Why does Diff. Locker button not always flash?

I posted a similar thread earlier, and i was wondering. I got into my truck on lunch (it was sitting for 6 hours) and the differential locker button flashed but stopped quickly, then i tried it a few mins after driving, and it didnt even flash, just stayed on right away. This morning when it was really cold it flashed a lot longer but it was really cold, Is this due to something not getting warmed up or should i take it to the dealer?

 

The splines just need to line up, sometimes they are lined up so it locks right away, sometime one rear wheel needs to rotate a bit to line up both sides. Also, you do know it will only lock in 4Low right? And you are not doing this on asphalt are you?

 

This may help you better visualize what I was saying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoniaipOCdU

 

It is on asphalt, i only have a "4D" option. This morning i accidently turned it on and drove on regular roads for about 3-4 miles and I'm afraid i damaged something

 

i was concerned because the owner's manual says not to go faster than 5mph

 

Oh, Are you in a PreRunner then?

 

yes, preRunner

 

Stopped flashing and remained on or stopped flashing and went out?
Flashing means you pushed the button but it is not (yet) locked. This should be performed while stopped and then move slowly (under 5 mph). If still blinking, turn the steering wheel to ONE direction (not back and forth) and creep ahead to lock the diff. You didn't say if you are 2wd or 4wd... The 4wd only locks while in Low Range (unless you do a locker anytime mod).
There should be this sticker on the driver's door:

 

Yeah you don't want to run 4x4 on the asphalt but you don't have to worry about that. Don't use your lock on Asphalt either though. I don't think you probably damaged anything driving 3-4 miles but you will wear your tires out quickly in turns as the inner tire will be forced to turn at the same rate as the outer tire.

 

When i went to lunch and cranked it up, and then pushed the button, it didnt flash, it just came on and stayed on. I was in park the whole time

 

Your good to go man. Go Heels!

 

if it's flashing, that means you've requested the diff to lock but it hasn't completed the action yet. if it goes solid, the diff is locked. you want it to flash as little as possible and go solid quickly. that means the internal teeth have lined up correctly quickly and your diff is locked. like others have said, if it's flashing, rolling forward or backward while slightly turning to one side or the other will usually resolve a flashing diff lock light.

you can go faster than 5 mph with the differential locked, but it is recommended to be stopped or going < 5mph in order to engage the diff locker.

 

my biggest concern was whether or not i f*cked something up or not

 

Is the grey wire mod the one that creates the option of having the rear locker work in 4Hi?

 

Yes, but that term used to apply to 1st Gen Tacomas... I think the Second Gen term is "Locker Anytime Mod" as the wire color is maybe changed?? Here is one thread for second gen locker mod answers: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/locker-mod-problem.38476/

 

Oh ok. I'm a 1st gen

 

... and I am on my second 2nd Gen now. I had a 1st Gen first! Never needed the Grey Wire mod, just go into 4WD and keep on truckin'
Anyway, hope you can find the Grey Wire Mod for 1st Gen Tacos. Use Search!

 

This is what I was talking about. You could use your E locker even in 2 hi.