2004 Cayenne S Locked its own differential..?

[larrydodd]

Hello, everyone.

I had the front differential replaced fairly recently with a salvage item. All seemed well for a couple of weeks, although the instrument panel diff signal lit a couple of times, along with some flashing of the console switch, both for no discernible reason. I experienced no noises from the drivetrain, so I hoped I was in the clear. This morning, however, I find the car locked in off-road reduction mode. I can switch the front differential lock on and off, using the console switch, but I cannot get it to move out of the reduction mode at all.

Of course, only the dealer has the necessary diagnostic software to identify the problem. Past experience leads me to believe that the dealer will try to sell me a new transfer case and/or a new transmission, when I am pretty sure that this is an electronic problem, rather than a mechanical one.

The vehicle has nearly 170k miles, if that matters. Most of you can imagine how much money has gone into it already.

Anyone have any experience to share? Or, any thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your attention.

[wvicary]

It's all guess work without reading the fault codes. Perhaps an Indy garage with the correct software could help you out.

[larrydodd]

Thanks, "WVicary". Unfortunately, nobody in my town but the dealer has the software. If I get the dealer to give me a list of the fault codes, along with their repair recommendations, are you able to interpret the codes, and so advise me with regard to the repair decision? I've already had my CayenneS towed to the dealership, but, sadly, I don't have much confidence in their business practices.