2004 Polaris Sportsman 400 Owners Manual - Page 47

FEATURES All Wheel Drive (AWD) System Polaris 4-wheel drive ATVs are equipped with a unique, Polaris-exclusive, All Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which is activated by a switch (1) on the right handlebar. When the switch is off, the ATV is in 2 wheel drive at all 1 times. When the switch is on, the ATV is in AWD and the AWD indicator light in the instrument cluster will be on. When in AWD, the front gearcase will automatically engage any time the rear wheels lose traction. When the rear wheels regain traction, the front gearcase will automatically disengage. NOTE: The override switch allows activation of AWD in reverse if the AWD switch is on. See page 36. There is no limit to the length of time the vehicle may remain in AWD. Engaging Front Gearcase The AWD switch may be turned on or off while the vehicle is moving. Initially, the vehicle's electronic system will not enable the AWD until the engine RPM is below 3100. Once enabled, the AWD remains enabled until the AWD switch is turned off. If the switch is turned off while the front gearcase is moving, it will not disengage until the rear wheels regain traction. Engage the AWD switch before getting into conditions where front wheel drive may be needed. If the rear wheels are spinning, release the throttle before switching to AWD. CAUTION Switching to AWD while the rear wheels are spinning may cause severe drive shaft and gearcase damage. Always switch to AWD while the rear wheels have traction or are at rest. 44