redrum
Active VIP Member
Does anyone have info on how to mod the reverse overide switch on 08' sportsman? 
Polaris reverse overide switch?
- Thread starter redrum
- Start date
rusty
GBCA Member
What kind of mod are trying to do.?
QMAO
Active VIP Member
Here ya` go......
Reverse override mod
Note: this may or may NOT work for 2005 and up models with the new speedos.
Polaris has incorporated a safety feature on all their 4wd models. This feature, which is operational all the time when reverse is selected, will limited engine power and cut out the front wheel drive unless you push the "override" button.
One of the main reasons you would want to do this mod is because when you get stuck and the only way out is reverse, it is impossible to pull the ATV backwards while applying throttle AND pushing the override button. It is also very helpful when you use your ATV to plow and need 4wd every time you back up with the weight of the plow hanging off the front.
This mod will give you 4wd and full power when in reverse without having to push the override button. This is for all Polaris Sportsman models with the new style Speedo (2003) and Sp700, 02. Continue down below for pre 03 model instructions.
The problem with the new style, is that the function button for the Speedo is combined with the override button and it is not as straight forward as the old style Speedo. Doing it this way everything works as it should exactly the way it did before the mod.
The nicest thing about this mod is that you do not need to cut any wires or drill any holes.
You will need to purchase a standard 4 pin, 12v relay, 4 pieces of 16 gauge wire about 8" long, 4 female crimp on spade connectors (for connection of wires to relay), and 4 wire splice connectors. (they are usually blue and you simply insert the wires and squeeze with pliers, then fold back the protective locking cover)
Open the pod and locate the wiring harness coming from the Speedo.
Relay terminal #30 connect to Polaris brown wire
Relay terminal #87 connect to Polaris wire gray/orange
Relay terminal #86 connect to Polaris wire red/white
Relay terminal #85 connect to Polaris wire purple.
Use dielectric grease at all electrical connections to prevent corrosion in the long run or even better, liquid tape.
To test, simply put it in reverse with the engine running, if the Speedo flashes the word "SLOW" (just like it did before the mod, when you pressed the override button) you did everything correct. Enjoy
Reverse override mod
Note: this may or may NOT work for 2005 and up models with the new speedos.
Polaris has incorporated a safety feature on all their 4wd models. This feature, which is operational all the time when reverse is selected, will limited engine power and cut out the front wheel drive unless you push the "override" button.
One of the main reasons you would want to do this mod is because when you get stuck and the only way out is reverse, it is impossible to pull the ATV backwards while applying throttle AND pushing the override button. It is also very helpful when you use your ATV to plow and need 4wd every time you back up with the weight of the plow hanging off the front.
This mod will give you 4wd and full power when in reverse without having to push the override button. This is for all Polaris Sportsman models with the new style Speedo (2003) and Sp700, 02. Continue down below for pre 03 model instructions.
The problem with the new style, is that the function button for the Speedo is combined with the override button and it is not as straight forward as the old style Speedo. Doing it this way everything works as it should exactly the way it did before the mod.
The nicest thing about this mod is that you do not need to cut any wires or drill any holes.
You will need to purchase a standard 4 pin, 12v relay, 4 pieces of 16 gauge wire about 8" long, 4 female crimp on spade connectors (for connection of wires to relay), and 4 wire splice connectors. (they are usually blue and you simply insert the wires and squeeze with pliers, then fold back the protective locking cover)
Open the pod and locate the wiring harness coming from the Speedo.
Relay terminal #30 connect to Polaris brown wire
Relay terminal #87 connect to Polaris wire gray/orange
Relay terminal #86 connect to Polaris wire red/white
Relay terminal #85 connect to Polaris wire purple.
Use dielectric grease at all electrical connections to prevent corrosion in the long run or even better, liquid tape.
To test, simply put it in reverse with the engine running, if the Speedo flashes the word "SLOW" (just like it did before the mod, when you pressed the override button) you did everything correct. Enjoy
Last edited:
800RMK
Active VIP Member
I've got an easier mod yet for you. Wrap a plastic zip tie just above the reverse override button. When you need to use the override you just push the button in and slide the zip tie over top of the button and it will hold the button in for you. When your done you just slide the zip tie back up. At least doing it this way it is not permanantly overridden (not sure if thats a word. lol) especially if a kid or somebody else rides your quad.
Grinder
Active VIP Member
I think this way is the correct one its for 05 and up (worked on my 06 and is ALOT simpler). Splice a wire onto the brown wire and grey/orange wire then hook them to a toggle switch. I just used the "work light" switch. Turn the switch on and you have override turn it off and you can access the other functions. Go to quadovator.com for some other tricks like a kit to turn the work lights into reverse lights.
OnlyPolaris
Active VIP Member
go to ATV parts, ATV tires, Quadovator ATV Accessories I have his kit and it works perfect. the switch is also made by the same company that make thes polaris switch, so it fits perfect and looks stock. good pirce to.
- Thread starter
- #7
redrum
Active VIP Member
Thanks for all the input guys.... This kit looks like the way to go.
Reaper01
New member
Hey guys. I looked into all the reverse override options for my 03 Polaris Sportsman because it seems I have to press that stinking yellow button everytime I back up and it drives me nuts. Well I had an idea that seems to have worked out fast, easy and didn't cost me a dime. There are actually 3 little holes on the bottom of the box so I pressed the button in (with the quad off) and very slowly drilled a hole through the original hole towards the rear of the quad and through the bottom of the override button. Then I threaded a small screw through the holes which locked in tight by slicing its way through the plastic. My screw had a flathead/crosstip option so if you ever need to pull it out to check your hours or whatever its no problem. One thing is when I turned my quad back on I got a "0" symbol with a little line running clockwise inside it like it was thinking. I'm assuming it would do that either way no matter how you rigged the button up but when I cranked it, it went away and showed an "H" for high gear. So far it is running just fine with full speed reverse in 2 wheel or AWD. Cost nothing, took 2 minutes and is completely reversible, I'm happy 
The pic is showing up the wrong way, but if you wanted to you could go about 1/8" towards the outside of the handlebar just to make sure you only go through the plastic. The factory hole may have caught the edge of the copper prongs which control the switch. I can't tell for sure and I'm not taking this assembly apart, but so far no problems
The pic is showing up the wrong way, but if you wanted to you could go about 1/8" towards the outside of the handlebar just to make sure you only go through the plastic. The factory hole may have caught the edge of the copper prongs which control the switch. I can't tell for sure and I'm not taking this assembly apart, but so far no problems
Last edited:
Doc Holaday
Member
Not a fan of having the auto rev override. I just added a relay and switch that jusy shorts yhe two wires from the yellow button (grey-orange, red white?) This way if someone new hops on my bike they dont kill themselves going backwards.
I use a weather proof led rocker switch so you know of it is on our not. Done it to my last two bikes with no issues.
I use a weather proof led rocker switch so you know of it is on our not. Done it to my last two bikes with no issues.
whoDEANie
Active VIP Member
I highly recommend adding this switch if you're hell bent on the reverse override. In addition to the danger of someone else riding your machine, there's always the risk of you getting pinned against your throttle while in reverse which could end tragically. I've seen this happen a number of times, one of which the guy had his reverse governor overridden - he was very lucky his injuries were not more severe.
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