Polaris Sportsman Touring 550 EPS 2012 User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

R
Regina FisherAug 13, 2025
What to do if my Polaris Offroad Vehicle engine turns over but fails to start?
- J
  jessicaclarkAug 13, 2025
  If your Polaris Offroad Vehicle engine turns over but fails to start, several factors could be responsible. The vehicle may be out of fuel, so refuel and cycle the key to the ON position three times for 5 seconds each before starting. Water may be present in the fuel, in which case you should drain the fuel system and refuel. Old or non-recommended fuel can also be the issue, so replace it with fresh, recommended fuel. Inspect the spark plugs for fouling or defects and replace them if necessary. Also, check for spark at the spark plug and verify that the stop switch is on. Low battery voltage can prevent starting, so recharge the battery to 12.8 VDC. If water or fuel is in the crankcase, immediately consult your POLARIS dealer. In the event of a mechanical failure, consult your dealer.
R
Ryan HarrisonAug 16, 2025
What should I do if my Polaris Sportsman Touring 550 EPS 2012 Offroad Vehicle engine doesn't turn over?
- M
  Michelle TaylorAug 17, 2025
  If your Polaris Offroad Vehicle engine doesn't turn over, it could be due to low battery voltage. Recharge the battery to 12.8 VDC. Also, check for loose battery connections and tighten them. Similarly, check for loose solenoid connections and tighten them as well.
J
Javier FrostAug 31, 2025
What causes my Polaris Sportsman Touring 550 EPS 2012 engine to backfire?
- J
  jessica46Sep 1, 2025
  If your Polaris Offroad Vehicle engine backfires, several factors could be responsible. A weak spark from the spark plug can cause backfiring, so inspect, clean, and/or replace the spark plug(s). An incorrect spark plug gap or heat range can also lead to backfiring, so set the gap to the correct specifications or replace the plugs. Old or non-recommended fuel can be a cause, so replace it with fresh, recommended fuel. For incorrectly installed spark plug wires, incorrect ignition timing, leaking exhaust components or mechanical failure, consult your dealer. Loose ignition connections can also contribute to backfiring, so check all connections and tighten them. If water is present in the fuel, replace it with fresh, recommended fuel.
L
Lauren NicholsonSep 4, 2025
How do I fix an overheating engine on my Polaris Offroad Vehicle?
- C
  Caitlin BradleySep 4, 2025
  If your Polaris Offroad Vehicle engine is overheating, it could be due to debris lodged in the screen. Clean the screen to resolve this issue. Another cause could be a plugged radiator. Use a garden hose to flush any debris from the radiator fins. Be careful when cleaning the radiator fins, as high-pressure washers can deform them and reduce cooling efficiency.
J
Joseph LopezSep 8, 2025
Why is my Polaris Sportsman Touring 550 EPS 2012 Offroad Vehicle engine pinging or knocking?
- E
  Eric JonesSep 8, 2025
  If your Polaris Offroad Vehicle engine pings or knocks, it could be due to poor quality or low octane fuel. Replace the fuel with the recommended fuel. For incorrect ignition timing, consult your dealer. Also, check for incorrect spark plug gap or heat range and set the gap to the correct specifications or replace the plugs.

Polaris Sportsman Touring 550 EPS 2012 Specifications

General

Brand	Polaris
Model	Sportsman Touring 550 EPS 2012
Category	Offroad Vehicle
Language	English

Summary

Introduction

Vehicle Identification Numbers

Information on VIN, engine serial, and key numbers for vehicle identification.

Safety

Safety Training

Importance and availability of ATV safety training courses.

Safe Riding Gear

Essential protective clothing and equipment for safe ATV operation.

Critical Safety Warnings

Vital warnings about age, instruction, alcohol, passengers, cargo, and critical operations.

Safety Labels and Locations

Identification and explanation of warning labels on the vehicle.

Features and Controls

Switches and Controls

Operation of headlights, engine stop, 4x4, override, and transmission selector switches.

Vehicle Operation Controls

How to use the throttle lever, brake lever, parking brake, and auxiliary foot brake.

Transmission and Drive Systems

Details on transmission, EPS, AWD, and ADC systems.

Instrument Cluster and Indicators

Overview of gauges, indicator lamps, and rider display functions.

Operation

Break-In Period and Pre-Ride Checks

Procedures for initial vehicle break-in and pre-ride inspections.

Safe Operation Practices

Fundamental safety guidelines for operating the ATV.

Driving Procedures

Step-by-step guides for general driving, turning, uphill, downhill, sidehill, and reverse operations.

Passenger and Load Handling

Guidelines for safely carrying passengers and hauling cargo.

Special Terrain and Conditions

Precautions for driving on slippery surfaces, through water, over obstacles, and on inclines.

Hauling Cargo

Safe practices for carrying cargo and towing loads.

Emission Control Systems

Noise Emission Control System

Regulations regarding engine noise and modifications.

Operation on Public Lands in the U.S.A.

Regulations for operating off-road vehicles on public lands.

Crankcase Emission Control System

System description for managing crankcase emissions.

Exhaust Emission Control System

How engine design controls exhaust emissions.

Electromagnetic Interference

Vehicle compliance with EMI standards.

Maintenance

Periodic Maintenance Chart

Schedule for regular checks, adjustments, and replacements based on usage.

Lubrication Guide

Recommended lubricants and procedures for various components.

Engine Oil Service

Procedures for checking, changing, and recommended oil.

Transmission and Gearcase Fluids

Maintenance for transmission, front, and rear gearcase fluids.

Brakes, Tires, and Alignment

Maintenance for brakes, tires, wheels, and toe alignment.

Filters, Fuses, Lights, and Spark Plugs

Service procedures for air filters, fuses, lights, and spark plugs.

System Maintenance

Procedures for vehicle immersion, spark arrester, PVT system, and battery service.

Chassis and Controls Adjustment

Adjustments for rear springs, handlebars, and throttle cable.

Cleaning and Storage

Guidelines for washing, polishing, and storing the ATV.

Troubleshooting

Drive Belt Issues

Common causes and solutions for drive belt wear or burn.

Engine Starting Problems

Troubleshooting for engines that won't turn over or fail to start.

Engine Performance Issues

Diagnosing and resolving pinging, stalling, misfires, and power loss.

Engine Overheating

Causes and solutions for engine overheating.

Specifications

SPORTSMAN 550 Touring Specifications

Technical details, measurements, and clutching for the 550 Touring model.

SPORTSMAN 850 Touring Specifications

Technical details, measurements, and clutching for the 850 Touring model.

Warranty

Limited Warranty and Registration

Details of the limited warranty, registration process, and coverage exclusions.

Obtaining Warranty Service

How to get warranty service, engine oil, spark arrester, and exported vehicle policies.

U.S.A. EPA Emissions Limited Warranty

Specific warranty coverage for emissions-related components.

Maintenance Log

Service Record

A log for recording vehicle service dates and performed work.

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