Thread: DI Diff Loc indicator

Originally Posted by sailors_mission

Well, I first first exposed to an Range Rover in 1978 and every since, it has been my goal to own one. Now I am the proud owner of a 99 TDI - god I love it! Thing is, I was unable to determine if the diff lock was engaged or not due to the fact that there was no indicator on my dash advising that it was locked or in 4WD. Is this normal or should I be looking for a fuse, bulb etc, to replace.

First thing is that you still have not achieved your goal of owning a Range Rover. 99TDI ain't a RR .

Second it is contant 4wd so no indicator that you are in 4wd but when the center diff lock is locked there should be an orange indicator on the dash. If your vehicle has not been used offroad much the diff lock lever can be a bit stiff so you may not have actually moved the lever into the right position.

But yes there is a light.

Garry

Thanks Garry - concur on not a RR but I am not particular fussed on the the new RR - too bulky and too expensive. I do see the light come on when turning on the igination, but that is the only time. Might have to ram it home and see what happens. Its a steep learning curve but eh, its going to be fun. Don't feel that comfortable on sand but will be heading down to Collie region to play in the dirt...

Rich

To confuse things a bit... it's a ´99 model, so are you sure it is not a DII??? This difference is important as the DII, in contrast to the earlier model, doesn't feature a locking centre differential from factory, as they thought they could get by by only having Traction Control. In your model, it could still be retro-fitted, though.
As stated above, your vehicle is full-time-FWD and engaging the diff lock will light an amber warning sign on the instrument panel.

Welcome to the forum and to W.A.

The light on the dash should come on when you engage your center diff lock.

Check out the WA section The WA AULROians Group - Australian Land Rover Owners for upcoming trips and happenings.
There is an easy little trip happening this weekend.

Cheers

Dannie

Originally Posted by Jojo

To confuse things a bit... it's a ´99 model, so are you sure it is not a DII??? This difference is important as the DII, in contrast to the earlier model, doesn't feature a locking centre differential from factory, as they thought they could get by by only having Traction Control. In your model, it could still be retro-fitted, though.
As stated above, your vehicle is full-time-FWD and engaging the diff lock will light an amber warning sign on the instrument panel.

he did say its a TDI though if its a 99 he should of said TD5....
unless he got the last of the Tdi which is a 98..but possibly a 99 build

Originally Posted by dullbird

he did say its a TDI though if its a 99 he should of said TD5....

Rest assured, I have read his lines meticiously. Plenty before have mistaken a Td5 for a Tdi, so no blame on him...

Originally Posted by Jojo

Rest assured, I have read his lines meticiously. Plenty before have mistaken a Td5 for a Tdi, so no blame on him...

oh sure just figured because he actually owned it he would of gone around the back of it and noticed TDI or TD5....
I guess its an easy mistake to be made















if you can't read

AFAIK, 99 was the change over year and disco I's were still available in early 99.

For sailors_mission, tail lights on disco II are higher (up around window level). Disco I tail lights are lower (below window level).

If disco I, the knob on the high/low lever has a diagram on top to show the hi/lo and lock/unlock positions. But sometimes the knob gets twisted around to the opposite orientation and could miss-lead.

The lever should be across to right to unlock and to left to lock (forward for low, rearward for high).

The indicator lamp is meant to represent 4 wheel drive - it has lines to represent the 4 tyres and lines to represent the axles between tyres and driveshafts between axles - like a 'H' character.

If the lamp is on, it is still possible that the centre diff is not locked, but that is not the case here.

The centre diff is locked by the action of a spring, not directly by the lever and linkage (the linkage merely pushes on the spring to increase the spring pressure).

If the indicator switch is sticking or adjusted down too far, the spring can not lock the diff.

If it hasn't been used much, the linkage can stiffen up and not lock.

Mud and gunk can build up around the linkage and prevent the diff locking.

If the plastic pivot bushes are worn, the linkage can loose motion and not push the spring far enough.

If the pivot bolt is not adjusted properly ....

First check around the linkage to ensure the area is clean - right side of gearbox and above front drive extension housing of transfer case. Check from underneath vehicle, no need to pull anything off, but may need a light/torch.

Spray the linkages liberally with WD40 or similar.

Engine off, chock wheels, jack under front axle and lift front right tyre just clear of ground. You should be able to rotate the tyre that is off the ground with centre diff unlocked, but not when the centre diff is locked.

While the tyre is still jacked up, shift the lever to the diff lock position. Then listen underneath, close to front of transfer case while you rotate the front right tyre. You should be able to hear the diff lock click in as it is locks and the tyre will stop rotating. Shift lever to unlocked, rock the tyre forward/back and you should hear the diff unlock.

If you hear/feel (through the elevated tyre) the diff lock/unlockclick and the light doesn't come on or go off, there is a problem with the switch, lamp or wiring.

You said:

... Took it up into the dunes at Cervanties WA and, yes, I sunk to the axles. ...

If you buried the front, then the centre diff was most likely locked. Usually when you fail to proceed, if the diff is unlocked, the front tyres do not turn and one rear spins.

BTW, always lock the centre diff offroad when the surface is loose, rutted or rocky. You need to avoid prolonged spinning of any tyre while ever the centre diff is unlocked - this leads to wear and rapid failure of the centre diff. It won't harm the centre diff if the tyres spin when it is locked.