Defender 90 200Tdi - Diff Lock Lever, Switch and Light

Just bought this 1990 Pickup, with a 200tdi conversion, and I need advice on the diff-lock lever and light...

Lever doesn't seem to want to stay to the left for diff-lock to work, with it returning back to centre slowly on it's own. Have lifted the panel in the centre seat and can see the linkage operating fine, but it doesn't seem to want to stay there.

Also, workshop I use says there isn't wiring there for the diff-lock lamp, and after the usual sharp-intake of breath he says "It's a big job to wire the dash light in again" - offering to wire up another separate lamp instead...??!! Is it really that big of a job, and also should I be able to see the diff-lock switch and wiring while lifting the centre panel?

Any pics would be a great help - thanks!

a 1990 with 200tdi conversion? 1990 was 200tdi already - do you mean it's had a disco engine dropped in?

Ok I see 200tdi was into defender during 1990.....so maybe was a td originally apologies []

Either way, why would someone take the wiring out? Have you taken a look to see what's there/not there?

is the diff lock engaging and then disengaging at all?

Way to check would be jack an axle off the ground (on stands), and rotate (by hand, not with the engine on!) If diff lock is working, the wheels should not be able to turn as the other axle will be on the floor.

Sounds suspicious why the wiring was taken out (if it has been) - was it to mask an issue with diff lock - permanently engaged maybe?

gse1986 said:

a 1990 with 200tdi conversion? 1990 was 200tdi already - do you mean it's had a disco engine dropped in?

Ok I see 200tdi was into defender during 1990.....so maybe was a td originally apologies []

Either way, why would someone take the wiring out? Have you taken a look to see what's there/not there?

is the diff lock engaging and then disengaging at all?

Way to check would be jack an axle off the ground (on stands), and rotate (by hand, not with the engine on!) If diff lock is working, the wheels should not be able to turn as the other axle will be on the floor.

Sounds suspicious why the wiring was taken out (if it has been) - was it to mask an issue with diff lock - permanently engaged maybe?

Click to expand...

This is the first one of these I've had, so not sure what's supposed to be there... It started as a petrol and has had a disco engine fitted.

I've been to a local 4x4 training centre today with it, and he seemed to think there was an issue with selecting the diff-lock. The lever seems very woolly and didn't stay to the left. I'll lift the centre panel again tomorrow and see what's around and see if I can add a pic. If it's had a transplant and there isn't a diff-lock switch at all could this be possible - any models that didn't have one fitted?

Beginning to think this has been converted & wired by Stevie Wonder....

These are about the best pics I can get. Maybe someone can tell me if there is a diff lock switch visible, or whether it's not the type of gearbox / transfer box that has an output for a diff lock warning light?

you cant see diff lock switch prc2911 is on front out put housing of t/bo under high/lo linkage

jamesmartin said:

you cant see diff lock switch prc2911 is on front out put housing of t/bo under high/lo linkage

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Thanks James.

Is this where it should be?

yes but on top just behind where diff lock linkage enters the box ,switches can be wound in tooo far and so hinder diff lock operation so need careful setting/checking

jamesmartin said:

yes but on top just behind where diff lock linkage enters the box ,switches can be wound in tooo far and so hinder diff lock operation so need careful setting/checking

Click to expand...

Thanks again - will give it to someone who knows what they're doing I think....

Can't see any loose hanging wires around there, so maybe he's right - there isn't any wiring at all for a switch.

wire usually comes from chassis top on the earlier defs earthing on one of t/box hi/lo housing bolts