For 1990-2009 cars only
- Place the vehicle on a frame-contact hoist, allowing free rotation of the rear wheels.
- Hold 1 wheel stationary. Slowly rotate the other wheel approximately 1/2 revolution per second in both the forward and reversed directions. The wheel should rotate freely. The differential is locking and is broken if both wheels attempt to turn together.
- Raise the hoist to maximum height with 1 person in the vehicle.
- Start the engine. Ensure that the engine is at operating temperature and at low idle speed.
- Apply the PARK brake. Place the automatic transmission in DRIVE.
- Lock 1 rear wheel by pulling one parking brake cable from under the vehicle with the aid of an assistant.
- Release the PARK brake to start the free wheel turning. The locked rear wheel remains stationary.
- Increase the speed of the free wheel. The differential will lock, causing the rotating wheel to stop or both wheels to turn at the same speed. In order to cause the differential to lock, you may need to accelerate the engine until approximately 16 km/h (10 mph) is indicated on the vehicle speedometer. If the indicated speed can be increased beyond 32 km/h (20 mph) without causing the differential to lock, the unit is not functioning properly. Rapid release of the brakes, or rapid acceleration of the engine, will invalidate the test.
- Lock the opposite rear wheel and repeat the procedure.
