LOCKED Diff

[SamH]

We are having troubles unlocking the diff on the S2.

The button was pressed and the diff locked but when you press the button to turn it back off it does not unlock it. It stays locked even when you drive it over 40kmh. Tried unplugging the electrical connector to the unit under the rear bench but that doesn't do anything either. When you press the button the yellow triangle goes on and off but the green light stays on and the diff doesn't unlock. When you press it you can hear a kind of 'whirring' noise.

Anybody had this problem before and have any suggestions on how to unlock it!?

Thanks in advance.

[add]

I've had the same problem,to get it off (as a temporary measure) i took the vaccum line off the pump,and bunged it off,then relased the mechanism by hand...i'm sure someone will be able to advise on a proper fix,think it's fairly common though...

[SamH]

Thanks for the response, which line is the vacuum line?

[add]

If you look under the car,you'll see 2 lines running to the unit itself,if memory serves it's the one with the blue stripe running down it,you'll know if you have the car running,it should be blowing air,as i said though its just a temporary measure to unlock it until you find the problem.
HTH

[Acidburn]

Are you able to get underneath and move the diff lock mechanism a bit (might need the rear end on stands) so that it frees it up. Might just been stuck, seen this a few times.

[SamH]

@ Acidburn - i will be able to get underneath it with it on stands but not sure how to 'play around' with the diff mechanism. Any pointers?

[Acidburn]

you will see it on the passengers side of the diff, try and move the adjuster in and out (remembering where it is currently so you know its got to be in the other position)

[SamH]

Sorry for the late response, thanks for your advise guys, in the capable hands of MRC now so waiting patiently

[SamH]

Problem solved! Just waiting for a new seal to come in and I can go collect!! OMG, just realised this post was two months ago, its been so long since I've drove her i cant wait!!! saved a fortune on petrol though due to CliveH's generous sharing of his dagdag!
I would try and give a good explanation of what was wrong but with more poor knowledge I can only give a dumbass version simplified to me by the good guys at MRC. As far as I can grasp, an arm that moves into place to lock the diff wouldn't come back out so the extra ring that locks the diff has been removed instead so know I just have a normal, non lockable diff which I'm sure I can live with! Sounds like acidburn was right but due to not been able to get to it myself or have clue what I was doing it took longer than I would have liked!
Anyway, ramble over, thanks for help and I can't wait for ADI now!!