Thread: Diff Lock

What type of diff lock?
If it's Maxi and the light is on the the diff is locked! The system is fail proof.
If it is another type I don't know but sometimes you need to reverse a bit and/or turn back & forth to disengage.
Try jacking up one wheel with gearbox in neutral and engaging/disengaging the diff lock as you turn the raised wheel. this should confirm that it is working properly or not. If not, you will have to find the sensing switch and pull it out to see if it is working properly, ie makeing/breaking appropriately.
You definately need to get on top of this quickly. Another way you can see if the diff is unlocked is to turn tightly on dirt at gentle speed. If the diff is locked the tyres will leave far more prominent tracks than if it is disengaged.

He means the centre diff lock in the transfer case Stephen. Unless there is more wrong or there is an electrical problem if the light it on on the dash the CDL is still engaged, the easiest way to release it is to reverse a few metres untl the light goes out, all it means is that there is some wind up in the transmission which is putting pressure on the mechanism inside stopping it from disengaging. nothing major, i hope. Matt

Originally Posted by Stephen Price

What type of diff lock?
If it's Maxi and the light is on the the diff is locked! The system is fail proof.
If it is another type I don't know but sometimes you need to reverse a bit and/or turn back & forth to disengage.
Try jacking up one wheel with gearbox in neutral and engaging/disengaging the diff lock as you turn the raised wheel. this should confirm that it is working properly or not. If not, you will have to find the sensing switch and pull it out to see if it is working properly, ie makeing/breaking appropriately.
You definately need to get on top of this quickly. Another way you can see if the diff is unlocked is to turn tightly on dirt at gentle speed. If the diff is locked the tyres will leave far more prominent tracks than if it is disengaged.

Is it an early Rangie? I had this problem in my Stage 1, and it was a problem with the sliding switch internally. I did manage to fix it after pulling it apart. Also may be the actuator!

The other trick I found with wind up is drive with the vehicle half off the road while weaving the steering a bit.

its an 81 2 door lt95