I have a 1998 sportsmen 500 that has a 4wd engagement problem. Very low miles, around 400.

When going in REVERSE, everything works perfect. 4wd light comes on when you push the override button and the 4wd selector button is pushed in. When the rear wheel slips, the front engage.

When going FORWARD, it doesn't work. When you push the 4wd selector button, nothing happens, the light will not come on.

Before it broke completely the 4wd selector light would go on and off while the selector button was pushed in. As long as the light was on, 4wd worked perfect, front would engage when rear slipped.

Any ideas. I use the ATV to plow my driveway and without 4wd it's useless.

If someone could briefly explain how the system works (sensors, electrical etc....) that would help. If I knew how the system worked I know I could fix it. I am very mechanical but don't have a clue how the system operates.

Are there any kind of fix it manuals for it?

Any help is much appreciated.

 

Sounds like the micro switch inside the gear selecter is not working. Test power in and power out in H,L, and R. Or take the switch out and see if the spring or a wire are breaken. Hope this helps.

 

if it works in reverse then heinz is right it was be in the gear seletor switch.

 

Can this switch be replaced or do you have to switch out the complete gear selector?

 

Yes you can replace just the switch.

 

Before you spend 60 bucks on a switch, try to push the gear selector lever and hold forward, you may just need a simple adjustment, or once i used a snowmobile clutch shim to bring the white plastic piece in the selector up and that cured my prob.