Author Topic: 650 Prairie front differential (Read 815 times)

leadthrower · « **on:** March 22, 2005, 02:07:42 PM »

I recently bought a 650 Prairie and was wondering if anyone else was experiencing slow lock in times with the front differential. Every time I go to lock it into 4X4 it seems to be a delay. Sometimes it will go in immediately, others it will take 30 seconds or more. I am used to a Polaris where it kicks in almost instantaneously. I would like to be able to go as far as I can in two wheel drive and then kick it in 4X4 and dig my way right out, but it doesn't work that way if it won't kick in right away like it should. I really like the quad otherwise but at some point I will be stuck because it wouldn't lock into 4X4 right away.

LT

wareagleguy · « **Reply #1 on:** March 22, 2005, 03:39:59 PM »

I have the 700.
Mine does have a delay and it's different in the time it takes to enguage. The best way that I have got it to work is to change into 4x4 while the bike is moving SLOW. Kawasaki recomends stopping but at times if you do that you may have to roll the bike back or forware a little the get the gear to enguage into 4x4 or out of 4x4.

Old Syko · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2005, 03:17:10 AM »

The Prairie 4x4 switch must be engaged, then the ECU must see 3mph from the speed sensor before the servo will try to activate. Click it in before you need it. This is done to avoid undue damage caused by things not being aligned just right when you hit the gas. Most new trucks have this same design and have for some years now.

leadthrower · « **Reply #3 on:** March 24, 2005, 12:35:10 PM »

Where did you come up with the 3mph? Is that actually wheel speed(spinning) or ground speed? The designed in delay is the pits. I will have to take the time to look into how it exactly works to see if I can't bypass the delay. I have some friends that ride Polaris quads that don't have the delay and the 4X4 hasn't been torn out of them yet, but then you have to be smart enough not to be giving it gas or spinning the wheels when you kick it in. Probably a warranty/liability thing. thanks for the input.

LT

Old Syko · « **Reply #4 on:** March 24, 2005, 03:30:34 PM »

The afore mentioned info comes from the repair and diagnostics manual and personal experience. All wheels must be turning at the same speed for engagement to occur without damage regardless of what kind of bike you're running.

While moving, slow to about 5mph or so and flip the 4x4 switch. When the light comes on you're good to go. When you get used to this thing and discover that yellow lever on the left grip you'll be able to show those Polaris guys you mention a couple of things. Hang in there and get used to it! Believe it or not you have the advantage.

leadthrower · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2005, 07:21:23 AM »

I suppose it will take some time getting used to. This weekend I went over a small log and got high centered and it sure would of been nice to lock it in, instead of having to react ahead of time. How am I suppose to know it would get high centered when the quad in front of me didn't? Guess I will have to change my riding style a little and kick it in ahead of time, when I feel that I may need it instead of waiting until I actually need it.
Thanks for the info.
LT