Kia Sportage

Jack up one front wheel and see if it turns by hand (in 4wd), if "locked" then so is the hub, do the same on the other side, should get the same result, make sure you are on level ground and handbrake on.
Shane

Mate,

This is not a go at you, but if you want a decent answer, ask a decent question.

What model is it?

Is your's constant or part-time 4wd?

Does it have manual or auto hubs

Under what conditions do you think it is not engaging 4wd?

Etc, etc...

This is a most friendly forum and you'll get good advice if you give people a chance to answer.

I hope this helps, and I stress it's not a dig at you.

Cheers,

Jim.

hi
it is a 2002 sportage with auto locking hubs, I cant give too much info on it as I am asking for my dad.
I heard the vacuum locking hubs have a lot of problems and since my dad got stuck in sand the other day I was wondering if this may have been the problem

I have a 2000 Sportage and it does not have vacuum operated hubs. They are automatic and have a torque engauging system. Don't know if your 2002 vehicle is the same.

KK

PerthStorm, the most common way to check that the 4WD system is working is to drive it onto a level but unsealed surface (ie. grass, gravel, dirt, etc.), engage 4WD (including locking hubs, etc.) and turn near full lock. Start driving slowly and once you've driven about 1 car length, push the clutch in (or select N in an auto). If 4WD is working, the car should stop immediately.
If this is inconclusive, keep driving slowly while still holding the steering at near fulllock. If 4WD is working, the inside rear wheel should be trying to turn faster than if it was just rolling along - on gravel you'll be able to hear it slipping (if you have the window down) or else get an observer to watch it.
Otherwise you could just get under the car (while it's stopped of course!) and see if you can rotate the front shafts (just inside the front wheels) by hand - if the hubs are unlocked, you should be able to turn the shafts by hand, but you won't be able to turn them if the hubs are locked.