Use the rear differential lock system only when wheel spin occurs because the Toyota Tacoma is stuck in a ditch or traveling on a slippery, rough, or uneven surface. The system is particularly effective when one of the rear wheels is spinning and additional traction is required.
Rear differential lock switch
Press the rear differential lock switch to turn the system on or off.
When the switch is operated, the rear differential lock indicator and the indicator in the differential lock/unlock display begin flashing while the system changes its operating state.
Allow several seconds for the locking process to complete. Once the rear differential is fully locked, both indicators stop flashing and remain illuminated continuously.
To unlock the rear differential and restore normal differential operation, press the switch again.
Operating tips
- Make sure the wheels have completely stopped spinning before attempting to lock the rear differential.
- Unlock the rear differential as soon as the vehicle has moved free of the condition that required the differential lock.
Unlocking the rear differential
If the rear differential lock indicator continues flashing after the differential has been unlocked, first confirm that the surrounding area is safe. Then, while the vehicle is moving slowly, turn the steering wheel slightly to either side to help the locking mechanism complete the disengagement process.
Automatic unlocking feature
The rear differential lock is also released automatically when either of the following conditions occurs:
- When the front-wheel drive control switch is moved to "2H" or "4H"
- When the engine switch is turned off
After unlocking the rear differential
Confirm that the rear differential lock indicators turn off, indicating that the differential has returned to its normal unlocked condition.
The rear differential lock indicator and indicator in the differential lock/unlock display
- The indicators flash while the rear differential is in the process of locking or unlocking.
- If the indicators continue flashing after the rear differential lock switch has been operated, bring the vehicle to a complete stop and operate the switch again.
If the indicators continue flashing after repeating the procedure, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. Persistent flashing may indicate a problem with the four-wheel drive or rear differential lock system.
Locking the rear differential
When the rear differential is locked, the following vehicle control and braking systems do not operate:
- ABS
- Brake assist system
- VSC
- Downhill assist control system (if equipped)
- TRAC
WARNING
When using the rear differential lock system
Failure to observe the following precautions can affect vehicle control and may result in an accident.
- Do not lock the rear differential under conditions other than those described above where additional traction is genuinely required.
- Do not engage the rear differential lock while the wheels are still spinning. Wait until wheel spin has stopped completely before operating the switch.
- Do not drive faster than 5 mph (8 km/h) while the rear differential remains locked.
- Do not continue driving the Toyota Tacoma with the rear differential locked after the vehicle has cleared the difficult terrain or low-traction condition.
