Among the features on Polaris Off-Road Vehicles is All-Wheel Drive, which can be controlled with the driveline switch, also known as All-Wheel Drive (AWD) switch. The switch and its location vary based on model.
Driveline Mode Switches on RZR, RANGER and GENERAL
The driveline mode switch on your Polaris RZR, RANGER or GENERAL has either two or three positions, depending on your model’s features. All switches have AWD and Two-Wheel Drive (2WD). Some switches also have a third position for Turf Mode.
Driveline Mode Switch on ATV
Polaris ATVs feature a driveline mode switch on the right hand control, above the throttle.
The switch positions are shown in detail below.
ADC and X2 models feature Active Descent Control (ADC). More information on ADC can be found in the Active Descent Control section.
Driveline Mode Switches on ACE and RANGER
Polaris ACE models and some RANGER models equipped with ADC feature a different driveline mode switch, pictured below.
- Press and release the top of the switch to toggle through the drive mode options, which display in the information center of the gauge for several seconds.
- Press and release the bottom of the switch to toggle to a previous option.
When the switch is released, the driveline mode displayed in the information center is the active driveline mode.
Other ADC-equipped RANGER models have a separate switch near the driveline mode switch to engage ADC, pictured below.
Press the top of the switch to turn on ADC, and press the bottom of the switch to turn it off. For more information about ADC, view the Active Decent Control section later in this article.
AWD Operation
ATV: When the switch is on 2x4, the vehicle is in Two-Wheel Drive at all times. When the switch is set to AWD, the vehicle is in All-Wheel Drive and the 4x4 indicator in the instrument cluster or touchscreen display (if equipped) will be on.
RZR, RANGER, GENERAL: When the switch is set to the bottom position (two-position switch) or middle position (three-position switch), the vehicle is in Two-Wheel Drive at all times. When the switch is set to AWD, the vehicle is in All-Wheel Drive and the AWD indicator in the instrument cluster or touchscreen display (if equipped) will be on.
When in 2WD, only the back wheels are powered, but AWD allows any wheel that has traction to become a powered drive wheel. This does not mean that all wheels are constantly powered when AWD is on. When in AWD on any Polaris vehicle, the front gearcase automatically will engage any time the rear wheels lose traction. When the rear wheels regain traction, the front gearcase automatically will disengage.
There is no limit to the length of time the vehicle may remain in AWD.
Engaging AWD
AWD may be turned on or off while the vehicle is moving. Initially the vehicle’s electronic system will not enable AWD until the engine RPM is below 3,100. Once enabled, AWD remains enabled until manually 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 in which front wheel drive may be needed. If the rear wheels are spinning, release the throttle before switching to AWD. 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.
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Operate in reverse for at least 10 feet (3 meters).
3. Stop completely.
4. Shift into low gear and drive forward.
5. If the front gearcase remains locked after following these instructions, see your Polaris Dealer for service. To find a dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator.
Two-Wheel Drive and Turf Mode
Slow the vehicle to nearly stopped before engaging the differential to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Operating in 2WD will lock the rear differential, meaning both rear wheels are powered and move at the same speed. Move the rocker switch to the center position (2WD) to operate in rear-wheel drive. Using 2WD in slippery or low traction conditions helps improve traction when 4WD may not be required.
Operating in Turf Mode will unlock the rear differential, meaning that the right rear wheel is powered and the back wheels can rotate at different speeds. For example, when taking a corner in Turf Mode, one wheel drives while the other spins freely to avoid tearing the turf. The rear right wheel is the powered wheel in Turf Mode, regardless of which direction the vehicle turns.
If the powered wheel starts slipping or spinning out while in Turf Mode, selecting 2WD will lock the rear differential and allow both wheels to propel the vehicle forward. By selecting AWD, both rear wheels will propel the vehicle forward, and if the back wheels lose traction, the front wheels will automatically engage and once traction is regained, the front wheels will disengage.
The diagram below shows which wheels are powered in each position. 
Operate in Turf Mode only as needed to protect smooth, level surfaces from tire damage. Do not operate in Turf Mode when climbing or descending hills, when sidehilling or when operating on uneven, loose or slippery terrain such as 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 up and grab when it touches the ground again. Always operate in AWD on these types of terrain.
Engine Braking System
Some Polaris Off-Road Vehicles are equipped with an engine braking system (EBS). EBS automatically leverages compression from the engine to help maintain the speed of the vehicle as it drives. EBS works without any user input. EBS is useful when driving in hilly terrain or pulling a load. It is also useful for drivers who get in and out of the vehicle frequently, such as farmers or groundskeepers, and is beneficial to riders who want an easier, smoother driving experience.
To find out if your vehicle is equipped with EBS, check the specifications page for your model on the Polaris Off Road website or ask your Polaris Dealer.
ACTIVE DESCENT CONTROL
Active Descent Control for ATVs
On Polaris ATVs equipped with Active Descent Control, when the switch is on ADC, the ADC system allows engine braking to all four wheels when the vehicle descends a hill or incline. Always move the 4x4 switch to ADC 4x4 before ascending or descending a hill.
The ADC system automatically will engage when all four of the following conditions occur:
- The 4x4 switch must be in the ADC 4x4 position.
- Vehicle speed must be 15 mph (25 km/h) or less.
- The throttle must be closed (throttle lever released).
- The transmission must be in gear (high, low or reverse).
The ADC system automatically will disengage if at least one of the following conditions occur:
- The 4x4 switch is moved out of the ADC 4x4 position.
- Vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).
- The throttle is open (throttle is applied).
- The transmission is shifted to neutral or park.
- X2 models: The vehicle is on flat ground or not actively descending a hill.
Active Descent Control for RANGER
On RANGER models equipped with ADC, use the driveline switch to engage ADC 4x4. The ADC system allows engine braking to all four wheels when the vehicle descends a hill or incline. Always operate in low gear and engage ADC 4x4 when transporting heavy loads and/or when towing. Always operate in low gear and engage ADC 4x4 before ascending or descending a hill.
The ADC system automatically will engage when both of the following conditions occur:
- The drive mode must be in the ADC 4x4 position.
- The transmission must be in gear (high, low or reverse).
The ADC system automatically will disengage if at least one of the following conditions occur:
- The drive mode is changed from the ADC 4x4 position.
- The transmission is shifted to neutral or park.
Identifying Driveline Mode on RIDE COMMAND
On vehicles equipped with the seven-button touchscreen display, the vehicle's current driveline mode is displayed in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
On ATVs with a touchscreen display, the current driveline mode is displayed on the Gauge Screen.
3-Mode Throttle Control Switch
Some Polaris ATV and RANGER models are equipped with throttle control modes. These are controlled by the 3-Mode Throttle Control Switch, shown below.
If equipped, the switch can be found to the left of the display on an ATV and on the center console on a RANGER. The 3-Mode Throttle Control Switch has three positions: Performance (PERF), Standard (STND) and Work (WORK).
Performance Mode: Offers a more aggressive feel to the power of the vehicle. The vehicle will accelerate harder with less throttle movement.
Work Mode: The throttle is smoother than standard mode. Best for when the operator wants more precision over vehicle acceleration. This drive mode is recommended to be used when backing up with a trailer, driving over rough terrain, or loading the vehicle on a trailer.
Standard Mode: Use this for the majority of your driving.
Regardless of the selected throttle control setting, always use low gear for any of the following conditions:
- Operating in rough terrain or over obstacles
- Loading the vehicle onto a trailer
- Towing heavy loads
- Driving frequently at low RPM or at ground speeds less than 7 mph (11 km/h)
To learn more about drive modes, ADC and all things drive system, listen to the Off-Road Vehicle Drive System Basics episode of the Polaris Podcast.
For more information on the operation of your vehicle, consult your Owner's Manual.
To find a Polaris Dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator.
Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc.
© 2022 Polaris Inc.
