I just purchased a used 08 outlander 800 and was wondering how the 4x4 system works in reverse?
I own a 08 sportsman 700 X2 and it will not engage the 4x4 system in reverse until you push and hold the yellow button down.
I understand the 4x4 system in the outty that you must ( or should) come to a complete stop to engage 4x4 or revert back to 2x4.
I also understand the visco lok system in the front diff.
What about reverse? Does visco lock work as well?
Does the rider have to push and hold the yellow button down to engage the 4x4 system in reverse? Like the po po.

 

You can shift on the fly between 2wd and 4wd in the Outy as long as you are not spinning one set of wheels. 4wd and lock engages in reverse. There is a rev limiter but there is also an overide button if in reverse.

Jaybee

 

Thanks for the info, you say that it is okay to shift into and out of 4x4 while moving.
I was wondering why the manual says that you must be stopped?
So if you go down a steep hill in 2x4..... then realize that you want to back up in 4x4 you select 4x4 and it will immediately switch into 4x4 then you can proceed in reverse in 4x4 with visco lock working?

 

Most manufacturers will state in their manuals that you must come to a complete stop before switching between 2wd and 4wd. This is basically liability advice - there is no way to damage the 4wd system if you stop prior to shifting in and out. The reality is that as long as the front and rear wheels are turning at the same speed that no harm will come if you switch in and out of 4wd. The best thing to do is to just back off the throttle a bit so that you are not under load and then switch. Now it is true that if you are in 2wd and spinning your wheels with the fronts either not turning or turning slowly, then you can do some damage if you switch from 2wd to 4wd. I've got thousands of miles with several different 4wd ATV's and always shift on the fly - this topic has also come up many times on these forums.

You are correct in your downhill example - yes you will have 4wd and yes it will lock if it detects front wheel slippage. The next time you get hung up in a big mud puddle, put it in reverse and watch the front wheels.

Jaybee