the AWD system is automatic in that it drives front two wheels and only applies power( drive) to rear wheels when it 'senses' fornt wheel spin or slip. it supposed to be very quick and unobtrusive. only way I can think of testing it would be to have one wheel ( front) on a set or rollers and then apply power. if its just fornt wheel drive the wheel on teh rollers would simply spin freely ..so ideally it should aply power to rear two wheels and car should move forward, assuming you are in a forward gear of course.