I just go a 1994 sportsman 400 and was wondering do I need a battery in the quad for the 4x4 to work the one that was in it is dead I boosted it got it started but the 4x4 doesn't work I have a new battery on order but was just wonder if I should check somting out first? I know it uses volts to engage the 4x4. I looked at the cable to see if it had a break in the line but don't see any might be a bad switch also?

 

im having same problem and now after reading your post im wondering? my battery is dead ive been pull starting it and that is about the time my 4x4 stopped working ive been to lazy to change the battery i have it ive just been pull starting it 425 magnum 98, would like to know if you solved your problem? my atv is in storage or id run out and swap batteries

 

I just got battery will install soon will let you know

 

The answer to both of your posts is yes you have to have a battery for the 4 wheel drive to work.This is a part electrical,part mechanical system and has to have a constant 12 volts for the coil in the strut to create a magnetic field that slows down the armature plate in the hub.The awd system is "armed" so to speak when you engage the awd switch.When needed the front drive kicks in when the rear tires slip.

 

Well I installed that battery still no 4x4 I know its the hub because the axle are turning iam going to change the fluid in the hubs and see if that works

 

Make sure the awd indicator light up when you push the button.On this model also if the bulb is burnt out it breaks the circuit leading to the hub coils.Later models(98 and up) didn't matter on awd if the bulb was burnt out or not.Bulb on these was strictly an as indicator only. Plus if the switch in the gear box isn't triggered you wont have awd. If you jack up all 4 tires off the ground and while in awd BOTH front tires wont turn,I'd suspect either a shorted bulb or a shift box switch. If one side kicks in and the other doesn't,then you could have an electrical or mechanical problem on that side. Bulb # is 4030047 if needed. Item #7 on the break down.http://www.cyclepartswarehouse.com/f...1994&fveh=5383

 

ya I have it jacked up only back wheels spin. I looked at the lights but none of my dash lights work. as for the switch in the gear box is that the gear box that you change from high to low and reverse when I got the quad the guy told me that you have to play with gear box for 4x4 to work but didn't think it had anything to do with it. I tried playing and changing from high to low and reverse but still no 4x4

 

Yes it's the switch in the gear shift box. When parts wear out if the shift lever can't touch the switch and trigger it,then the awd indicator wont light up and you wont have front wheel drive.If it has the original switch,it's been updated from a plastic lever to a metal push type plunger. Plus at times you can pull the box down,change the fluid(0-40 oil) and try to move the switch up a little and you can get the awd to work awhile,but really best to replace shift box worn parts and switch if needed. Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse

 

Ok will take the gear box apart and see what I come up with just a quick question what does that switch do?

 

The wires from the shift box switch plug into the terminal board along with the wires from the awd switch and wires to the hubs.I've heard of some that have jumped power to try to bypass the switches,but I just updated the switches if needed or repaired what was needed. Jumping this system wouldn't leave the option of turning it off,plus it would have constant power to the hub coils and just wear them and the armature plates down quicker.That is if they were able to do it.