Please, any helpful hints or ideas???
I have an early Sportsman 500HO and the 4wheel all of a sudden doesn't work...
3 years old, a little over 6,000 miles, kept in a garage, never in the mud, always properly maintained, origional belt ,second set of tires (almost worn out) and second set of rear boots, has always run perfect, has always been a perfect machine with LOTS of miles above 55MPH indicated, (top speed 63 indicated).
All of a sudden in the last few months or so noticed that the 4 wheel won't ingage, both front wheels are the same. The little light is on on the right handlebar 4 wheel sw. removing the sw. it doesn't appear that 12 V. not there to be sent to the wheel solenoids. The dealer says to replace the speedometer as that is where the power comes from???? Is there a way to bypass and run power directly to the 4 wheel sw. and bypassing what ever the safety is in the speedometer?
Thanks all

MCRider

 

MC,
There have been several recent posts similar to your problem. You might want to do a search to see what all has been said. The speedo does have something to do with the AWD system, although the wiring diagram seems to indicate AWD grounding is supplied through the speedo. There are a couple of transmission switches tied into it also.

 

Thanks Quadwrench, I tried the search function, but being somewhat of a computer dummy did not have a lot of luck. My plan is to by pass the safetys and lock outs but to still use the handlebar switch. Other than this problem, I have been very happy with the 500 HO.

MCRider

 

I had trouble with my 98 not going in 4wd also. My neutral safety switch on the shifter was bad. I soldred two wires together and now it thinks the bike is in foward all the time. So now iI dont have to push the over ride button in reverse anymore. The gear indicator lites dont work anymore but i dont care. If yours has the switch on the shifter let me know and ill check to see wat 2 wires i spliced 2gether (think it was purple and grey)