stanigu

Hello:

My wife has a 2000 LX470, and she called me saying that bunch of 4x4 related warning lights were lit up on the display, and the car did not handle right. After some investigation, it appeared that the center diff. lock was somehow engaged. I had her back up the car, and was able to get it disengaged, but have anyone seen a case where the diff locks out of the blue? (maybe she hit the button accidentally, but is it that easy to engage?).

TIA

bsjoiner

I have never heard of them just locking on their own. I have locked mine before accidentally. The button is on the center console right next to the AC controls and the emergy flashers.

stanigu

Thanks for the reply. Was it just a matter of pushing the button, or is it more involed (like putting the trans. in neutral first, etc.)?

bsjoiner

Yes, if you press the button it will lock.

Rx900

is the center diff lock the button, with the four wheels, and the front wheels are turned to the side??

jst curious!! (so that i will be careful with my GX)

tigmd99

Yup, that's it. It has an "x" on the center. If you push this, then it will turn of VSC (but not ATRAC)...thus, the VSC light goes on. It is not a good idea to lock the center diff on-road due to binding.

Hopefully, your wife did not drive a long time with the center diff locked. Hopefully, she did not make too many sharp turns.

Rx900

are u guyz really sure she didn't press the button accidentally? it's not like the hand brake lever on the bottom left side of the car (mostly american cars) in where u accidentally pull the hood openner rather than the brake release.