Polaris 2014 Sportsman 550 EPS User Manual

PMS 419
Read this manual carefully. It contains important safety information.
This is an adult vehicle only.
Operation is prohibited for those under 16 years of age.
Owner's Manual
for Maintenance and Safety
Sportsman 550 EPS
Sportsman XP 850 H.O.
Sportsman XP 850 H.O. EPS

Polaris 2014 Sportsman 550 EPS Specifications

General

Brand	Polaris
Model	2014 Sportsman 550 EPS
Category	Offroad Vehicle
Language	English

Summary

Polaris Owner's Manual Introduction

Safety Information and Vehicle Type

Manual contains safety information. Vehicle is for adult use only, prohibited for under 16.

Introduction to Safety Signal Words

Understanding Signal Words and Symbols

Familiarize yourself with signal words (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, NOTICE) and symbols.

General Safety Precautions

ATV Safety Training Importance

Polaris strongly encourages ATV safety training courses for all riders.

Safe Riding Gear Recommendations

Helmet and Eye Protection

Always wear an approved helmet and shatterproof eye protection.

Key Safety Warnings for ATV Operation

Operating Without Proper Instruction

Operating without instruction increases accident risk. Seek training.

Age and Skill Restrictions

Vehicle is for adults only. Operation by under 16s or those lacking skills is prohibited.

Pre-Operation Inspection

Failure to inspect before use increases accident risk. Always inspect.

Handling Gasoline and Exhaust Fumes

Gasoline Safety Precautions

Gasoline is flammable. Exercise caution, refuel in ventilated areas, no smoking.

Engine Exhaust Hazards

Exhaust fumes are poisonous. Never run engine in enclosed areas.

Operation Safety Warnings

Carrying Passengers Prohibited

Never carry a passenger; it reduces operator balance and control.

Operating on Pavement and Public Roads

Operating at Excessive Speeds

Vehicle Control and Maneuvering Safety

Physical Control of the ATV

Keep hands on handlebars and feet on footrests for optimal control.

Turning and Stunt Safety

Hill Climbing Safety

Terrain and Condition Specific Safety

Descending Hills Safely

Descend hills in forward gear, check terrain, shift weight rearward.

Crossing Hillsides

Operation in Challenging Conditions

Stalling and Rolling on Hills

Proper procedures for stalling on hills to prevent overturn.

Operating on Steep Hills

Never operate on hills too steep for ATV or rider abilities (max 25 degrees).

Terrain and Maintenance Safety

Operating in Unfamiliar or Slippery Terrain

Use extra caution on unfamiliar or slippery terrain to avoid accidents.

Improper Tire Maintenance

Use correct tires and maintain proper pressure for safe operation.

Specific Operation Hazards

Operating Over Obstacles

Check for obstacles, travel slowly, avoid large obstacles.

Operating Through Deep Water

Avoid deep/fast water. If unavoidable, proceed slowly and balance weight.

Cargo and Load Safety

Improper Cargo Loading

Never exceed weight capacity, secure loads, reduce speed with cargo.

Operating on Frozen Bodies of Water

Vehicle Condition and Operation Safety

Operating a Damaged ATV

Inspect vehicle after damage. Seek dealer service for repairs.

Unauthorized Use Prevention

Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is not in use.

Understanding Safety Labels

General Warning Label

Key warnings: use gear, no public roads, no passengers, no drugs/alcohol.

Specific Vehicle Labels and Warnings

Discretionary and Age 16 Warnings

Warnings for hills, reverse operation, and age restrictions.

Reverse Override and 4X4 Caution

Vehicle Load and Component Labels

"No Passenger" and Tire Pressure Warnings

Warnings against carrying passengers and for tire pressure/load limits.

Rack and Hitch Capacity Labels

Vehicle Controls and Switches

Mode/Reverse Override and 4X4 Switches

Controls for vehicle mode selection and 4-wheel drive engagement.

Transmission and Throttle Controls

Automatic Transmission Gear Selector

Throttle Lever Operation

Controls engine speed. Features throttle release switch for safety.

Braking System Components

Hand Brake Lever Operation

Single lever activates front and rear hydraulic disc brakes.

Parking Brake Locking Mechanism

Brake Fluid and Auxiliary Brake

Master Cylinder and Brake Fluid Level

Check fluid level, maintain proper level, use DOT 4 fluid.

Auxiliary Foot Brake System

All Wheel Drive System Operation

ADC 4X4 Mode

Allows engine braking on all wheels when descending hills.

4X4 and 2X4 Modes

Engaging and Disengaging AWD Features

Engaging 4X4 System

Engage 4X4 before conditions require it; avoid engaging while wheels spin.

Active Descent Control (ADC) System

Provides engine braking on hills; engage in ADC 4X4 mode.

Instrument Cluster Advanced Functions

Diagnostic Display Mode and Error Codes

View error codes for EFI-related faults and system diagnostics.

Lubrication Guide and Specifications

Lubrication Chart and Intervals

Engine Oil and Filter Change Procedure

Step-by-step guide for changing engine oil and filter.

Transmission and Gearcase Fluid Maintenance

Transmission Oil Check and Change

Procedure for checking and changing transmission oil.

Front Gearcase (Demand Drive) Fluid

Active Descent Control (ADC) Fluid

ADC Fluid Check and Reservoir

Check fluid level in ADC reservoir, maintain between marks.

ADC Fluid Change Procedure

Rear Gearcase Oil Maintenance

Rear Gearcase Oil Check

Rear Gearcase Oil Change

Air Filter and Fuse Maintenance

Air Filter Cleaning and Replacement

Fuse Replacement Procedure

Battery Maintenance and Storage

Battery Removal and Installation

Battery Charging and Storage

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Drive Belt Wear or Burn Causes

Engine Starting and Running Problems

Engine Performance Troubleshooting

Engine Pings, Knocks, and Misfires

Engine Stops or Loses Power

Polaris Limited Warranty

Warranty Registration Requirements

Warranty Exclusions and Limitations