All Wheel Drive (AWD) System

Content Source: 2021 RZR S4 1000 Owner’s Manual (9931549 R02) > Features and Controls 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.

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All Wheel Drive (AWD) System

The All Wheel Drive system is controlled by the AWD switch. The switch has two positions, AWD (4x4) and 2WD (2x4). The switch on models equipped with a lockable differential has a third position for unlocking the differential. When unlocked, only one rear wheel is a drive wheel.

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

Two Wheel Drive (2WD)

Turf Mode / Differential Unlocked (1WD)

When the switch is on 2X4, the vehicle is in two-wheel drive at all times. When the switch is on AWD, the vehicle is in all wheel drive and the 4X4 indicator in the instrument cluster will be on.

When in AWD, the demand drive unit will automatically engage any time the rear wheels lose traction. When the rear wheels regain traction, the demand drive unit will automatically disengage.

There is no limit to the length of time the vehicle may remain in AWD.

Engaging AWD

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 demand drive unit 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.

NOTICE

Switching to AWD while the rear wheels are spinning or slipping may cause severe drive shaft and gearcase damage. Always switch to AWD while the rear wheels have traction or are at rest.

Disengaging AWD

Move the AWD switch to the center or bottom position to disengage AWD. If the switch is turned off while the front hubs are driving, they will not release until the rear wheels regain traction.

In some situations, the front gearcase may remain locked after turning the AWD switch off. If this occurs, you may notice increased steering effort and some vehicle speed restriction. Perform the following procedure to unlock the front gearcase.

Stop the vehicle.
Operate in reverse for at least 10 ft (3 m).
Stop completely.
Shift into low gear and drive forward.
If the front gearcase remains locked after following these instructions, see your dealer for service.

Locking/Unlocking the Differential (if equipped)

NOTICE

Damage to the differential can occur if it is engaged while the vehicle is traveling at high speeds or while the rear wheels are spinning. Slow the vehicle to nearly stopped before engaging the differential.

Locking the differential in slippery or low traction conditions helps improve traction. Move the rocker switch to the center position (2WD) to lock the differential and operate in rear wheel drive.

Press the bottom of the switch to unlock the differential and allow the rear drive wheels to operate independently. This mode of operation is well suited to turf driving or whenever aggressive traction is not required.