ScottyBean

When removing an e-locker on my 96, do you have to drain the diff fluid first? Anyone done it before? Trying to see why it wont engage.

rimpainter.com

You can narrow the problem(s) down significantly without removing it. Have you done that yet?

MTL_4runner

You don't need to drain it but you should have a bucket there if some spills out.
I would change as a precaution anyway esp if you have done any decent offroading or crossed any deep water.

Be sure to post some pics when you get it all disassembled.

ScottyBean

Can you elaborate a little more <96 4runner>?

saletel

remove the motor from the diff itself

heckler

why would not remove the diff fluid, its not like it that expensive and you should probably change it anyway.

rimpainter.com

Well, I mean make sure the locker is getting juice. If you can find a quiet place, someone can hit the switch for you and you will hear the motor. If you don't hear the motor, then I would lean towards electrical. If you do, then I would look at mechanical and possibly pull the locker.

There are a few different ways to troubleshoot without pulling the locker. In fact, there are a few threads about it. Try searching and see what you find.

Good luck!

MTL_4runner

I agree with Christian that it would be smart to first check for voltage at the motor when the switch it hit, but after that, everything more or less requires the motor to be out for testing. I would pull the motor anyway because if the motor is hung up or frozen by rust, you can see it right away by having someone hit the locker switch for you. You can also move the locker lever in the diff by hand to ensure that moves freely as well. Check out the threads people have pointed you to already and you should have it solved in no time:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/pics-my-truck-hello-board-51783/
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/3rd-gen-e-locker-wont-engage-53130/