I have an 03 4Runner with 54,000 miles.

Today, when I started the car, the center differential had locked as evidenced by the center differential LED being lit. I had done nothing to make that happen. Prior to starting the car, it had not been driven on anything other than smooth roads.

I tried to get the differential unlocked by depressing the center differential button. However, all I would get was a flashing center differentiallight. Also the VSC LED was on.

I then drove the car a couple of miles with the center differential LED light on. Then I parked, turned the car off and depressed the center differential locking button a couple of times. Nothing worked. Still getting a flashing LED center differenial light.

Then I started to drive and after going about 10 feet, I heard a distinctive clunk, which I assume was the center differential unlocking. The light went off and now everything seems normal.

Does the car need service? Did I do any damage with the center differential locked? Any explanation for why this happened.

Thanks

John

 

dumb question here
when is the last time you had the diff fluids changed or checked?
I would check the fluid levels and then check the electrical connections
when was the last time you used the locking diff?

 

Shantz

Don't really appreciate being called dumb. I have raced a 911 for the last 10 years and do most of the work myself. My racecar does not have this kind of differential and I am out of my element with automatic transmissions.

So tell me, mr. intelligent, why low fluid would automatically lock a differential. I don't think it seized.

As for the last time I used it, the answer is never.

 

bro, I meant my question may be dumb not yours
no offense intended

 

check your fluid levels. even with low miles it may be fluid issue or more than likely electrical

 

had to take my to the stealership once for this. I hate the VSC bs and wish i had avoided it when buying a third gen

 

The manual says you're suppose to switch to the different modes periodically to keep the solenoids "lubricate". I forget the specific numbers, but it's like 10 miles a month in 4WD (if you have a V6, but seems you have a V8 from your post), every 6 months in 4LO etc. That may explain why yours took longer to switch to unlocked if you never use it, but I don't know why it would have been in that mode already. The button really isn't in a place that you would "accidentally" push it either.

When it was flashing, where you driving in a straight line or constantly making turns? I've noticed the 4Runner likes to be in a straight line when changing modes or it it takes longer to switch.

You're not suppose to have the center differential locked on smooth pavement, but if it was only a few miles without a lot of turns you should be ok.

 

Your vehicle comes with a 5 year/60,000 mile drivetrain warranty... Take it to the dealer.