Had my vehicle shipped from Honolulu, HI to Ramstein AB, Germany. I got my vehicle, and the rear differential indicator light will not stop flashing when I am in 4WD Low with the differential engaged. Of couse I also noticed that I am leaking rear diff gear oil near my driver side wheel. I'm thinking I need to put some gear oil in the diff, but would that be why I'm getting the flashing Rear Dif light? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />Incase you are wondering, yes I did wait more than a few seconds for the light to steady, but it just kept flashing (for minutes). No I didn't drive with it engaged.

Thanks! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

The reason you are finding gear oil near your driver's side wheel is probably because you have blown the axle seal on your driver's side. I honestly don't know what all is involved with replacing the seal, but try a search on here as I know it has been discussed many times.

The light flashing means the diff lock button has been pressed but the actaul diff lock has yet to engage. I don't know if low fluid level would cause this but it might.

You need to get that axle seal fixed and refill the diff with fluid...

Thanks for the replies. I am going to replace all the seals and gaskets in the axle this weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed that this fixes the rear dif locking problem.

It is not likely a low fluid issue.

Did you try driving the truck and making shallow right and left turns when the light was flashing? It uses a slip collar to lock two shafts and if the splines are not lined up it can not engage. Driving the truck slowly and making shallow right and left turns may help line up the splines and allow the collar to lock the the shafts together.

If you have done that and it still will not engage you have a problem and it needs to be looked at.

Gadget

Hey 'D', how's life in K-Town? I bought my 4Runner there new back in '97 at the dealer next to the Pizza Hut in K-town, if you need some dealer work done I would ask them where they get warranty work done at. They're all Irish and Brits working there, good guys I'm sure they'll help you work it out even if you're out of warranty. I was stationed up in Holland at the time and had a local Toyota dealer do the head gasket recall, excellent work, they were all amazed that I had a gas engine though, they all have diesels there.

Thanks gadget, I'll give it a shot today. The vehicle was in shipping for over 2 months (no driving or starting, etc...) so maybe the lack of use caused it.

Not too shabby Bill! I hit the Toyota dealer up the street from them to order my parts (seals and gaskets) as they had a full service garage, and parts center. Are they the same dealership, or 2 different ones? Ah hell, I guess I can ask them myself. lol. Damn those diesels! And they ***** at us about poluting the air. lol. I used to go to high school out here (graduated in 89), so it's nice to be back. A lot has changed, but a lot is still the same.

Gadget, you a a Genius! Thanks, that worked.

Good. Glad it worked for you.

Gadget