A 4-wheel drive refers to a particular system in many vehicles today. A vehicle with a 4-wheel drive will transfer power from the engine to all 4 wheels uniformly. As a result, you will have a much better time in certain terrains.
Even though you shouldn’t normally run into any issues with the 4-wheel drive, certain users have been facing issues with it.
More specifically, many Polaris Ranger users have complained about their 4-wheel drive not working.
If you consider yourself among these individuals, then here is everything you need to know about fixing the issue!
Common reasons why the Polaris Ranger 4-Wheel Drive stops Working.
- Low Battery Power:A low battery is one of the most common reasons a 4-wheel drive on a Polaris Ranger stops working. Ensure the battery is fully charged and properly connected to ensure your vehicle’s four-wheel drive works correctly.
- Corroded Connections: Rusty or corroded connections can interfere with the current flowing through the 4-wheel drive system. Check for corrosion buildup and replace corroded parts to ensure your Polaris Ranger four-wheel drive works properly.
- Transfer Case Malfunction: The transfer case is responsible for distributing power from the engine to all four wheels on a 4-wheel drive vehicle. If the transfer case malfunctions, it can prevent the four-wheel drive from engaging. Have a certified mechanic inspect your Polaris Ranger’s transfer case to ensure it is in good working order.
- Clogged Filters:The 4-wheel drive on a Polaris Ranger relies on air and oil to work correctly. Dirty filters or clogged passages can prevent the system from engaging. Check and replace any clogged filters to ensure the four-wheel drive works properly.
- Worn or Damaged Bearings: The bearings in the 4-wheel drive system are responsible for allowing power to be transferred from one wheel to another. If these bearings become worn down or damaged, it can prevent the four-wheel drive from operating. Have a certified mechanic inspect and replace worn or damaged bearings to ensure your Polaris Ranger 4-wheel drive works correctly.
- Slipping Belts:The belts in the 4-wheel drive system are responsible for transferring power from one wheel to another. If the belts become worn or ineffective, it can prevent the four-wheel drive from engaging. Have a certified mechanic inspect and replace any slipping or worn belts to ensure your Polaris Ranger 4-wheel drive works correctly.
- Electrical Problems:The 4-wheel drive system on a Polaris Ranger is controlled by an electrical system. If the electrical system malfunctions, it can prevent the four-wheel drive from engaging. Have a certified mechanic inspect and repair any electrical issues to ensure your Polaris Ranger 4-wheel drive works properly.
- Low Fluid Levels:A low fluid level in the engine oil or transfer case fluid can cause a 4-wheel drive system to malfunction. Please ensure the fluid levels in both the engine and transfer case are at their proper levels and replace any worn or dirty fluids as needed to ensure your Polaris Ranger four-wheel drive works correctly.
Fixing Polaris Ranger 4-Wheel Drive Not Working
1. Changing the Oil and Fluids
Whenever you notice that your 4-wheel drive is not engaging, one of the first things you can try is to change the oil and fluid. Before you do so, do make sure that you thoroughly check the oil filter.
Once you have made sure there is nothing wrong with the oil filter, try changing all the oil and fluid inside the drive.
Sometimes, water might get inside, which can cause all sorts of issues. However, changing the fluid and keeping a tab on the fluid level can easily resolve the problem.
2. Loose Wires
Another common reason the 4-wheel drive suddenly stops working is loose or broken wires.
This is why we recommend you inspect all the wires and look for any potential damage.
While at it, we also suggest checking the fuse of the drive. You may have a broken fuse or any loose connection, which could cause the 4-wheel functionality to stop working.
3. Check For Binding
If you have ruled out both electrical and fluid levels, then the next thing to check is whether there are any bindings.
To check this, you will have to jack up the front end and try spinning both wheels.
The wheels should turn smoothly. If you notice any binding, or noise coming from the front diff, chances are that you might have a broken cage that might need a replacement.
4. Low Gear Repair
A common reason the Polaris range 4-wheel drive could stop working is low gear; poor lubrication or dirt accumulation inside the gearbox can cause it to seize up and stop working altogether.
If this is the case, you may need to replace some gears or components for it to operate again.
To eliminate this issue, you should first check all the gears and lubricate them properly.
If that doesn’t do the trick, the broken or worn gear may need to be replaced.
You can either purchase these items separately or have a professional mechanic come in and replace them for you.
5. A Malfunctioning Brake System
Another common problem with the Polaris range 4-wheel drive is a malfunctioning brake system.
It’s important to ensure that your brakes are working properly to prevent accidents or injuries.
If the brakes seem weak, you may need to replace some components, such as the pads, drum, and rotors.
You can either purchase these items separately or have a professional mechanic come in and replace them for you.
6. A Dirty Fuel System
If your Polaris range 4-wheel drive isn’t running as smoothly as it should, it could be due to a dirty fuel system.
This problem can easily be fixed by having the fuel system cleaned and replaced when necessary.
You want to start by draining the old fuel from the tank, and then you need to remove all components connected to the fuel system.
This includes replacing clogged or broken fuel lines and worn-out parts like spark plugs and filters.
Once everything is removed, it’s time to clean each part with a special fuel system cleaner and compressed air.
Finally, you want to reassemble all the parts and check for any leaks or blockages in the system before finally running your engine again.
A dirty fuel system can lead to many major problems with your 4-wheeler, so taking care of it right away will save you time and money in the long run.
After you have finished cleaning and replacing the fuel system components, it’s important to take some preventative measures to ensure that your Polaris range 4-wheeler doesn’t experience any future problems with its fuel system.
First, try only to use clean gasoline when filling up the tank.
You should also purchase fuel from a station with high-quality gasoline and a good additive package.
Change the fuel filter more frequently than suggested to maintain optimal performance within your Polaris range 4-wheeler’s engine.
Preventative measures like these will help keep your vehicle running smoothly for many years.
7. Getting Checked
At this point, the only thing left that you can do to try getting the whole drive system checked.
Even though this might cost you, you will still have a much better chance of getting your 4-wheel drive system running again.
Begin by going to your local mechanic and requesting a diagnostic test.
This will help identify any problems with the system, such as low fluid levels, easily replaced parts, or broken components.
If the issue needs more expertise than your average mechanic can offer, you may need to take it to an experienced 4-wheel drive specialist.
They will be able to diagnose the problem and tell you what needs to be replaced or repaired.
No matter which route you take, ensure that you check the system out as soon as possible so your 4-wheel drive is back in working condition in no time.
You’ll save yourself from potential future repair costs and have the peace of mind that your 4-wheel drive is running optimally.
Now you know how to manage if your 4-wheel drive isn’t working. With the right steps, you can get your system back up and running in no time!
Just make sure to take all necessary actions and get it checked out by the right people to ensure you get the best results.
The Bottom Line:
Annoyed with your Polaris Ranger 4-wheel drive not working?
While there could be several reasons why that could happen, we have short-listed the most common solutions that should help in your case.
So, all you have to do is to follow these easy instructions mentioned above!