II look on page SA 176 for a drawing of the locking differential. This will give you an idea of the parts location and function.
Page SA 197-201 tells you how to test the electrical components for proper operation. It also tells you how to check the mechanical operation of the locker. Hope this provides enough information to help.

Clifton
thanks ill check it out and let you know what i find.

just had time to reply. i fixed my locking diff, there was a broken wire coming off of the transfer case on the drivers side. after repairing the broken wire the light on the dash was still blinking although i could hear the actuator working. upon testing i found that the indicator switch on the rearend was bad. a mere $54.00 at toyota and that fixed that prob as well!! now it works like a champ as well as the indicator light on the dash works too. Thanks guys for all of your help.

Good job!

I have this exact same problem. I tried the link and can't get electrical help with the way it's wired. Can you guys help me...Please. Thanks for your time.