[KodiakAfishyo]

I have a 2017 Kodiak 700 with only 480 miles on it. I bought it last fall with only 300 miles on it. When putting it into Diff-lock the engine runs ruff and sputters when I put it into gear and after I start giving it some gas. If I then stop and move into reverse backup about a foot it's fine, even when I go back into forward High or Low. Regular 4X4 is fine, no issues. Anyone else have this symptom or know why this is?

 

[JimP]

I don't see how there would be a relationship between the two unless there is a programing issue with the speed limiter that I believe that they have on models with the diff lock.

 

[KodiakAfishyo]

That's a good thought; the next time I use diff-lock and it does it I will try pushing the override button for the speed limiter and see if that has any effect.

 

[Vincent]

Is the diff lock light flashing when it sputters?

 

[KodiakAfishyo]

So after reading the replies I took the Kodiak out tonight to try a few things and pay closer attention to what was going on because the only time I have used diff-lock is snowplowing on ice going up hill. And what I have determined is this is normal. Yes the diff-lock light is flashing and continues to flash until I move forward or back 6-10 feet then the light stops flashing and the eng stops sputtering because now that I have moved a little the hubs have engaged. It seems to be a safety feature to prevent you from going to fast before the hubs are locked in. Similar to the limiter not allowing you you to go over 20mph without holding the override button in. The override button has no affect at this speed either. Thanks guys for the suggestions that got me thinking.

 

[txlzone]

I was riding through some deep snow yesterday, it was the most I've ever used the diff-lock before. I was worried when the engine started "jerking" when hitting speeds over 30km/h. I didn't know the speed limiter worked differently in diff-lock mode. I thought it was just having issues engaging which it did a bit since I couldn't roll the bike forward or backward due to it sinking in the snow. I was glad to find out that this is normal behavior if you are not pressing down the override switch.

 

[Vincent]

I was riding through some deep snow yesterday, it was the most I've ever used the diff-lock before. I was worried when the engine started "jerking" when hitting speeds over 30km/h. I didn't know the speed limiter worked differently in diff-lock mode. I thought it was just having issues engaging which it did a bit since I couldn't roll the bike forward or backward due to it sinking in the snow. I was glad to find out that this is normal behavior if you are not pressing down the override switch.

Yup, perfectly normal. I myself got surprised when my engine started sputtering in diff lock at 30 km/h before I reminded myself to press the freaken override button!

 

[Primethious]

What override button?


Sputtering right after you switch the diff lock on is normal. You have to give it time and circumstances to lock in all the way otherwise the computer puts the speed limit at about 0.1 miles an hour.

 

[TRW]

I have an 18 Kodiak 700 and now at 160 miles, the differential lock is much faster to engage, and disengage. But it was a struggle until now.

 

[Vincent]

What override button?


Sputtering right after you switch the diff lock on is normal. You have to give it time and circumstances to lock in all the way otherwise the computer puts the speed limit at about 0.1 miles an hour.

I'm assuming your Kodiak does not have this diff-lock 20 mph speed limiter override button? All Grizzlys from 2002 to 2019 have them.

 

[Primethious]

I'm assuming your Kodiak does not have this diff-lock 20 mph speed limiter override button? All Grizzlys from 2002 to 2019 have them.

I've never used it but it's there alright! Thanks!

 

[martinbrown23092]

Is the diff lock light flashing when it sputters?

 

[KodiakAfishyo]

Go back and read posts #4 & #5

 

[JimMac]

Mine has always been a bit slow going into diff-lock, the 450 I rode did the same thing. I find when I put it in Diff-Lock (usually after I need it, haha) turning the handle bars back and forth help it pop into lock.

 

[JimP]

If you wonder how fast your machine goes into diff lock when you push the button here is a little test for you.

Jack up the front end and place it onto jack stands with both tires off of the ground. Once you have done this turn the key on and engage the diff lock. Then without doing anything else try to turn the front tires. If they are locked together and won't turn then the diff lock is engaged. I have had zero problems with it locking up as soon as the servo engages to lock them in, it doesn't matter if I am at a complete stop or with the machine moving.

 

[JD864]

I experienced this sputtering / missing this weekend on a trail ride. I thought I had bad gas or some other issue. Thanks for the timely post!! If I had to guess, mine is taking 3 seconds to engage based on the 3-seconds of sputtering.
It’s not like I’m looking at the screen during this. I’m watching the freakin trail that scared the poo out of me enough to need diff lock! Lol!!

 

[KodiakAfishyo]

Check your manual but I believe you should not be moving when selecting diff lock

 

[JimP]

They tell you to come to a complete stop just for the reason that the handling will change once you shift into diff lock. Same with shifting into 4x4, they tell you to come to a stop before doing so for the same reason.

 

[oleblue22]

The sputtering is normal when the bike is not completely engaged in diff lock. It's a safety feature to keep you from engaging the diff lock at high RPM's. I typically bump the throttle slightly when going in or coming out of diff lock. Never had any issues. I always come to a complete stop or a really slow crawl before going into diff lock. You can and will bend the shift fork trying to engage diff lock under a load, at high speeds or high RPM.

 

[Madmax]

Mine does the same sputtering thing. I just sit for a bit after locking the diff and it then works as it should...it's slow...