Tried to search threads on this specific issue but could not find a direct answer so starting a new thread. Thank you for your input.

GX460 -2011, Base (105k) bought 3 months ago . I am trying to exercise my central differential so the actuator does not get stuck
In a straight light I am in Drive (D) with 4H, while the vehicle is not moving (foot on the brake), when I push the central differential lock button , the indicator blinks and nothing happens, the light does not go solid , implying the diff is not engaging.
I tried the exact same thing, with 4L , still the light just blinks and does not go solid. In both cases , I hear a relay click near passenger size.

Now, I start driving the vehicle in straight line, in 4H , while moving at slow speed (about 10 mph), I press the differential lock button, the lock engages, light becomes solid, I feel the stiffness in the steering (not turning the steering to prevent any damage). I stop, engage 4 Lo (go into neutral , engage 4 Lo, VSC turn on and 4Lo LED solid) started driving slow and engage central diff and it engages (light blink may be once and then turns on slid).
Is this a condition that vehicle must be moving for central differential to lock. It kind a does not make sense , because you would engage the diff when you are stuck and not moving, or you would lock the diff preemptively when you are thinking that you would need the diff . Why is the central differential not locking when vehicle is not moving. Do I have an issue , if yes any suggestions.

 

Seems like this is answered in the vehicle owners manual... do you have one available?

 

sometimes you need to move forwards or backwards for it to engage.

 

Yes I did read the manual and according to that I was to go visit the stealership. Hence asked the question here. Thank.

The issue is now resolved after multiple tries at various times. Seems like it needed a lot of exercising. Now it engages just as the manual says.

 

Exercise everything(4L/CDL etc) at least quarterly going forward and it should always slip right in when/if needed.

 

Press the brake, stop, drop to neutral, THEN switch the buttons. NOT on D.

 

Center differential lock indicator light is on and it seams that the SUV is in constant 4 wheel drive.

 

Is this a question? If you're asking about whether the light should be on or not, it should NOT be on. Do NOT drive around with the indicator on. You can absolutely ruin the drivetrain. The GX is supposed to be in full time 4wd, which is the normal setting, however having the center diff locked is NOT the normal setting. Please please go check your owner manual on proper usage of the center differential lock and 4wd low.

 

CDL button is in front the driver's right knee, maybe it got bumped by accident?

 

Could not get it unlocked. Went through the procedure to unlock three or four times and it finally unlocked driven about 40 miles with no problems. Have discovered a u tube that discribes a vacumn tube problem that is typical in the newer GX460 that was corrected in 2017. I'm going to take the center council apart to see if that is the problem.

 

Can you link to Youtube video?

I am not aware of any hardware changes of the 460 CDL over the years.

it doe not use vacuum for actuation but is gear driven with an electric motor.

 

Woof. That sounds pretty terrible. Sorry for jumping on you, I've just seen too many people start pressing buttons/flipping switches/ruining drivelines without thinking.

 

I can't think of a Toyota/Lexus with vacuum actuated 4x4 since the 2nd gen 4Runners...

 

And that was just for the axle disconnect(ADD). The tcase was still lever actuated. My 4runner was ADD but was solid axle swapped so I have manual hubs now.

 

The 4WD ECU used by this area of vehicle requires multimeter for troubleshooting. You cannot simply pull codes.