I have a 1997 Sportsman 500 with about 1200 miles on it. Yesterday while plowing snow, I was in drive and it was only giving me so much power. It felt like it does when in reverse without the override button pushed. I pushed the override button while moving forward and it went back to normal speeds while holding in the button. It was almost like the bike had the gears confused. After jiggling the gear shifter a few times and shifting back and forth, the bike went back to normal. Shortly after this, I realized my AWD was out while in drive. I only had AWD while in reverse with the overide button pushed in. Shortly after that, the AWD went out completely. As of now, I have no AWD and when in reverse, the ATV rides as if the overide button is pushed in at all times (full power).

The only time I can get the AWD light to come on is when I hold the overide button and jiggle my gear shifter. It wont stay on for long, but a few seconds until I move or jiggle the shifter again. I checked the fluids in the differential and they are good. The speedo still works also. I am thinking it may be a connection problem with the AWD switch below the shifter, but the overide button has me confused also. Why would it only work when the overide button is pushed?? Any help would be great. Someone mentioned the transmission linkage, but I dont have a clue where to begin with that.

 

welcome to the forum. you could try looking at the switch thats on the tranny shifter to see if its bad. it's the switchthat tells the bike that it is in reverse wher you need the override to work the awd.

 

Is that switch in the black box under the gear shifter? (Number 15 on the diagram) The fwd and reverse linkage comes out of the same box. If not, do you know where that switch is located?

 

That switch would be my guess,plus Polaris changed its part# from
3233371 to 3233208 so maybe there is a improved version. $98 from these guys OEM motorcycle and ATV parts from Honda, Yamaha & Polaris – Cycle Parts Warehouse

Unless its just sticking and needs lubed and freeded up.