Date:         Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:40:10 -0400
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: diff lock woes
In-Reply-To:  <7b2ce2240910120955y12e2e58fyec751739cd54bcb3@mail.gmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

If you have disconnected the electrical connection for the diff lock
switch, and the light stays on, then there is a problem in the wiring
for that light. It should not be on if the wiring is disconnected. The
switch itself is easy to test, remove it from the transmission, and
put an ohm meter between the two pins. It should be open (infinite
ohms, usually displayed as a 1 on the ohm meter) in one position, and
close (0 ohms) in the other position (switch closed probably).

Normally, the switch controls the connection to ground. As the light
is on in the dash, that means, the switched line is grounded someplace
else.


On Oct 12, 2009, at 12:55 PM, Bruce Todd wrote:

>
> Since buying the van several years ago, the rear diff lock has
> always been
> seized.  Here was my opportunity to get this fixed with everything
> else when
> the motor was removed.  The mechanic unseized the locking pin and
> put it all
> back together telling me that it took minimal pressure to engage the
> lock.
> This was all theoretical as when it came time to road test - the
> diff lock
> wouldn't engage.  The mechanic told me to return when his shop was
> less busy
> and he would work on it some more.  What does work is the green
> indicator
> dash light which permanently stays on once the vehicle starts
> whether the
> diff is locked or unlocked.
>
> Twice I've taken off the actuator to check whether it works when I
> engage
> the dash knob and it does.  Pulling out the knob elongates the stem of
> the actuator...pushing the knob in, contracts the stem.  The diff
> lock has
> worked with the van on a hoist with the tires off the ground slowly
> being
> rotated and the locking pin being pushed with the actuator and with
> the help
> of a pry bar.
>
> Yesterday I crawled under the van to unplug the wires which connect to
> indicator light switch - which is located above the actuator.  Even
> with
> the plug disconnected the green dash light was still on.  Does this
> mean
> that the diff lock pin is partially engaged or is there something else
> occuring?  Why would the light stay on if the plug is disconnected?
>
> This pretty much is the last thing that doesn't work on my van - and
> I'd
> love to get it working.  Any words of wisdom would be most
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> BT