Thread: New transfer case, locking CDL with a spanner, what direction engages CDL

To the right (tighten) only about 1/-1/8 of a turn. You will wear a clicking noise. It should show on the top left corner of the dash showing CDL locked. If it doesn't drive a few meters to see if it needs to engage. You will be able to feel it engaged when you're driving; its a different feel. Also just be aware that when disengaging it obviously is a reverse of engaging but it may not disengage. I believe it's called "wind up"? Regardless of what it's called you may need to drive in the opposite direction to which you were when CDL was engaged to "unwind"? CDL.

As trevor says Chris, the spigot turns as if you were tightening it up.

Again as trevor says, it wont engage straight away as the gears might not be lined up, and this can take a few revolutions.

I would suggest jacking up ONE wheel off the ground. Without the CDL engaged the wheel will turn, WITH the CDL engaged it will lock out.

If this works ok and and still no dash light, then it VERY likely that the switch in the transfer case is bad. I have had a few that once the diff lock has been in and out a few times they start working.
If you have a late type transfer box the diff lock switch is different to the earlier type ones. The later ones use the same type of switch as the high/low switch. When I fitted my CDL Transfer box from a leter car both my diff lock AND my high/low switch were shot. You can test the high/low switch by simply engaging low range and seeing if the hill descent works when you press the dash switch. ( will just " bong " at you if its knackered ! ).

I hope your lever kit arrives soon !!.

Cheers.
Del.

Del,

Thanksfor that.

So if looking down at the spiggot from above the box you turn it clockwise to engage?

Clockwise to engage, anti clockwise on your back looking from beneath. If the end of the spanner is facing the engine, turn it towards the drivers side.
Like said previously about an 1/8th turn and it will click, not a lot of force required.

Or in simple terms:

To the front - OFF (dis-engaged)
To the rear - ON (engaged)