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POLARIS GOVERNMENT & DEFENSE
HELP CENTER
02/05/2024

Pro XD All-Wheel Drive and Rear Differential System Operation

AWD OPERATION  
All Wheel Drive (AWD) is always active on equipped vehicles (Polaris PRO XD 2000D AWD and Polaris PRO XD 4000D 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. In some situations, the front gearcase may remain engaged. If this occurs, you may notice increased steering effort and some vehicle speed restriction. Perform the following procedure to disengage the front gearcase.  

1. Stop the vehicle.  

2. Operate in reverse for at least 10 ft (3 m).  

3. Stop completely.  

4. Shift into low gear and drive forward.  

5. If the front gearcase remains engaged after following these instructions, see your dealer or other qualified service person for service. 

Engaging and Disengaging AWD 
The AWD switch has three positions: All Wheel Drive (AWD), Differential Lock (2WD) and Off (1WD/Turf Mode).  

AWD switch

1. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) 

2. Differential Lock (2WD) 

3. Differential Unlock (1WD, also known as Turf Mode) 

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

Press the top of the switch (1) to engage AWD.  

When the AWD switch is on, 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. There is no limit to the length of time the vehicle may remain in AWD. Initially, the vehicle's electronic system will not enable 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 AWD before getting into conditions where front wheel drive may be needed. If the rear wheels are spinning, release the throttle before switching to AWD. 

Move the switch to the center position (2) to lock the differential and operate in two-wheel drive (2WD).  

Press the bottom of the switch (3) to unlock the differential and allow the rear drive wheels to operate independently (1WD). This mode of operation is well suited to turf driving or when active traction is not needed. 

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.  

To disengage AWD, do the following:  
Note: All-wheel drive vehicles without an AWD switch may also get their front gearcases locked. The following procedure can also be used to unlock the front gearcase on those vehicles. 

1. Stop the vehicle.  

2. Operate in reverse for at least 10 ft (3 m).  

3. Stop completely.  

4. Shift into low gear and drive forward.  

5. If the front gearcase remains locked after following these instructions, see your authorized Polaris Dealer for service.  

REAR DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM OPERATION 
Some Polaris Pro XD vehicles are equipped with a Rear Differential System. On these vehicles, you can choose to operate with an open differential or a closed differential. An open rear differential allows the wheels to spin at different speeds and is at work when the vehicle is in Turf Mode.  

Locking the Differential 
Move the rocker switch to the center position to lock the differential and operate in two-wheel drive (2WD). Locking the differential in slippery or low traction conditions helps improve traction. When the rear differential is locked, both rear wheels rotate at the same speed. 

Unlocking the Differential (Turf Mode) 
When operating in Turf Mode, the inside rear wheel will rotate independently from the outside wheel during turns. Operate in Turf Mode only as needed to protect smooth, level surfaces from tire damage.  

Warning: DO NOT operate in Turf Mode when climbing or descending hills, when side-hilling or when operating on uneven, loose or slippery terrain such as sand, gravel, ice, snow, obstacles and water crossings. Operating in Turf Mode 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 and grab when it touches the ground again. 

Press the bottom switch to unlock the differential and allow the rear drive wheels to operate independently (1WD) in Turf Mode. When the rear differential is unlocked, the rear wheels can rotate at different speeds. Unlock the differential to make maneuvering easier and to minimize damage to turf. 

Note: 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. 

Warning: Never operate in TURF mode (if equipped) while operating on a hill or other irregular terrain. 

4x2 DIFFERENTIAL LOCK SWITCH (2000D 4x2 Vehicles Only) 
Only 2000D 4x2 models will have a Differential Lock switch. 

differential lock switch

The Differential Lock switch has two positions: Differential Lock/Two Wheel Drive (2WD) and Turf Mode. Press the top of the switch to engage Two Wheel Drive (2WD). Press the bottom switch to unlock the differential and operate in Turf Mode. 

For more information, refer to your Owner’s Manual.  

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Keyword(s) all , wheel drive , turf mode , AWD , one , differential , lock ,