so i have a 94 polaris 400L 4x4 ,,, i got stuck today and noticed only 3 wheels were spinning.. this is not normal right? any input please would help.. i have a video for people that want to see

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WDa98A7--VQ

 

you may have a broken axle..

 

Does it have a limited slip differential?

Also, I am not sure but doesn't Polaris have that on-demand 4x4 system? Meaning when the machine senses tire spin it engages the front differential so you now have 4x4? If it does then possibly that tire is not engaging for some reason.

SJ

 

Polaris' On-Demand systems works so that even when you engage it, it will remain in 2 wheel drive until the rear wheels slip a certain percentage (not sure what that percentage is). Then the front wheels will engage, and engage in a locked manner. There should be no '3-wheeling' effect whatsoever if the system is working correctly. That is why Polaris advertises this as 'true 4wd', they had it before any other manufacturer came up with the idea of offering a front differential lock option.

Watching the video, it would appear there is something wrong with your frontend. I don't believe that the Polaris On-Demand system should ever do that, if it is working properly.

What exactly it could be, damaged differential, broken axle, worn out part somewhere, malfunctioning sensors, I really couldn't say.

-Krait

 

Not only does it not have a limited-slip differential, it doesn't have a differential at all. It just has a gearbox. Both front axles always spin the same speed, as if it was a solid axle. I believe the front engages when the rear tires slip just 1/5 of a revolution. The two most likely causes of 3-wheel drive in a Polaris are a broken electrical wire going to the hub so it doesn't energize, and a blown hub. If you're spinning the wheels in 4x2 and pop it into 4x4 it can shatter the roller cage. It's about like doing a "neutral drop" in your car. The cage is plastic and blows up which prevents other damage that would be much more serious.