I put the whole unit on jackstands - much easier on my lawn

 

Are you pushing the reverse overide button in reverse? If you are not pushing the button then in will not be in AWD in that model. They have changed this on the XP's, now you use the reverse overide button to deactivate the speed limiter in reverse.

 

That or put it up on bolcks or a bike lift if you have one, get all four off the ground and double check. It's worth noting that Polaris documentation SUCKS. You''d think being an American company they'd be able to get the point across but the owners manual for my ATP CLEARLY lists two different kinds of fluid for the front gearcase. I don't know if Rainman is writing their owners manuals or what but they need to get their azz squared away in that regard.
Q

 

I have all four tires off the ground on jackstands, and I am pushing the OR button to check for AWD in reverse. I think I'm gonna drain it out again this weekend and fill it up to the threads of the fill hole and see if that does anything. Right now it has exactly 5 oz. in it and is over an inch below the fill hole threads.

 

Is the speedo showing R in reverse?

 

Speedo shows R for reverse, and readout flashes "slow" as soon as I push the OR button. Rear wheels turn perfectly in sync with the throttle, front tires don't budge. I appreciate all the suggestions.

 

Ok just drained fluid and added new up to threads of fill hole. Manual actually calls for both, says 5 oz. OR fill to 3/4 inch below the threads of the fill hole, it took just about 7 oz. to fill to the threads, Polaris really could use some improvement in their manuals. First couple attempts no AWD in reverse, then went from a slow roll in Low directly to reverse, and the right hand front started as soon as I hit the throttle, but no spin on left hand front wheel even when I try to start it by hand. Tried about 20 times and no left front, but right front goes into AWD as soon as the rears start turning. Well its a step in the right direction, maybe after some time actually running on the ground it'll come to life. At least I have as much 4 wheel drive right now as some of the other brands have at any time.

 

If I am not mistaken the AWD will not work in reverse unless you are using the reverse over ride button. I know this is the case with my 05 / 500 but not sure about the 700.

 

Yes that is correct, but I do use the override (OR) button when testing the AWD.