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4wd servo problems?? Cheap fix and how to with lots of pics

103K views 62 replies 18 participants last post by  oleblue22 
#1 · (Edited)
New Updated Troubleshooting page for diagnosing 4wd problems Troubleshooting | 501 Parts.com Yamaha 4wd System Repair Parts & Service

**July 2017, Photobucket has now ruined most the how-to threads on the internet. Please see the troubleshooting link above. It will direct you to our site where you can find a ton of info and videos on repairing your 4wd problems**

This is a cheap way to fix your 2wd/4wd servo motor. It basically replaces the small motor inside the case vs replacing the complete unit for $300+.

This covers all yamaha atv and side by side models. The first write up is for the following models. Scroll down and you will see the write up for the newer ones. Basically the same except the newer motors have a gear on the shaft where the older ones have a brass collar.

The motor and our other products can be found here. Yamaha Servo Replacement Motors – 501 Parts.com Yamaha 4wd System Repair Parts & Service


There is an electric motor inside your servo that actuates your 4wd/2wd/diff locker. When the servo goes out on these bikes, it's more than likely the small electric motor. Simply pull the servo off the front differential, open it up and you will see the small motor inside. I pulled the complete diff out in the instructions due to having to change a seal but you can do this with it still in the bike.

The servo motor is not always the problem. Here is some troubleshooting information and videos to help you figure what is wrong with your 4wd system and what parts you need.

Troubleshooting

Need Help Identifying and troubleshooting your 4wd? You’ve came to the right place!


The 4wd system on your Yamaha ATV or Side by Side is operated by a push button switch that sends power to a relay, which in turn sends power to the servo motor, which engages your 2wd, 4wd, and difflock.
Identifying and Locating 4wd Components

Push button switch— Located on the handlebars on ATVs and the dash inside the cab on SxS’s. It let’s you switch from 2wd, 4wd, difflock with the push of a button.
Relays— There are three relays that are responsible for the 4wd operation. On non diff lock models there are two. On ATV’s they’re located either under the seat next to your fusebox or under the front rack near the battery. On SxS’s, they’re located under the front hood in the battery box. If either of these are faulty it can cause problems so always check each one.
Servo Assembly— The servo assembly is the black plastic assembly that’s mounted on the rear or side of your front differential. The servo “motor” (as shown in the pictures) is housed inside the black plastic assembly. This motor is usually the culprit for most 4wd related problems.
While we do have complete servo assemblies available, there is no need to replace the entire assembly unless, A. you have somehow busted the black housing, B. the contacts are burnt inside the housing.
99% of the time, you can remove and open the servo assembly (as shown in the videos) and return your assembly to new condition by replacing the motor only.
There are four different types of servo assemblies. See the pictures below to identify which one is yours.



If you’ve purchased a servo motor and need help installing it, you can either watch our video titled replacing the servo motor, or you can print out the instructions below.​
Servo motor Installation Instructions:




Yamaha 4wd Troubleshooting Procedures

I’ve included links to videos and parts. To see clips of the service manual pertaining to these tests look here. Troubleshooting | 501 Parts.com Yamaha 4wd System Repair Parts & Service


Problem 1
— 4wd not engaging, and when the push button is pressed nothing happens.


Step 1— Check the fuse
Step 2— Tap on the relays, one could be stuck (Two black with G8HN# on top and one white relay on most models.) Also check the connections on the servo and relays to make sure they’re connected properly.
Step 3— Remove the front diff servo and proceed to test it (need two c batteries, T-45 tamper proof torx, and a 6 mm allen. Some use 10mm regular hex bolts) see this video.

If it tests bad, you can find a replacement motor here. Products | 501 Parts.com Yamaha 4wd System Repair Parts & Service
If you need the bits to remove it from the front diff you can find them at any parts store or you can order them here. Products | 501 Parts.com Yamaha 4wd System Repair Parts & Service
If it tests good, proceed to next step.
Step 4— Test the three relays. You’ll need a multi-meter set on the lowest ohms setting usually 200, and a short run of wire to power up the relays. See this video.




If they test bad, you can find a replacement here.
Products | 501 Parts.com Yamaha 4wd System Repair Parts & Service
If they test good, proceed to the next step.
Step 5— Test the push button switch (you’ll need a multi-meter set to ohms) see these two videos.







To Test the switch on a 98-01 Grizzly or 00-06 Kodiak, see this link for instructions.​

For a switch that tests bad, you could try cleaning it before buying one. See this video.



If it tests bad after cleaning or you just want a new one, you can find it here.
Products | 501 Parts.com Yamaha 4wd System Repair Parts & Service
If it tests good, proceed to the next step.
Step 6— At this point you are certain your servo, relays, and switch are good. Next, you’ll want to start tracing wires looking for anything that’s frayed or broken. Common places for problems are under the fusebox on SxS’s, under the front racks on the ATV’s. Also check the connections under the relays beneath the seat on the ATV’s. You may have to untape and untie your wires to get to the problem.
If you’ve tried all of this and still can’t get it going, you are welcome to call me at 501-658-0219 and I’ll help you through it.


Problem 2
— I have replaced my servo motor or cleaned my servo assembly but now I’ve gotten it out of time and it’s not working properly.


Step 1— One thing that will make life easier is to make sure not to bolt the servo up to the diff before you know for certain it’s working. You can plug the servo in and just let it hang to verify proper operation. You need to have three things synced to 2wd before plugging the servo in. 1. You should have the slide gear inside the diff to 2wd mode. 2wd is to the left if you’re sitting on the seat or to the front of the bike for those that go back and forth instead of left and right. On the Rhinos, move the slide gear to the right for 2wd if you are sitting in the seat. 2. Next, have the button in 2wd. 3. Finally, have the servo itself timed to 2wd. Here are videos on cleaning and timing the servo.











Problem 3 — My ATV or SXS goes into 4wd or diff lock but will not come back out.

Step 1— Try tapping on or swapping your two black relays and see what happens (if something changes then one is bad) proceed to test the relays to determine which one. You will break the clips off removing them. Almost no way around it.
See these videos.









For a replacement Products | 501 Parts.com Yamaha 4wd System Repair Parts & Service


Problem 4
— My relays just click when I try and go in 4wd but I don’t hear the servo working.


Step 1— Ensure the connection on the servo is tight and connected properly. If it is proceed to next step.
Step 2— Remove the front diff servo and proceed to test it (need two c batteries, T-45 tamper proof torx, and a 6 mm allen. Some use 10mm regular hex bolts) see this video.




If it tests bad, you can find a replacement motor here. Products | 501 Parts.com Yamaha 4wd System Repair Parts & Service
If you need the bits to remove it from the front diff you can find them at any parts store or you can order them here. Products | 501 Parts.com Yamaha 4wd System Repair Parts & Service
While you are inside the diff, ensure the slide gear can be moved back and forth with your finger with ease. You may have to roll it a little to get it to move but should move freely. If it does not move freely, you can remove the allen screw cap and then remove the slide rod and gear with an allen wrench. The gear, rod and fork will come out. You can clean the slide rod up with emery cloth or light grit sandpaper.


Problem 5
— The slider on my 4wd push button is stuck and will not go left and right with ease.


Step 1- Watch this video.



It will show you how to disassemble and repair the slider.


Problem 6
— I have a big ride tomorrow and I can’t get the 4wd to work. How do I manually put my ride in 4wd and just leave it until I can troubleshoot it?


Despite what mode you may be stuck in 2wd,4wd, diff lock. You can manually put the diff into whatever mode you like. If I were going to pick a mode to leave the diff in for a ride, it would be 4wd.
Step 1- Remove the servo from the front diff. You’ll see a slide gear inside the diff that moves left and right. Simply move that slide gear to the middle for 4wd. If you want to stay in 2wd, move it to the left for ATV’s and to the right for Rhino’s. Verify 2wd by jacking up the front wheels.
Step 2- Reinstall the servo on the diff being careful not to move the slide gear from where you left it. Enjoy your ride and return to this troubleshooting page when you return to fix your problem.


Problem 7
— My 4wd engages off and on without pressing the button.


If your 4wd is going in and out without pressing the button, it is something that you can fix fairly easy. This is actually a common problem with the 12-15 models. Most of the time, the problem boils down to an intermittent connection. After dealing with this on several occasions, I have found a few things that will fix the issue.
Step 1- Pull the plug off of your servo that’s on the front diff and put a dab of dielectric grease on the contacts and plug it back in. Ensure the connection is tight. Do the same thing to your plug coming from the 4wd switch. This usually fixes the problem. It also doesn’t hurt to apply dielectric grease to the 4wd relays while you’re at it. If you’re still having the problem, proceed to step 2.
Step 2- If you’re still having problems after doing the previous step, remove the switch, clean the contacts inside and reassemble. You can see a video here on how to do so.




If you are still having problems after doing this, you could possibly have a broken or shorted wire somewhere between the switch, relays, and servo. Give the wiring a good once over inspection and see if you can see any obvious problems. Let us know if we can help you further.

Of course this is not an all inclusive list of possible 4wd problems. If you’re having trouble and need help feel free to contact us. Contact Us

Here are two basic videos on how-to replace the servo motor inside the case.


Replacing the Servo Motor Sealed Unit



Replacing the Servo Motor Other Three Types​


 
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#9 ·



Made a new updated video that includes all three types of servo motors that Yamaha makes. It shows how to disassemble and replace the motor inside your servo assembly.

Also I have added more models to the list that the motors fit. Here is the complete model listing as of now.

04-06 Bruin 350
00-06 Kodiak 400
03-06 Kodiak 450
02-06 Big Bear 400
06-10 Wolverine 450
07-13 Grizzly 350
07-08 Grizzly 400
07 Grizzly 450
98-01 Grizzly 600
02-08 Grizzly 660
06-09 Rhino 450
04-07 Rhino 660
07-12 Big Bear 400
07-10 Grizzly 350
08-12 Grizzly 450
09-11 Grizzly 550
07-11 Grizzly 700
08-11 Rhino 700
 
#13 ·
great post im new here and am wondering how do you time the gear back rite i have a 03 kodiak and the guy i got it frome gave me 2 servo's with it and i thank he got in them i can get it to go in 4wd but not into dif lock and once in 4wd it will not come out any idea's thanks
 
#16 ·
I want to say thanks to oleblue22 , I bought one of his small motors for the 4 wheel drive servo on ebay Monday night and got it this morning . Fixed my 4 wheel drive problem with no hassle . Now I can go though the deep holes instead of around them and thanks to his quick shipping I'll be hitting those holes this weekend .
 
#22 ·
Will be higher than most international locations

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
 
#25 ·
Its on the way to you RJ. Thanks.



I just launched a new site that deals with all and any problems with the 4wd system on Yamahas. I have how to videos for testing the servo, disassembling the servo, replacing and purchasing the servo (motor only), testing relays, and testing the push button switch.
I also have a link to download the 4wd testing portion of the service manual.


Check it out at 501parts.com - Yahama Servo Motors


Let me know if I can help.


Heres a few of the videos and pics



Re timing/complete teardown of Yamaha servo motor - YouTube
Yamaha Servo motor replacement Sealed Cases (98-01 models) - YouTube
Yamaha 4wd Servo (motor only) Replacement - YouTube
Yamaha 4wd Servo (motor only) Replacement - YouTube
Testing the three servo types - YouTube
Testing the Push Button 4wd Switch on Yamaha ATV's - YouTube



 
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