Thread: CDL usage and light

Originally Posted by DannyD

Good morning,

I have a 2001 Disco 2 with the CDL components fitted to the transfer case. However, I do not have the selection mechanism installed (by default). I got a mechanism in good condition from someone on Gumtree which I will fit this week (hopefully).

My question is two fold. Can someone explain to me when the dash light(s) should be on and off when using the CDL because I have NO dashlight like I have seen on google not even when I turn the key (when all dashlights should be on). Is there maybe a plug or something that I should connect up? I am not too sure how the electronics should behave/work with the CDL engaged.

Second part of the question is (this is a very newbie question): When should I NOT use the CDL? Can I use the CDL together with lockers?

Thank you

Danny

The CDL light will come on when the CDL engages, not when you shift the lever. Motion is required.

I can't remember if the light came on in the ignition on test sequence, but I don't think it did. It doesn't on my D1.

You should use the CDL anytime you are in an uneven traction situation. Yes, use the CDL when using lockers. There are numerous threads on here about CDLs and lockers.

Watch this from about 1:10.

Dave isn't talking about lockers, but front to rear spinning can still occur when using them.

You can climb underneath and switch the cdl in with an 11mm? Spanner. (Might be a 10mm ) if you want to check the light etc before you pull everything apart for the lever install. Will probably only move about a quarter turn.
The car will have to roll a few meters before the light comes on. The same once you turn it off. Light doesn’t shut off straight away.

I don’t have lockers, but I would agree with Johntins.

Josh.

I have an D2 with front and rear Ashcroft lockers and use CDL and TC,

I just have the rear lockers on and the front TC works as normal and it's good with CDL

Oh, and when should you not use it? On even, hard surfaces such as bitumen. I use mine on ordinary dirt roads. Seems to make the car more stable.

and, as with CDL's in D1's and D2's
use it or lose it.
they tend to become , er, uncooperative? when you dont use them for a while

The light is activated by a switch that is closed by a ramp on the selector shaft on the nose of the gearbox. It is positioned on the LH side toward sthe rear of the nose, in a bugger of a place to reach.

The switch should be there on a nose with the selector shaft in it but of course may not be.

It has to be connected to the wiring from the BCU , which ( the wiring connector) is located under the window switch panel on the console.

Sierraferry can tell you the number of the connector, but there should be a thread from when I fitted my CDL.
IMHO it is best to remove the console steel base to get access to the switch as it is easy to break if handled roughly when connecting the wiring and unless you have the correct plug you will have to ad lib..

I have arranged mine through a small switch so that I have the option of TC and HDC on or off, but since I have used it I haven't found a reason not to have TC engaged when CD locked. You realise that you will have to engage CDL then start for TC to be active ( or is it the other way around?)
Regard s Philip A
PS you will have to remove the console floor anyway to fit the linkage. Check the wiring loom to the XYZ switch while you have it apart and wrap some insulation around it where it turns across the gearbox.

Originally Posted by PhilipA

You realise that you will have to engage CDL then start for TC to be active ( or is it the other way around?)
.

Other way around, I believe. Switch off, engage, switch back on and both TC and ABS are disabled.

Other way around, I believe. Switch off, engage, switch back on and both TC and ABS are disabled.

Well it pretty soon becomes obvious when you do it!LOL

Regards Philip A.