Got a new problem on my Outlander XT. When I shift from 2wd to 4wd, it can take as long as 30 seconds to shift and the light to come on. The bike has approx. 250 miles on it and up until today, it shifted almost immediately. I tried all kinds of scenarios to assist the shifting. (Power on, coasting, deceleratin, stopped). I do not shift unless stopped, buy after shifting with the button, I take off gently and that is when I have the problem. Anyone else had this problem and if so, what was the cause?

 

You dont need to be stopped to go into or out of 4wd. i believe there is an electric clutch that engages the front drive shaft. The battery may not be putting out enough voltage, at idle , to reilably, make the clutch engage the splines. Have you checked the fluid level in the front differential?

 

Have not checked the fluid level yet. The 4wd is slow to engage when moving at speed. It worked perfectly when new, just crapped out on this last ride. It definately helps to be on the gas to get it engaged. I would assume that being under load is the exact opposite I would want to be when engaging 4wd.

 

I got motivated today and found out what my problem was. On the 2wd/4wd actuator (Black plastic box on left-fron of motor) the electrical connector plug was loose. It is a 4 wire with a hard plastic end. The latch on the hard plastic connector was loose. Snapped in and all is well. Just goes to show, the simplist explanation is usually the right one.