Diff Lock Stuck On - T6 4 Motion Cali Ocean

[Steve Hart]

I thought I would try my Cali buddies first to see if anyone has had the same issue on a Cali Ocean 4 Motion. After a week away in the sun (without the Cali), when I went to use the van the amber warning diff light was on the dashboard. Even when I tried to turn it off and on via the normal button the diff lock seems to be stuck on. When I tried to drive it it was definitely on but pushing the button to turn it off the diff lock still remained on. Sounds like an expensive repair but thought I would ask first? Currently the van is sat in the driveway and we are not able to use it and there is no garage that can fit it in until February!

Many thanks all, any help appreciated.

Steve

 

[WelshGas]

I thought I would try my Cali buddies first to see if anyone has had the same issue on a Cali Ocean 4 Motion. After a week away in the sun (without the Cali), when I went to use the van the amber warning diff light was on the dashboard. Even when I tried to turn it off and on via the normal button the diff lock seems to be stuck on. When I tried to drive it it was definitely on but pushing the button to turn it off the diff lock still remained on. Sounds like an expensive repair but thought I would ask first? Currently the van is sat in the driveway and we are not able to use it and there is no garage that can fit it in until February!

Many thanks all, any help appreciated.

Steve

DO NOT DRIVE. Different system I know but on my Defender the Diff Lock jammed on and wrecked the gear box.
The Diff Lock is designed for low speed, slippery conditions. Driving on the road the diff cannot respond to corners etc: as it is locked and can lead to serious problems. If you are under warranty or have VW Assistance then phone them. It is run by the AA but insist on a VW Assistance technician. They have priority with VW Dealerships and can also arrange a replacement vehicle.

 

[B J G]

Just a possibility to try if you can.

Jack rear up, put on axle stands, with help try rotating the wheels by hand both sides simultaneously in opposite directions to each other. To & fro action.
It might release the lock, worth a try.

ps you aren't the first to have this problem.

 

[Curryzz]

I had this on an old Nissan Narvara, I think it ended up having some sensors replaced

 

[Tarquers]

If you are on flat ground, try rolling backwards gently to see if it releases. Generally would expect to fail off not on, so could be the solenoid that has failed hence the warning light. Only way to test is to get a rear wheel in the air, preferably both, and see if they turn independently.

 

[Steve Hart]

DO NOT DRIVE. Different system I know but on my Defender the Diff Lock jammed on and wrecked the gear box.
The Diff Lock is designed for low speed, slippery conditions. Driving on the road the diff cannot respond to corners etc: as it is locked and can lead to serious problems. If you are under warranty or have VW Assistance then phone them. It is run by the AA but insist on a VW Assistance technician. They have priority with VW Dealerships and can also arrange a replacement vehicle.

Ok thanks WelshGas, I thought that would be the case, its still under warranty with the dealer we brought it from so will get them to recover and sort the problem.

 

[Steve Hart]

Just a possibility to try if you can.

Jack rear up, put on axle stands, with help try rotating the wheels by hand both sides simultaneously in opposite directions to each other. To & fro action.
It might release the lock, worth a try.

ps you aren't the first to have this problem.

Many thanks BJG, appreciate your response.

 

[Steve Hart]

If you are on flat ground, try rolling backwards gently to see if it releases. Generally would expect to fail off not on, so could be the solenoid that has failed hence the warning light. Only way to test is to get a rear wheel in the air, preferably both, and see if they turn independently.

Thanks Tarquers

 

[Steve Hart]

I had this on an old Nissan Narvara, I think it ended up having some sensors replaced

Thanks Curryzz

 

[WelshGas]

Ok thanks WelshGas, I thought that would be the case, its still under warranty with the dealer we brought it from so will get them to recover and sort the problem.

If you are under warranty, VW Assistance will get it sorted a lot quicker than February and will recover. They have priority access to the Dealers.

 

[Duffersj]

I thought I would try my Cali buddies first to see if anyone has had the same issue on a Cali Ocean 4 Motion. After a week away in the sun (without the Cali), when I went to use the van the amber warning diff light was on the dashboard. Even when I tried to turn it off and on via the normal button the diff lock seems to be stuck on. When I tried to drive it it was definitely on but pushing the button to turn it off the diff lock still remained on. Sounds like an expensive repair but thought I would ask first? Currently the van is sat in the driveway and we are not able to use it and there is no garage that can fit it in until February!

Many thanks all, any help appreciated.

Steve

Hi Steve did you get to the bottom of this problem? my 4motion has been in 5 times with the same fault, group1 in norwich are useless and cannot work out what is causing it.

 

[Steve Hart]

Hi Steve did you get to the bottom of this problem? my 4motion has been in 5 times with the same fault, group1 in norwich are useless and cannot work out what is causing it.

Hi Duffers, I am afraid we had to have a new diff lock, over £5500, £5000 of that being the part itself. Safe to say we have bought a new Cali without 4Motion! I am sorry I can't share better news.