Hi All,

I had a leaking transfer case actuator on a 2003 GX470. I removed the transfer case actuator, replaced the o-ring and the oil seal, and put the actuator back. I got the transfer case actuator to bolt down to the transfer case and the teeth were engaged. I was hesitant if I had gotten the actuator on the transfer case properly as before I bolted it to the transfer case I could not get the actuator completely flush to the transfer case but after bolting it became flush. It seemed like it should have been a quarter inch closer to the transfer case. I am hoping this was normal. Now the diff lock light is constantly flashing on the dash and I don't know what I did wrong as this was not the case before removing the actuator. The actuator was completely full of oil and the electrical connector had oil leaking out of the small holes. I drained all of the oil out. Are there any suggestions on this?

Thanks,

Sean

 

Blinking center diff? So it thinks it wants to be in off position but detects the CD is still locked.

Go into sand/dirt/grass, turn on the CD, does the light go solid? Play around with the controls and H/L settings in sand.

 

The diff light flashes constantly as soon as I turn the key. Pressing the diff button does nothing to stop the flashing. It just keeps flashing.

 

Does the CD actually engage?

In normal use, flashing CD diff light can be normal if the switch selection is "off" but the CD did not disengage. This happens often when CD is engaged and then turned off while the wheels are on pavement. Flashing means "I am trying to disengage".

If it's flashing and you know 100% that the CD is not engaged, then likely a wire/sensor issue somewhere.

 

I apologize, I know so little about how this car works. It is always in 4H and never taken off road.

How do I verify if the CD is engaged?

 

Get onto low-traction surface like a dirt road, wet grass, snowy parking lot, etc. Press the center diff lock button, wait about ten seconds then slowly drive ahead and through a couple of turns. The light should be on solid.
Press the center diff lock button again to disengage, then drive slowly ahead a short distance. The light should go off.

If the light is still flashing, the computer can't tell what position the mechanism is in. There are electrical contacts inside the transfer case - perhaps they got contaminated with fluid? Or a rodent ate the wiring? Time for a visit to a Toyota specialist.

Chip H.