Polaris Sportsman 500 HO 2004 User Manual

Lists Polaris vehicle types like ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.

Lists UTVs, PTVs, and All-Surface Loaders.

Explains the importance of VIN and serial numbers for identification.

Explains the purpose and location of warning decals on the ATV.

Covers critical warnings for operation, hills, and age.

Details on tire pressure and weight capacity limits.

Warnings about guards and engine/clutch modifications.

Specifies maximum trailer and hitch capacities.

Details on essential protective clothing for ATV riding.

Covers age, vehicle knowledge, and training.

Explains the meaning of safety alert symbols and terms.

Lists key safe operating practices for the ATV.

Guidance on climbing, descending, and navigating obstacles.

Safety advice for water crossings and reverse driving.

Emphasizes proper training and age limits.

Explicitly states not to carry passengers.

Advises against operating on pavement.

Prohibits riding on streets and highways.

Details on helmets, eye protection, and clothing.

Warnings against impaired operation and excessive speed.

Discourages stunts and dangerous maneuvers.

Importance of checks and proper posture.

Advice for riding in new or unknown areas.

Cautionary advice for challenging surfaces.

Guidance on proper turning and avoiding steep inclines.

Best practices for ascending hills safely.

Safe techniques for descending hills.

Specific advice for sidehilling and turning on inclines.

Procedures for managing stalls or backward movement.

Tips for safely traversing obstacles and handling skids.

Precautions for water and reverse operation.

Importance of correct tires and warnings against modifications.

Warnings about cargo limits and operating on ice.

Advice on damaged vehicles, operator skills, and hot parts.

Description of start, stop, and override switches.

Operation and safety of the throttle control.

Operation of headlights.

How to use and check the brake lever.

Checking fluid levels and brake fluid care.

Setting the parking brake and important safeguards.

Function, operation, and fluid level.

Controls for starting and fuel management.

Shifting gears and lock-out mechanisms.

Tips to extend drive belt longevity.

Description and engagement of the AWD system.

Explanation of the dashboard display and its components.

Explains gear indicators, warning lights, and displays.

Describes Odometer, Tripmeter, Hour Meter, and Tachometer functions.

How to access and interpret diagnostic screens.

Precautions for handling gasoline safely.

Guidelines for breaking in a new ATV engine.

Essential checks before each ATV use.

Procedures for cold, warm, and cold weather starts.

How to load and distribute cargo safely.

Detailed safety advice for carrying and towing loads.

Proper posture and initial driving actions.

Techniques for smooth and safe turning.

Precautions for wet trails or loose gravel.

Safe practices for ascending inclines.

Guidelines for riding across slopes.

Safe techniques for descending hills.

Maneuver for turning on inclines.

Procedures and depth limits for water crossings.

Tips for navigating logs, rocks, and branches.

Precautions for backing up the ATV.

Safety measures for parking on slopes.

Prohibitions against tampering with the system.

Key and introduction to maintenance intervals.

Checklist for pre-ride inspections.

Weekly, monthly, and annual service items.

Specific maintenance tasks at different intervals.

Detailed maintenance intervals and tasks.

Chart for logging service history.

Key and table for lubrication points and intervals.

Detailed description of the recommended engine oil.

Procedure for checking oil level.

Recommended service intervals.

Step-by-step guide for oil change.

Step-by-step guide for oil change on different models.

Procedure for transmission oil.

Procedure for front gearcase oil.

Procedure for transmission oil on different models.

Procedure for front gearcase oil on different models.

Procedure for rear gearcase oil.

How to check and maintain coolant level.

Procedure for adding coolant to the radiator.

Recommended checks for brake system condition.

Pad wear, inspection, and auxiliary brake function.

Procedure to check and recommended alignment.

Inspecting for loose nuts and bolts.

Step-by-step guide to remove side panels.

Guidance on when to replace tires.

Steps for removing ATV wheels.

Steps for installing ATV wheels.

Torque values for wheel nuts.

Maintenance for air and breather filters.

Maintenance and replacement of headlights.

How to adjust headlight aim.

Steps to replace the headlight housing.

Procedures for replacing headlamps and taillights.

Information on spark plugs and their replacement.

Steps to take if the ATV is submerged.

Procedure for purging carbon from the spark arrestor.

How the PVT works and when to use ranges.

Steps to dry the PVT system after water ingestion.

Battery types and handling precautions.

Step-by-step guides for battery handling.

Tips for conventional batteries.

Initial charging and maintenance for sealed batteries.

Detailed instructions for charging sealed batteries.

Information on accessories and general cleaning.

Preparing ATV for storage.

Engine protection and final checks for storage.

Battery care, antifreeze, and transport advice.

Non-adjustable settings and rear spring tension.

Procedure for adjusting handlebar position.

How to adjust idle speed and altitude considerations.

Steps to set throttle cable play.

Common issues and solutions related to the drive belt.

Covers engine not turning over or failing to start.

Causes and solutions for engine knocking.

Addresses backfiring and stalling issues.

Solutions for power loss and overheating.

Catalog of Polaris parts and their numbers.

Key technical data for the Sportsman 400 model.

Data for carburetor jetting and clutch settings.

Key technical data for the Sportsman 500 model.

Data for carburetor jetting and clutch settings.

Key technical data for the Sportsman 600 model.

Data for carburetor jetting and clutch settings.

Key technical data for the Sportsman 700 model.

Data for carburetor jetting and clutch settings.

Duration and coverage of the limited warranty.

Limitations on warranty coverage and remedies.

Process and requirements for warranty service.

Specific items and conditions not covered by warranty.

Information on implied warranties and oil usage.

Coverage details for vehicles sold outside the country.

How to get service for specific situations.