DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Note. This article also applies to Lexus LX470. For LX470, refer to Land Cruiser, unless otherwise indicated.
The electronic locking differential system is designed to be used only when wheel spin occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or uneven surface. The indicator light will blink when switch is turned on as system completes locking operation. After the differential is locked, the light will stop blinking and remain on. On vehicles with manual transmission, it may be necessary to depress the clutch pedal, push the differential lock switch and slowly release the clutch pedal. On vehicles with automatic transmission, accelerate slightly to engage differential lock.
When the differential lock control switch is off, the differential lock actuator is not activated. The differential lock sleeve (which is meshed to the differential case) is not engaged with the spider gear. The differential will operate as a conventional limited slip differential.
When the differential lock control switch is on, the differential lock actuator slides the differential lock sleeve into the spider gear. The differential case and side gear are locked by the sleeve to provide differential (positive traction) control.
The sliding of the differential lock sleeve is accomplished by an electric motor. The motor is operated by the 4WD control unit in response to signals from the rear differential lock switch and from other switches and sensors. (Scheme 25), (Scheme 26) or (Scheme 27). The motor is built into the rear differential lock actuator.
