2006 GX470
While patiently waiting for my wife while she was in the grocery store, I pushed the diff lock button. The VSC light came on and the diff lock light started flashing. Now they will not go off. Steering is now hindered as I assume the differential is either locked or stuck somewhere in between locked and unlocked. I read up on the forum and I tried driving in reverse, which didn't help. I tried accelerating and decelerating while in reverse. I tried accelerating and decelerating while driving home. I drove circles forwards and backwards in loose gravel. Still stuck. I wasn't far from home so I got her back to the garage. Now here I sit searching for what to do. Does anyone have any advice? At least I didn't have anything planned for today.

 

Update: Fixed
I decided to try and tap on the actuator with a rubber mallet. I had my son push the diff lock button after a few taps with the mallet. The actuator started beeping in tune with the diff lock light flash (a slower flash than before). I also heard the actuator move when my son hit the button. A few more taps, I had my son hit the button again and the beeping stopped and the actuator moved again. The diff lock light went solid. I jumped in the driver's seat and slowly drove in reverse. I pushed the diff button again and it went off. When hitting the actuator with the mallet, I hit the top of the black box, on the passenger side.

 

How long has it been since you had your driveline serviced?
Fluid changes for front + rear differentials, transfer case fluid replaced, driveshafts greased?

Chip H.

 

2 years and 20k ago. Previous owner did it according to the Lexus owners site. All plugs were replaced and are new. I replaced the propeller shaft assembly myself. All greased and good to go.