Content Source: 2020 RANGER XP 1000 / CREW / NorthStar / CREW / Back Country / CREW Owner’s Manual (9931426 Rev 01) > Operation Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Driving Procedures

New Operator Driving Procedures

  1. Read and understand the owner's manual and all warning and instruction labels before operating this vehicle.
  2. Visit the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association® web site and take the free on-line training course. Visit www.rohva.org or call 866-267-2751. Hands-on training is also available through ROHVA®.
  3. Perform the pre-ride inspection.
  4. Do not tow or carry cargo during this period.
  5. Select an open area that allows room to familiarize yourself with vehicle operation and handling.
  6. The driver must wear helmet, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and seat belt at all times.
  7. Sit in the driver's seat and fasten the seat belt.
  8. Always make sure all cab doors are closed and latched when riding in this vehicle.
  9. Place the transmission in PARK.
  10. Start the engine.
  11. Apply the brakes and shift into low gear.
  12. Check your surroundings and determine your path of travel.
  13. Keeping both hands on the steering wheel, slowly release the brakes and depress the throttle with your right foot to begin driving.
  14. Drive slowly at first. On level surfaces, practice starting, stopping, turning, maneuvering, using the throttle and brakes and driving in reverse. Learn how the vehicle handles when making both left and right turns at a slow speed.
    WARNING
    Operating in TURF mode (if equipped) when on sloped, uneven, or loose terrain could cause loss of control and result in serious injury or death. One rear wheel may slip and lose traction or may lift up and grab when it touches the ground again.
  15. Increase speed only after mastering all maneuvers at a slow speed.
  16. After you become skilled at making turns and begin to operate at faster speeds, follow these precautions:
    • Avoid sharp turns.
    • Never turn while applying heavy throttle.
    • Never make abrupt steering maneuvers.
    • Operate at speeds appropriate for your skills, the conditions and the terrain.
    • DO NOT do power slides, “donuts”, jumps or other driving stunts.

Driving with a Passenger

  • Perform the pre-ride inspection.
  • Make sure all passengers are at least 12 years of age and tall enough to comfortably and safely sit in a passenger seat with the seat belt secured, put both feet on the floor and grasp the hand hold.
  • Make sure all passengers are wearing helmets, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, long pants and over-the-ankle boots.
  • Make sure all cab nets or doors (if equipped) are properly secured.
  • Do not carry more than the recommended number of passengers for your vehicle.
  • Allow a passenger to ride only in a passenger seat.
  • Slow down. Always travel at a speed appropriate for your skills, your passengers’ skills, and operating conditions. Avoid unexpected or aggressive maneuvers that could cause discomfort or injury to a passenger.
  • Vehicle handling may change with a passenger and/or cargo on board. Allow more time and distance for braking.
  • Always follow all operating guidelines as outlined on safety labels and in this manual.

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

WARNING
Skidding or sliding can cause loss of control or rollover (if tires regain traction unexpectedly). When operating on slippery surfaces such as ice or loose gravel, reduce speed and use extra caution to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control. Do not operate on excessively slippery surfaces.
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When driving on slippery surfaces such as wet trails, loose gravel, or ice, be alert for the possibility of skidding and sliding. Follow these precautions when encountering slippery conditions:
  • Do not operate on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain.
  • Slow down before entering slippery areas.
  • Maintain a high level of alertness, reading the trail and avoiding quick, sharp turns, which can cause skids.
  • Engage all-wheel drive before wheels begin to lose traction.
    NOTICE
    Severe damage to the drive train may occur if the AWD is engaged while the wheels are spinning. Always allow the wheels to stop spinning before engaging AWD.
  • Correct a skid by turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. Never apply the brakes during a skid.

Driving Over Obstacles

Follow these precautions when operating over obstacles:
  • Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area.
  • Look ahead and learn to read the terrain. Be constantly alert for hazards such as logs, rocks and low hanging branches.
  • Travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Not all obstacles are immediately visible.
  • Move the gear selector to Low Gear, if needed.
  • Avoid operating over large obstacles such as large rocks and fallen trees. If unavoidable, use extreme caution and operate slowly.
  • Always have all passengers dismount and move away from the vehicle before operating over an obstacle that could cause a rollover.

Driving Uphill

Whenever traveling uphill, follow these precautions:
  • Avoid excessively steep hills.
  • ADC Models: Always operate in low gear and engage ADC 4X4 before ascending or descending a hill.
  • Always travel straight uphill.
  • Keep both feet on the floor.
  • Always check the terrain carefully before ascending any hill. Never climb hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces.
  • Proceed at a steady rate of speed and throttle opening. Never open the throttle suddenly.
  • Never go over the crest of a hill at high speed. An obstacle, a sharp drop, or another vehicle or person could be on the other side of the hill.

Driving Downhill

When driving downhill, follow these precautions:
  • Avoid excessively steep hills.
  • ADC Models: Always operate in low gear and engage ADC 4X4 before ascending or descending a hill.
  • Drive straight downhill. Avoid descending a hill at an angle, which would cause the vehicle to lean sharply to one side. Travel straight downhill when possible.
  • Slow down.
  • Apply the brakes slightly to aid in slowing.

Active Descent Control (ADC) System (if equipped)

The ADC system allows engine braking to all four wheels when the vehicle descends a hill or incline. The ADC system is automatically engaged when the transmission is in gear (high, low or reverse). The ADC system automatically disengages when the transmission is shifted to neutral or park.

Driving on a Sidehill (Sidehilling)

Driving on a sidehill is not recommended. Improper procedure could cause loss of control or rollover. Avoid crossing the side of any hill unless absolutely necessary.
If crossing a sidehill is unavoidable, follow these precautions:
  • Slow down.
  • Exercise extreme caution.
  • Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill.
  • ADC Models: Always operate in low gear and engage ADC 4X4 before ascending or descending a hill.

Driving Through Water

Your vehicle can operate through water up to a maximum recommended depth equal to the floorboards.
If equipped with high mounted intakes, your vehicle can operate through standing water up to a height equal to the seat base level.
NOTICE
If your vehicle becomes immersed or is operated in water that exceeds the floor level, service is required before starting the engine. Your dealer can provide this service. If it's impossible to bring the vehicle in before starting the engine, perform the service outlined in the Spark Arrester section, and take the vehicle in for service at the first opportunity.
Follow these procedures when operating through water:
  1. Determine water depths and current before entering water.
  2. Choose a crossing where both banks have gradual inclines.
  3. Proceed slowly, avoiding rocks and obstacles.
  4. Avoid operating through deep or fast-flowing water.
    WARNING
    The large tires on your vehicle may cause the vehicle to float in deep or fast-flowing water, which could result in loss of control and lead to serious injury or death. Never cross deep or fast-flowing water with your vehicle
  5. After leaving water, always dry the brakes by applying light pressure to the pedal repeatedly until braking action is normal.
    NOTICE
    After running your vehicle in water, it's critical that you perform the services outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Give special attention to engine oil, transmission oil, front and rear gearcases (if equipped), and all grease fittings.

Driving in Reverse

Follow these precautions when operating in reverse:
  • Always check for obstacles or people behind the vehicle. Always inspect left and right fields of vision before backing.
  • Always avoid backing downhill.
  • Back slowly.
  • Apply the brakes lightly for stopping.
  • Avoid turning at sharp angles.
  • Never open the throttle suddenly.

Parking the Vehicle

To park the vehicle, do the following:
  1. Apply the brakes. Stop the vehicle on a level surface.
  2. When parking inside a garage or other structure, be sure that the structure is well ventilated and that the vehicle is not close to any source of flame or sparks, including any appliance with pilot lights.
  3. Place the transmission in PARK.
  4. Turn the engine off.
  5. Engage the park brake (if equipped).
  6. Slowly release the brake pedal and make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
  7. Remove the ignition switch key to prevent unauthorized use.

Parking on an Incline

Avoid parking on an incline if possible. If it's unavoidable, follow these precautions:
  1. Apply the brakes.
  2. Place the transmission in PARK.
  3. Engage the parking brake (if equipped).
  4. Turn the engine off.
  5. Slowly release the brake pedal and make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
  6. Block the rear wheels on the downhill side.

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