Drove with centerlock on

[CitizenEarthling]

This is my first 4x4.... learning about the car still, I did a noob thing and locked the center diff, forgot about it, then drove on highway..... realized on highway, after 3 to 5 miles, panicked, then unlocked while driving.... now I'm worried that I damaged the diff lock and the drivetrain. Going for 6 month oil change next week, I will have the tech check it out....

Do you all think I did lasting damage?

 

[DJ’s Sled]

Were all the roads pavement and dry from the point where you engaged the center diff lock?
Were there any real sharp turns after the point you engaged it?

 

[Todgrubbs]

Do not lock or unlock while moving or in drive. A short drive on pavement is probably ok. Next time pull off the road safely come to a complete stop and unlock diff in neutral.

 

[CitizenEarthling]

Were all the roads pavement and dry from the point where you engaged the center diff lock?
Were there any real sharp turns after the point you engaged it?

Yes.... paved and dry. Yes, turning at several local intersections. Then highway....

 

[DJ’s Sled]

Oops. Okay I would def tell your service advisor, ask them what’s involved; add to the list before the appt. At the least they might want to drop / replace the diff fluid, then at least visually inspect it.
Don’t feel too bad. It’s designed to handle a fair amount of abuse - accidental or otherwise - over many years.
I believe I did the same a few times with my ‘92 LC and my ‘10 4Runner Limited…and never any apparent issue or malfunctioning.

 

[CitizenEarthling]

Oops. Okay I would def tell your service advisor, ask them what’s involved; add to the list before the appt. At the least they might want to drop / replace the diff fluid, then at least visually inspect it.
Don’t feel too bad. It’s designed to handle a fair amount of abuse - accidental or otherwise - over many years.
I believe I did the same a few times with my ‘92 LC and my ‘10 4Runner Limited…and never any apparent issue or malfunctioning.

Yup, that's what I did sheduled, ill remind them when I drop off. Thanks for advice.

 

[KAR120C]

Owners manual says you can lock/unlock the center diff up to 62mph. I doubt you've done it any harm driving it 5 miles. Turning will put some stress on it but I'd be surprised if it couldn't take the amount you gave it.

 

[killy]

Center diff I would not be dreadfully concerned. People drive around in jeeps and trucks in 4Hi on roads all the time. Plenty of play in the system and not that much front to rear speed differences.

It’s the rear locker + center locker and side to side differences going around corners that can break things.

I would definitely NOT tell Lexus you did that lol, that could be used as evidence to void your transfer case warranty.

 

[nartmot]

This happens a lot more than you think and its usually no cause for panic. It is most likely fine if everything is working as intended. I agree with not telling Lexus, but it sounds like that ship has sailed. They are not going to be able to spot any damage, even if they take your diff apart. It will be on your dime too. Just drive it and be more careful next time.

 

[CitizenEarthling]

Center diff I would not be dreadfully concerned. People drive around in jeeps and trucks in 4Hi on roads all the time. Plenty of play in the system and not that much front to rear speed differences.

It’s the rear locker + center locker and side to side differences going around corners that can break things.

I would definitely NOT tell Lexus you did that lol, that could be used as evidence to void your transfer case warranty.

I have a P+, I only have a center lock. Hmmm how may I ask Lexus to look at it without saying something dumb....?

 

[jcdeng]

I have a P+, I only have a center lock. Hmmm how may I ask Lexus to look at it without saying something dumb....?

Ask them to change the diff fluid because "you read on some forum that someone had break in metal shavings in it and you just want to make sure yours don't"

 

[ColoradoOutdoors]

Center diff I would not be dreadfully concerned. People drive around in jeeps and trucks in 4Hi on roads all the time. Plenty of play in the system and not that much front to rear speed differences.

It’s the rear locker + center locker and side to side differences going around corners that can break things.

I would definitely NOT tell Lexus you did that lol, that could be used as evidence to void your transfer case warranty.

100% agree. I would just take it off my list of things to worry about and move on.

 

[Bluegill]

You’re fine……you’d already know from the massive POP! BANG! if you weren’t!