I installed a 04 CDL shifter a few months ago. I never checked the switch when i have to console and cover plate off. The light doesn't light up when the shifter is engaged. It could be two things: the switch or the cable isn't moving the lever enough.

Is there a way to determine if the CDL is locked w/o taking the console and cover plate off?

 

just manually engage from below?

 

Idling in neutral, with only the front or the rear axle barely lifted off the ground, the vehicle will jump/drop off the stands if the central differential is locked when shifted to D. Be careful !
If unlocked, only the lifted axle wheels will turn.

 

Sometime the light won't come on until you drive a few feet. My D1 and Defender both act that way.

Either way, your steering will feel heavy when it's locked.

Just lock it while on a paved road or parking lot, put it in reverse, crank the wheel all the way to the stop, and floor it. If a CV joint blows up, you'll know the CDL is working.

 

I pulled off the center console and plate this morning. I disconnected the cable from the lever in the nipple and engaged the cdl. No light, so I backed down (straight) the driveway and pulled back up. Still no light. I then pulled the connections off the diff lock switch and sprayed them with brake cleaner. Still no change. I am going to order a new switch.

 

Sometimes I can't get the light on/off without driving in a few tight circles.

 

Check continuity of the switch in both positions to confirm the switch is the problem before ordering/replacing.

 

Thanks Zach, I will find a dirt or gravel area where I can give this a try. I am worried about breaking something if I try on pavement.

 

I had an RR where the central diff was always locked due to the viscous coupling being bad.

When I put the steering wheel all the way to one side or the other and drove a tight circle on pavement - the tires would chirp on the pavement.

 

good call. I hear a chirp as well, when i (oops) am engaged and clocked in tight circle on finished roadway.
I have forgotten to disengage more than a couple of times at the ranch. I've gone down the blacktop a bit before noticing.....never broke anything