Center Diff lock not locking

[dusty_nz]

got a 93 Nissan Pajero SWB and noticed the other day that the center diff lock does not engage. Light just keeps flashing. Is this the same sort of problem as the front hubs which are vacuum operated?

Common problem? Easy fix?

Thanks

[NJV6]

Is it physically engaging? Its not vacuum operated, just a lever.

I'd say its more likely a dodgy sensor.

So see if you can find out if it is actually locking and not just what the dash says.

[date]

Not directly answering your question, but my NL had the flashing light syndrone - on the 4WD and the centre diff. I had a look at it and could see nothing amiss, so I started regularly putting it into 4WD. It flashed for ages - sometimes up to 10 km, then finally engaged solidly. Then I would drop it out and it would hang for ages. After a few weeks of in/out, it now goes straight in and virtually straight out.

It still flashes on centre diff, but if I did the same on a gravel road, I reckon I could get it to operate better. It is the old adage - if you don't use it you will lose it.

[dusty_nz]

I suppose the only way to tell if it is locking is to get it bogged in sand and see if two (one front and one rear) are spinning? If diff lock was not working then only one wheel would spin?

[NJV6]

Bit dodgi but if it was me.....

I'd jack up the back wheels and see if it drives off the jack in 4H. In theory it shouldn't, especially if you put a block in front of the front wheels to give it a bit more resitance.
It should just spin the back wheels that are off the ground.

Then put it in 4HLc and it should drive off the jack no problem.

[date]

You can tell if the centre diff is locking in by selecting CDLock on a sealed surface and driving a bit. You feel the steering tighten up. BUT - you must immediately stop and reverse slowly, turning the steering so that the front wheels move further than the rear. This will then drop the CD lock off. It is safer than trying to drive off a jack.

[NJV6]

Good point or do it on gravel/sand.
Do a right hand circle, Look out your window at the inside rear wheel and it'll be scuffling when it s locked.

[smccask]

put it in neutral and tx case in 4h, non locked, get under the car and turn front propshaft - it should turn, some effort required. put it in 4hlc and then try to turn front propshaft, it should not turn.