Center Differential Lock System

The center differential lock system is designed to improve traction in the following situations:
– when the front or rear wheels lift off the road surface or contact a slippery surface;
– when one of the four wheels lifts off the road surface or contacts a slippery surface.

Precautions

Uneven tire wear on the front or rear wheels may impair smooth locking or unlocking of the center differential.
Before locking the differential, make sure the wheels are not spinning.
Unlock the differential immediately after using the lock.
If the indicator lamp on the instrument panel does not illuminate or goes out after pressing the differential lock button again, and the vehicle has traveled a short distance, have the electrical circuit and locking mechanism checked by an automotive service center.

Safety Precautions

Under normal driving conditions, the center differential should be unlocked, since locking the differential makes it difficult to turn corners.

Locking the Differential

PROCEDURE
1. Depress the brake pedal and stop the wheels from rotating.
2. Position the front wheels as close as possible to the straight-ahead position.
3. Press the center differential lock button. The indicator light on the instrument panel should illuminate. The light remains on while the differential is locked.

In some cases, the light does not illuminate at the moment the button is pressed.

Unlocking the Differential

PROCEDURE
1. Turn the front wheels as close as possible to the straight-ahead position.
2. Press the center differential lock button again.

The indicator light on the instrument panel should go out. If the light does not go out, drive the vehicle slowly for a short distance.