Differential Lock and Axle Lock Indicators

Differential Lock

These are all versions of Differential Lock Indicator symbols, the first being Center Differential Lock indicators. The option to lock the differential may be available in an all-wheel drive vehicle. Turn it on only if you become stuck in mud or snow, or if you are driving on a loose surface off road at low speeds. A symbol featuring all four wheels will appear on the instrument panel when the lock is in use.

• But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then continue reading below.
• Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

If seen as a picture, they will look like line drawings or stick figures with an X or the word LOCK in it. And there is much more to know.

Any traction control feature in the vehicle will be deactivated by this action as well, so that the traction of all four wheels can be used.

Many More Versions

This version, an AWD LOW indicator, also says that the vehicles axles are locked together in low gear. All the wheels will turn at the same rate, and should only be operated at low speed in slippery conditions, which is also why this indicator and all the others are shown in yellow/amber, as a caution not to move too fast or on dry pavement.

If this system is accidentally engaged, your vehicle will hitch and buck and feel like it is going to tear itself apart at normal speeds. Come to a stop and look for the symbol on your dash or console and disengage the system. Drive forward or backward a few feet to complete the disengagement.

This version, seen in black and white, is seen in the information display and will be accompanied by a text explanation. The open circle in the center indicates a malfunctioning differential lock. Again, a helpful explanation will be seen with the warning light, although resolving the problem will likely require a qualified repair shop.

The indicator may turn up as symbols in all text, like the Diff (differential) Lock or All Wheel Drive (AWD) Lock Indicators shown here to the left. They mean the same as the images above.

These are Rear Differential Lock indicators. The versions on the left features a large closed circle or a pad lock between the two rear (bottom) wheels. The version to the right uses an X in place of the closed circle and is an Electronic Rear Differential Lock indicator. Both versions indicate that the two rear wheels have been locked to rotate together. Like the center lock options above, a button or dial on the dashboard or center console has been engaged locking the wheels and can be turned off.

The exclamation point indicates a malfunction on the differential lock system. It is likely electronic, so try restarting the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with an Information Display and a CHECK DIFFERENTIAL or DIFFERENTIAL MALFUNCTION message is shown, contact your dealer. If the vehicle hitches and bucks like a bronco at speeds above 20 MPH and the Lock cannot be disengaged, reduce speed and go straight to your dealer or service center, or have the vehicle towed.

There are now options to lock either or both of the front and rear axles electronically from some manufacturers. These padlock images are Front and Rear Axle Lock Indicator symbols. The image with the double locks indicate that both front and rear locks have been engaged.

To activate the system, pressing an axle lock switch once locks the rear axle, while a second press locks the front axle. The indicators will be lit. The indicators will flash prior to being fully locked or unlocked. The axle locks will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of 4L (Low) range, or the ignition switch is turned off.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.