I was out riding in the snow today. And my friends 2001 500 Sportsman was only turnnig 3 wheels in 4 WD.
Something is wrong! Broke or out of adjustment. HELP, where do we start ????

 

try these steps in this order:

1.) check hub fluid
2.) check electrical connections
3.) check the armature plate...most likely is the problem.

 

Is there anything that needs to be adjusted? Whats up with the magnets in the front end? what do they do? do they need adjusting?

 

I had the same thing happen to me about a month ago.... I changed the hub fluid and flushed it, cleaning the magnet on the drain plug with each flush (3 in all) Man the mud and junk in there... Well after the change all was better, I would recommend the same. Its a easy step and chances are that your problem

 

Hub fluid is most likely your problem....

if you ride alot, change the fluids on a regular basis, more than yearly as polaris suggests.....people have a tendancy to change the engine oil and filter, but neglect the differentials....

 

Also try a search on these forums, this problem pops up here every few days. I still think that someone should make a nice sticky.

 

Well I guess the first thing will be the Hub fluid change.
Do these hubs ever break?
Do the magnets need adjustment?

 

As far as adjustment, the castle nut in there needs to be the right torque. I forgot what the correct torque was, maybe 12 inch pounds? Don't listen to that, its a guess. That needs to be torqued right or it won't engage/disengage properly.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I found the problem. I took it apart and the hub cluth was not in right and its destroyed. I will need a entire new one.

 

Glad you found the problem, but sorry you need to shell out some cash. When you get the pieces you need, make sure you get everything in there in the right order and you will be good to go!