Stealth Apache 4wd always active

[Stealth New Guy]

I recently purchased a Stealth Apache 2011 64v. Love the buggy, but with new batteries I only got 13 miles. I decided to jack it up to test all bearings and brakes and realized that even if 4wd switch is off the front wheels still were being engaged as 4wd. What can I do to turn off 4wd as I am sure that is killing my range?

[gyroman]

Take your voltage tester and check your switch. I bet it will prove to be bad.

[sunoco]

Most likely a bad switch. Check continuity of your switch in both positions

[Stealth New Guy]

So the switch being bad will keep it in 4WD? Is there a way to over ride it temporarily to just have cart in 2WD so I can get better range until I replace the switch?

[gyroman]

The switch has probably failed in the on position. Disconnecting either wire going to the switch will kill the power to the solenoid that engages the front gearbox. Be sure to tape up the wire you disconnect as it will be hot. Another way is to take either wire going to the gearbox loose at the battery.

[gyroman]

Playing in Paint this morning and made a crude depiction of how my Stealth is wired to the front gearbox. Notice to get 12 volts to the gearbox, mine has two small wires going to two different inline 6 volt batteries.

If you're not going to need 4 wheel drive, you can also increase range by taking the chain off of the rear gearbox. This will stop the driveshaft from constantly turning making for much less wear and tear on the whole rear to front drive train.

[sunoco]

The switch wires should be coming off the 12v reducer

[gyroman]

Ideally it should. But for whatever reason, mine is not equipped with a 48v to 12v reducer.