Help with Hilux KZTE Rear Diff Lock please!

[anthonyhugo]

hi guys, i desperately need some advice on my 2003 KZTE please

my diff lock light is coming on by itself

we tested it on jacks, it's not actually engaging the diff lock it's just turning on the light

i took it to a dealer today for a diagnosis and quote to the melrose arch branch

the foreman told me they have to replace the complete ECU

is this my only option or is there a sensor of sorts that i could replace more cost effectively?

any input would be greatly appreciated

cheers
anthony

[louis fourie]

Anthony

I am not a fundi at all but as far as I know the ECU is an engine management system - it basicly controls your diesel pump. I don't think there is not a link to the diff, but as I said, I am not a fundi.

Hope you come right.

[Family_Dog]

I would suspect faulty wiring in the difflock sensor/switch. Is this a local Gearmax diff or an Import? If local, I doubt very much the ECU has anything to do with it, and even if it's an Import, I would suspect faulty wiring rather than a faulty sensor.


-F_D

[anthonyhugo]

Thanks for the info so far!

The dealership was kind enough today to get an auto electrician in at no cost to me for a second opinion - so tomorrow ill hear the verdict

Its a stock standard diff that the KZTE came out with in 2003 (I'm not sure what type of diff it is?)

I really really hope its just a faulty sensor or something small because I'm too scared to know how much an ECU replacement will set me back - anybody know how much such a replacement could possibly cost?

Thanks again

[Family_Dog]

The Raider is the only model that came out with the Import Diff, all other IFS models make use of the local Gearmax diff, which has vacuum operated diff lock. The type of diff (local or import) may be determined when viewing the diff from the rear of the vehicle. If the rear of the pumpkin has screws and a removable plate, it is a local diff. If it is a solid casting, it is an imported diff. The import diff-lock is computer controlled and is electrical, whereas the Gearmax one uses vacuum to operate. I do not think the ECU would have anything to do with the latter diff, and I also wonder whether it has all that much to do with the imported Toyota diff, which most probably has its own little box of tricks for the diff-lock.


-F_D

[anthonyhugo]

I just got a quote from the dealers, the auto electrician says its the diff lock ECU that has an error on it that he can't clear, he has to replace it and it will cost me R2100 total (not too bad)
You guys know if there's a way to clear an error on a ECU or should I just bite the bullet and pay the R2K?
Thanks

[OOOOMS]

Anthony, where in JHB are you?

[anthonyhugo]

hi i'm in waverley (corlett drive close to wanderers cicket stadium), why?

[esajoda]

I had the same problem a while back.

Pulled out the difflock unit cleaned, fitted it back and replaced the oil in the diff and viola, haven't had the problem again.

There is a thread here on the forum explaining everything about the DiffLock on a KZ-TE.

Hope it helps.

[anthonyhugo]

I had the same problem a while back.

Pulled out the difflock unit cleaned, fitted it back and replaced the oil in the diff and viola, haven't had the problem again.

There is a thread here on the forum explaining everything about the DiffLock on a KZ-TE.

Hope it helps.

wow sounds like a big job, can one do this on a saturday?

[B100]

Hi Anthony,

Is your problem sorted? I have made myself an expert on the diff lock for this model plainly due to the fact that there are so little info out there and I had to trouble shoot the whole unit, including wiring to solve my problem. If not, have a look here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9921" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The last couple of posts might be the most useful.

To answer your question...yes you can take off the actuator and clean the whole unit in a couple of hours.

All the best
Dewald

[anthonyhugo]

thanks sooo much for the info Dewald, to be honest i left it as is (my bad), it locks but the light inside the cab flashes the whole time (perhaps a sensor or something cheap i hope?)

i will study your thread and clean the diff out ASAP

cheers
ant