Just took notice of this recently on my '98 Sportsman. On solid ice in AWD, I had the wheels spinning and the front left wheel wasn't turning. I tried in some different situations in the snow and had the same result. Both rears spin and the front right spins, but in all cases it seems the front left won't engage. Gunning the throttle in the snow to the point where the AWD kicks in causes the quad to pull hard to the left (as the right wheel gets power) so I know the front left isn't getting power.

Seeing as how I've never noticed before, SHOULD both front wheels be pulling and I have a problem with the left side engaging? Or does it act like an open differential on a car and only the side with less traction spins?

 

Change front hub fluid first,if still has problem,check grey and grey/white wire connections under front panel,could have disconnected. If still doesnt work may have to go into hub to check out,BUT yes the answer is both should be pulling when in awd mode and back tires slip 1/8 of a turn.

 

Thanks, that's along the lines of what I thought would be the issue.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: old polaris tech

Change front hub fluid first,if still has problem,check grey and grey/white wire connections under front panel,could have disconnected. If still doesnt work may have to go into hub to check out,BUT yes the answer is both should be pulling when in awd mode and back tires slip 1/8 of a turn.</end quote></div>


As always, GREAT advice from OPT. I just went through this with my machine, and it will almost for sure be one of those things... either the hub fluid is low or dirty, or it is a wiring problem. Take a look at this thread for a wiring diagram from a 95 Sportsman 4x4 and some related info... it might help a little.