1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Differential Issue with warning lights on the dash.

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by DNA, Jul 1, 2022.

  1. Jul 1, 2022 at 1:07 PM
    #1
    DNA

    DNA [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2020
    Member:
    #55606
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Vehicle:
    2021 Platinum Tundra
    FINAL EDIT with FIX - This was my truck's issue and may be different for other vehicles. Right rear wheel bearing assembly and right rear wheel speed sensor were replaced. I have not pulled my trailer yet but if something comes up I will post it here

    EDIT - When the dealer said it was the differential it was just a Service Advisor and not a technician. The technician said it could be the ABS sensor and/or the wheel speed sensor. They are still checking this out and I will update when I know more. I agree the differential, if bad, would more than likely be making a horrible noise. To me it did not make sense it was the differential but what do I know.....

    I have a 2021 Tundra Platinum with just over 15K miles. I was towing a trailer (under 5K pounds) when I came to a stop my Brake, ABS, 4Hi/4Low, LDA, Collision alert and other lights all came up on my dash. The messages stated to pull over safely and check the trailer. Everything was hooked up fine. I called the dealer since I was out of town on a trip and they said if the check engine light was not on then I would be okay to drive my rig. Truck continued to pull the trailer fine. Got to the dealer and they said my differential was toast. Initially the dealer said it was my fault and after some discussion they said they would take care of it. My question to a master mechanic or anyone with information, is this normal? Has anyone else have had this issue as well? What was the remedy to fix the situation? I appreciate any response that is not snarky. Thanks.

    JfHKmZJ7Wb7vRXNEBmCQmNU9J_oBg0wSXid4ZZWx_03fe1111dce46634ce758a6cdae937cc0d6699f7.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2022
  2. Jul 1, 2022 at 1:11 PM
    #2
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,717
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    What happened to the diff to make them call it toast?
     
  3. Jul 1, 2022 at 1:14 PM
    #3
    landphil

    landphil Fish are food, not friends!

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2016
    Member:
    #4814
    Messages:
    4,319
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Phil
    BC, Canada
    Vehicle:
    ‘08 TRD doublecab
    The only connection I can imagine between the rear differential and your symptoms would be the rear wheel bearings / axle housing (not the differential itself) and axle shafts, causing a rear wheel speed sensor malfunction.

    I’d ask for a much better explanation of what’s actually going on. And no, it’s not normal or common.

    With your trailer, were you loaded over rear GAWR?
     
  4. Jul 1, 2022 at 1:33 PM
    #4
    Cajun1977

    Cajun1977 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2020
    Member:
    #53009
    Messages:
    47
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Shawn
    Northwest Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    2020 CM TSS
    Level lift Tonneau cover
    What was the explanation of them saying it was your fault?
     
  5. Jul 5, 2022 at 10:05 AM
    #5
    DNA

    DNA [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2020
    Member:
    #55606
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Vehicle:
    2021 Platinum Tundra
    Update . . . . Apparently I am not the only one with this issue. The master mechanic has run across this on other models. LED lights on the trailer are supposedly the culprit? We will see. I will keep adding to this thread once information is received.
     
  6. Jul 5, 2022 at 10:41 AM
    #6
    gabex35

    gabex35 2020 Limited 4x4 with mods coming...

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2018
    Member:
    #16580
    Messages:
    102
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2020 Cement Limited 4x4
    Wow
     
  7. Jul 5, 2022 at 10:43 AM
    #7
    mountainpete

    mountainpete Explore more

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2018
    Member:
    #20928
    Messages:
    2,406
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2018 Cement Crewmax TRD
    Function before sparkle.
    LED trailer lights causing the differential to go out?

     
    ZappBrannigan, excelw and Sumo91 like this.
  8. Jul 5, 2022 at 10:47 AM
    #8
    blaserdude

    blaserdude New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2019
    Member:
    #26168
    Messages:
    123
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eugene
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Limited Double Cab
    none
    A failed differential will make a lot of sound, so will axel bearing, u-joints, etc. Sounds fishy.
    bc
     
    equin likes this.
  9. Jul 5, 2022 at 10:49 AM
    #9
    mountainpete

    mountainpete Explore more

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2018
    Member:
    #20928
    Messages:
    2,406
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2018 Cement Crewmax TRD
    Function before sparkle.
    Exactly.
     
  10. Jul 5, 2022 at 2:38 PM
    #10
    FWC

    FWC New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2019
    Member:
    #39887
    Messages:
    440
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    Upstate NY
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Black Platinum
    Oddly enough all those lights happened to me this morning, called the dealer and they said it was fine to drive, i have an appointment for Friday. Drove it today and the check engine light did come on at some point so I checked with my scanner after getting home and it said wheel speed sensor, so I will see what the dealer says Friday.

    2019 Platinum with 27k
     
    AgileTundra likes this.
  11. Jul 6, 2022 at 10:22 AM
    #11
    DNA

    DNA [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2020
    Member:
    #55606
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Vehicle:
    2021 Platinum Tundra
    FWC - Please let me know what your service tech says about this situation.
     
    FWC likes this.
  12. Jul 7, 2022 at 12:07 PM
    #12
    DNA

    DNA [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2020
    Member:
    #55606
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Vehicle:
    2021 Platinum Tundra
    This was Toyota's response to my issue if anyone else has the same problem. Is it possible the output to the seven pin plug is not 12v?
     

    Attached Files:

  13. Jul 7, 2022 at 12:24 PM
    #13
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2020
    Member:
    #40952
    Messages:
    4,467
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Crewmax 4WD, TRD Offroad
    Eibach Pro Truck Stage 2 suspension, HD RAS, 285/75-18 Nokian Outpost AT, LoPro bed cover, TRD rear sway bar, DD 10 inch exhaust, and various other goodies
    Interesting, especially considering any new/late model trailers have led lights....even utility trailers.
     
    texasrho83 likes this.
  14. Jul 7, 2022 at 12:40 PM
    #14
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,717
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    Sooooooo you went in there because of a problem that occurred while you were pulling a trailer and the dealer ends up telling you to not pull a trailer

    :rofl:
     
  15. Jul 9, 2022 at 4:09 AM
    #15
    FWC

    FWC New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2019
    Member:
    #39887
    Messages:
    440
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    Upstate NY
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Black Platinum
    Mice, they called me yesterday and said it was due to mice chewing some wires. Picking it up later this morning and will be $320 lighter.
     
    Neils1958 and bulldog93 like this.
  16. Jul 9, 2022 at 4:39 AM
    #16
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2021
    Member:
    #66426
    Messages:
    2,439
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Barcelona Red SR5 Crewmax
    Custom bug spat pattern hood, grill & bumper. Dead Live Oak leaf collection under hood, cowl and lower fenders. Beach sand custom floor covering.
    Can you provide more details on the trailer? New, old, retrofit LEDs or OEM. I pull a 2021 TT with all OEM LEDs with my 21. With about 5K towing so far so good. Just wondering if this is something I need to worry about along with my transmission catching fire and causing terrible harm to nearby kittens and puppy dogs.
     
  17. Jul 9, 2022 at 7:26 AM
    #17
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2020
    Member:
    #40952
    Messages:
    4,467
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Crewmax 4WD, TRD Offroad
    Eibach Pro Truck Stage 2 suspension, HD RAS, 285/75-18 Nokian Outpost AT, LoPro bed cover, TRD rear sway bar, DD 10 inch exhaust, and various other goodies
    not trailer related, issue was rodent damage to wires
     
  18. Jul 9, 2022 at 11:37 AM
    #18
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2021
    Member:
    #66426
    Messages:
    2,439
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Barcelona Red SR5 Crewmax
    Custom bug spat pattern hood, grill & bumper. Dead Live Oak leaf collection under hood, cowl and lower fenders. Beach sand custom floor covering.
    Sorry, that was directed at the OP.
     
  19. Jul 23, 2022 at 11:35 AM
    #19
    DNA

    DNA [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2020
    Member:
    #55606
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Vehicle:
    2021 Platinum Tundra
    did they show you where the damage was? If so, let me know and I’ll look at the area. Thank you!
     
  20. Jul 24, 2022 at 5:15 AM
    #20
    FWC

    FWC New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2019
    Member:
    #39887
    Messages:
    440
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    Upstate NY
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Black Platinum
    No, of course they were busy and when I asked they said the location was on the invoice, which it wasn't. I was in a hurry and didn't go back to service.
     
  21. Sep 14, 2022 at 1:17 PM
    #21
    Neils1958

    Neils1958 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2022
    Member:
    #83314
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Neil
    Vehicle:
    2019 gray Tundra 1794
    Since my truck is a 2019 Tundra and I am experiencing a very similar situation, rather than start a new thread I will continue this one.
    Background: we bought the truck last summer with 23k miles. We drive a lot during the summer, then park it while we sail in Mexico for non hurricane season.
    This year a friend heard a noise in the right rear. I did not hear it and he couldn’t repeat the noise. That was in Missouri. We drove to Florida, then to Northern California then south. At about 40k miles in San Fernando all the lights came on. We took it to the dealer who diagnosed a right rear wheel speed sensor. They had none in stock, so ordered it. Expected to take a week. We continued our drive south to Carlsbad, about 100 miles south across L.A.
    The problem “fixed” itself on Thursday, I canceled the repair on Friday, and it failed again on Sunday. I ordered the part on line ($305 San Fernando, $385 Carlsbad, and $215 in Massachusetts, but a week for shipping). Got the part put it in reset the codes, and that didn’t fix the problem.
    Off to another mechanic. Checked the wire from the common junction point to the computer from the back of the truck, both (left rear and right rear) read the same. Checked the wire from the junction to the sensor, with a jumper installed, continuity, with out the jumper open circuit.
    Looked in the hole and it didn’t look good. Used a magnet, and got metal shavings out of the hole. Currently at the dealer as, we are on a schedule. Plan is to pull the right axle and check it out.

    when I know more I will put more info in a post.
     
    HulkSmurf14 likes this.
  22. Sep 15, 2022 at 7:25 AM
    #22
    agrestic1

    agrestic1 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2018
    Member:
    #14263
    Messages:
    299
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 CrewMax
    AMP Research PowerStep, AMP BedStep Bumper Step, BedRug Carpet Bed Mat, Bazooka Powered Subwoofer Tube
    Seems right rear axle/bearings, sensor, comes up often here on this forum. Wonder why
     
    Giskk, HulkSmurf14 and Neils1958 like this.
  23. Sep 22, 2022 at 6:52 PM
    #23
    Neils1958

    Neils1958 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2022
    Member:
    #83314
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Neil
    Vehicle:
    2019 gray Tundra 1794
    So, after spending $190 for a diagnostic, $220 for a new sensor, and $100 for a non Toyota mechanic to do the actual diagnosis. I took it back to a Toyota dealer. This one in Carlsbad, CA. I told them about the metal shavings in the bearing, and left it. Two days later they let me know that the work was done, all covered under the regular warranty, but would also have been covered under our extended warranty. I don’t know how much it would have cost, but they replaced the sensor again and did a flush of the rear differential looking for fragments and metal shavings etc. as well as replacing the wheel bearing (described by the tech as “coming apart”).

    We got the truck back, hooked up our trailer and headed east. We are now in Iowa, about 3000 miles since the repair and no issues so far.
     
    gabex35 and HulkSmurf14 like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top