This manual is designed primarily for use by Polaris ATV service technicians in a properly equipped shop.
Persons usingthis manual should have asound knowledge of mechanical theory,tool use, and shop procedures in order to perform the work safely and correctly. The technician should read the text and be familiar
with service procedures before starting the work. Certain procedures require the use of special tools. Use
onlythepropertools, as specified. Cleanlinessofparts andtools aswellastheworkareaisofprimaryimportance.
Allreferences to left andrightsideof the vehicle are from theoperator’sperspective when seated in a normal
riding position.
This manualincludesprocedures for maintenance operations, component identificationandunitrepair,along
with service specifications for the 2003 Polaris Sportsman ATVs. A table of contents is placed at the
beginningofeachchapter,andanalphabeticindexisprovidedattheendofthemanual for location ofspecific
page numbers and service information. Keep this manual available for reference in the shop area.
At the time of publication all information contained in this manual was technically correct. However, all
materials and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Comments or suggestions about this manual may be directed to: Polaris Sales Inc., Service Publications
Department, 2100 Hwy 55 Medina, Minnesota 55340.
2003 Sportsman 400/500 ATV Service Manual (PN 9918065)
ECopyright 2002 Polaris Sales Inc. All information contained within this publication is based on the latest product information at the
time of publication. Due to constant improcvements in the design and quality of production components, some minor descrepancies
may result between the actual vehicle and the information presented in this publication. Depictions and/or procedures in this
publication are intended for reference use only. No liability can be accepted for ommisions or inaccuracies. Any reprinting or reuse of
the depictions and/or procedures contained within, whether whole or in part, is expressly prohibited. Printed in U.S.A.
UNDERSTANDING SAFETY LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS
Throughout these instructions, important information is brought to your attention by the following symbols:
The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
DANGER
Failure to follow DANGER instructionswillresult in severeinjury ordeathtothe operator,bystander orperson
inspecting or servicing the ATV.
WARNING
Failure to follow WARNING instructions could result in severe injury or death to the operator, bystander or
person inspecting or servicing the ATV.
CAUTION:
A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid personal injury, or ATV or property
damage.
NOTE:
A NOTE provides key information to clarify instructions.
Trademarks
Polaris acknowledges the following products mentioned in this manual:
FLEXLOC, Registered Trademark of SPS Technologies
Loctite, Registered Trademark of the Loctite Corporation
STA-BIL, Registered Trademark of Gold Eagle
FOX, Registered Trademark of Fox Shox
Nyogel, Trademark of Wm. F. Nye Co.
Fluke, Registered Trademark of John Fluke Mfg. Co.
Mity Vac, Registered Trademark of Neward Enterprises, Inc.
Ammco, Registered Trademark of Ammco Tools, Inc.
Torx, Registered Trademark of Textron
Hilliard, Trademark of the Hilliard Corporation
Glossary of Terms1.16-1.17........................
TION
1
1.1
GENERAL INFORMATION
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
The machine model number must be used with any correspondence regarding warranty or service.
Machine Model Number Identification
A 03 CH 50 AA
Emissions &
Year Designation
Basic Chassis
DesignationEngine Designation
Model Option
ENGINE DESIGNATION NUMBERS
42 EH42PLE05Single, L/C, SOHC 4 Stroke, Electric Start............
50 EH50PLE13Single, L/C, SOHC 4 Stroke, Electric Start............
VIN IDENTIFICATION
World Mfg. ID
123456789 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17
4XACH
Body Style
Vehicle Descriptor
50A*2P000 000
Engine
Powertrain
Emissions
Check Digit
Model
Year
Plant No.
Vehicle Identifier
Individual Serial No.
* This could be either
a number or a letter
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION
Whenever corresponding about anengine, besure to refer to the engine model numberand serialnumber. This
information can be found on the sticker appliedto the recoil housing on the right side of engine.(A) An additional
number is stamped on the center top of crankcase beneath the cylinder coolant elbow.
MACHINE MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION
Themachine modelnumber andserial numberare
important for vehicle identification. The machine
serial number is stamped on the lower left side of
the frame tube.(B)
A
TRANSMISSION I.D. NUMBER
LOCA
TION
The transmission I.D. number is located
on top of the transmission snorkel, right
side of machine.
1.2
Front
B
MACHINE DIMENSIONS
SPORTSMAN 400/500
GENERAL INFORMATION
47 in
114 cm
46 in
117 cm
400 --
500 --
11 in
28 cm
46 in
117 cm
81 in
205.7 cm
85 in
216 cm
51 in
128 cm
51 in
129.5 cm
1.3
GENERAL INFORMATION
ltitude
Below40
F
+40
Fan
dabov
e
Meter
s
0-180
0
(Feet
)
Above1800
Altitud
e
Meter
s
0-180
0
(Feet
)
180
0-370
0
MODEL:SPORTSMAN 400..........
MODEL NUMBER:A03CH42.
ENGINE MODEL:EH42PLE05..
CARBURETION
TypeBST 34 Mikuni................
Main Jet167.5............
Pilot Jet40.............
Jet Needle4GAC33--3...........
Needle JetQ-0 (829)...........
Throttle Valve#100........
Pilot Screw2 3/4 Turns Out..........
Pilot Air Jet160..........
Valve Seat1.5...........
Float Height13.0mm (.51I)±1mm.........
Fuel Octane (R+M/2)87 Non-Oxygenated or.
89 Oxygenated
CLUTCH
TypePVT....................
Belt3211069.....................
Belt Width (Projected)1.188I (30.18mm).....
Side Angle (Overall)26°......
Outside Circumference40.86 ±.12I....
Center Distance10±.12I (254.5mm)..........
Clutch Offset0.5I (12.7mm)............
Secondary SpringBlack........
Driven Helix44-36°.............
Spring Position (Helix)2....
Spring Position (Sheave)2..
JETTING CHART
Altitude
Meters
(Feet)
0-1800
(0-6000)
Above 1800
Above (6000)
CLUTCH CHART
A
Meters
(Feet)
0-1800
(0-6000)
1800-3700
(6000-12000)
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
Below 40°F
Below +5°C
175167.5
165160
Shift
WeightSpringSpringHelix
10BHBlue/GreenBlack2+2
16Blue/GreenBlack2+2
+40_F and above
+5_C and above
Clutch
Driven Cluthc
Driven
ENGINE
Type4 Cycle, Single Cyl........................
Displacement425 cc...............
Bore3.461I (87.9mm).......................
Stroke2.756I (70mm).....................
Valve Clearance In/Ex0.006/0.006I@ TDC on compression.......
Replacement keys can be made from the original
key. To identify which series the key is, take the
first two digits on the original key and refer to the
chart to the right for the proper part number.
The following torque specifications are to be used as a general guideline. There are exceptions in the steering,
suspension, and engine areas. Always consult the exploded views in each manual section for torque values of
fasteners before using standard torque.
Tap SizeDrill SizeDecimal EquivalentNearest Fraction
3 x .50
3 x .60
4 x .70
4 x .75
5 x .80
5 x .90
6 x 1.00
7 x 1.00
8 x 1.00
8 x 1.25
9 x 1.00
9 x 1.25
10 x 1.25
10 x 1.50
11 x 1.50
12 x 1.50
12 x 1.75
ABDC: After bottom dead center.
ACV: Alternating current voltage.
Alternator: Electrical generator producing voltage alternating current.
ATDC: After top dead center.
BBDC: Before bottom dead center.
BDC: Bottom dead center.
BTDC: Before top dead center.
CC: Cubic centimeters.
Center Distance: Distance between center of crankshaft and center of driven clutch shaft.
Chain Pitch: Distance between chain link pins (No. 35 = 3/8² or 1 cm). Polaris measures chain length in number of
pitches.
CI: Cubic inches.
Clutch Buttons: Plastic bushings which transmit rotation of the clutch to the movable sheave in thedrive and driven
face.
Clutch Weights: Threelevers in the drive clutch which relative to their weight, profile and engine RPM causethe drive
clutch to close.
Condenser/Capacitor: A storage reservoir for DC voltage.
Crankshaft Run-Out: Run-out or “bend” of crankshaft measured with a dial indicator while crankshaft is supported
between centers on V blocks or resting in crankcase. Measure at various points especially at PTO.
DCV: Direct current voltage.
Dial Bore Gauge: A cylinder measuring instrument which uses a dial indicator. Good for showing taper and
out-of-round in the cylinder bore.
Electrical Open: Open circuit. An electrical circuit which isn’t complete.
Electrical Short: Short circuit. An electrical circuit which is completed before the current reaches the intended load.
(i.e. a bare wire touching the chassis).
End Seals: Rubber seals at each end of the crankshaft.
Engagement RPM: Engine RPM at which the drive clutch engages to make contact with the drive belt.
ft.: Foot/feet.
Foot Pound: Ft. lb. A force of one pound at the end of a lever one foot in length, applied in a rotational direction.
g: Gram. Unit of weight in the metric system.
gal.: Gallon.
HP: Horsepower.
ID: Inside diameter.
in.: Inch/inches.
Inch Pound: In. lb. 12 in. lbs. = 1 ft. lb.
kg/cm2: Kilograms per square centimeter.
kg-m: Kilogram meters.
Kilogram/meter: A force of one kilogram at the end of a lever one meter in length, applied in a rotational direction.
l or ltr: Liter.
lbs/in2: Pounds per square inch.
Left Side: Always referred to based on normal operating position of the driver.
1.13
GENERAL INFORMATION
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
m: Meter/meters.
Mag: Magneto.
Magnetic Induction: As a conductor (coil) is moved through a magnetic field, a voltage will be generated in the
windings. Mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy in the stator.
mi.: Mile/miles.
mm: Millimeter. Unit of length in the metric system. 1mm = approximately .040².
Nm: Newton meters.
OD: Outside diameter.
Ohm: The unit of electrical resistance opposing current flow.
oz.: Ounce/ounces.
Piston Clearance: Total distance between piston and cylinder wall.
psi.: Pounds per square inch.
PTO: Power take off.
PVT: Polaris Variable Transmission (Drive Clutch System)
qt.: Quart/quarts.
Regulator: Voltage regulator. Regulates battery charging system output at approx. 14.5 DCV as engine RPM
increases.
Reservoir Tank: The fill tank in the liquid cooling system.
Resistance: Inthemechanicalsense,friction or load. Intheelectricalsense, ohms. Bothresult inenergyconversionto
heat.
Right Side: Always referred to based on normal operating position of the driver.
RPM: Revolutions per minute.
Secondary Clutch: Driven clutch on chaincase or jackshaft.
SeizedPiston: Gallingofthesidesof a piston. Usuallythere is atransfer ofaluminumfrom the pistononto thecylinder
Stator Plate: The plate mounted under the flywheel supporting the battery charging coils.
TDC: Top dead center. Piston’s most outward travel from crankshaft.
Volt: The unit of measure for electrical pressure of electromotive force. Measured by a voltmeter in parallel with the
circuit.
Watt: Unit of electrical power. Watts = amperes x volts.
WOT: Wide open throttle.
1.14
CHAPTER 2
MAINTENANCE
Periodic Maintenance Chart2.2-2.3...............
Pre-Ride Inspection2.3......................
Recommended Lubricants and Capacities2.4...
Lubricant and Maintenance Product Numbers 2.5
Special Tools2.6--2.7............................
Lubrication Charts2.7-2.8........................
Transmission Lubrication2.9..................
Front Gearcase Lubrication2.9--2.10................
Steering and Toe Alignment2.24-2.26...............
Front Hub Maintenance2.26--2.27...................
Exhaust System Maintenance2.27--2.28.............
Brake System Service2.28-2.29....................
Suspension Service2.29......................
Controls2.29.................................
Wheel Removal/Installation2.30................
Tire Inspection2.31...........................
2.1
MAINTENANCE
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
CHART
Inspection, adjustment and lubrication intervals of important components is listed in the following chart.
Maintenance intervals are based upon average riding conditions and a vehicle speed of approximately 10 mph.
Inspect, clean, lubricate, adjust or replace parts as necessary. NOTE: Inspection may reveal the need for
replacement parts. Always use genuine Polaris parts.
HCAUTION: Due to the nature of these adjustments, it is recommended that service be performed by
an authorized Polaris dealer.
"Vehicles subjected to severe use(operation in wet or dusty areas, low speed heavy load operation,
prolonged idle) should be inspected and serviced more frequently. For engine oil, short trip cold
weather riding also constitutes severe use. Pay special attention tooil level. A rise in oil level in cold weather
can indicate moisture collecting in the oil tank (500). Change oil immediately if oil level begins to rise.
EEmission Control System Service (California).
Frequency
(Whichever comes first)
ItemHoursCalendarMiles
(Km)
Engine Oil - Level/Change100 hrs6 months1000 (1600)Check Level Daily; Break In service at 1 month
E"
Oil Filter100 hrs6 months1000 (1600)Replace with oil change
E
Air Filter - Foam Pre-CleanerDailyDailyInspect-Clean & oil more often in dirty conditions.
E"
Air Filter - Main ElementWeeklyWeeklyInspect - Replace if necessary
E"
"Air Box Sediment Tube-DailyDrain deposits whenever visible
"Engine Breather Filter20 hrsMonthly200 (320)Inspect and replace if necessary
"Oil Tank Vent Hose100 hrs12 months1000 (1600)Inspect hose routing /hose condition
Perform the following pre-ride inspection daily, and when servicing the vehicle at each scheduled maintenance.
STires - check condition and pressures
SFuel and oil tanks - fill both tanks to their proper level; Do not overfill oil tank
SAll brakes - check operation and adjustment (includes auxiliary brake)
SThrottle - check for free operation and closing
SHeadlight/Taillight/Brakelight - check operation of all indicator lights and switches
SEngine stop switch - check for proper function
SWheels - check for tightness of wheel nuts and axle nuts; check to be sure axle nuts are
secured by cotter pins
SAir cleaner element - check for dirt; clean or replace
SSteering - check for free operation noting any unusual looseness in any area
SLoose parts - visually inspect vehicle for any damaged or loose nuts, bolts or fasteners
SEngine coolant - check for proper level at the recovery bottle
2.3
MAINTENANCE
RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS - QUICK REFERENCE
LUBRICANTS AND MAINTENANCE PRODUCT PART NUMBERS ARE LISTED ON PAGE 2.5
Item
Engine OilPolaris Premium 4
Synthetic, 0W--40 (PN
2871567)
TransmissionPolaris Synthetic Gear
Case Lubricant (PN
2871478)
Front Gear CasePremium Front Gearcase
Fluid (PN2871653) or GL5
80-90 Gear Lube
Gear Shift Selector
Box
Coolant LevelPolaris Premium 60/40
Front HubsPremium Demand Drive
Brake FluidPolaris DOT 3 Brake Fluid
Polaris 0W--40 Synthetic
Engine Lubricant (PN
2871281)
Pre-mixed Antifreeze/
Coolant (PN 2871323) or
a 50/50 mixture high quality antifreeze/coolant and
distilled water
Hub Fluid (PN 2871654)
(PN 2870990)
TypeNotesSee
Pages
Add to proper level on dipstick.2.21--2.22
Refer to procedures outlined later in this
chapter.
Refer to procedures outlined later in this
chapter.
Oil in selector box should be at the center
line of the shift selector plungers. Do not
overfill or the selector may hydro-lock.
Fill reservoir tank to full line. Add if necessary. If reservoir was empty or extremely
low, allow engine and cooling system to
cool completely and check level in radiator. Fill to top of filler neck.
Fill hub at 4:00 or 8:00 position until fluid
trickles out. Do not force fluid into hub.
More often under severe conditions (operating in water or hauling heavy loads)
¢ Grease conforming to NLGI No. 2, such as Polaris Premium All Season Grease, Conoco Superlube M or
Mobilegrease Special
Transmission Dipstick
Dipstick
Filter
1. Engine Oil and Filter
Master Cylinder
Reservoir
3. Brake Fluid (Left hand Master Cylinder)
Full
OperatingRange
2. Transmission
Fill Plug
4. Front Gear Case Fill Plug
2.7
MAINTENANCE
LUBRICATION, CONT.
6. Front Drive
AxleU-Joint
5. Demand 4 Hubs
7. Front Prop Shaft
U-Joint
Ill.
#
ItemLube RequiredMethodFrequency*
5Demand 4 Hubs
- All Wheel Drive
6Front Drive Axle
“U” Joints
7U-Joints - Front
Prop Shaft
8Propshaft Yoke
8. Propshaft Yoke
(3 pumps max.)
Polaris Demand
Drive Hub Fluid (PN
2871654)
Polaris U-Joint
Grease¢(PN
2871551)
Premium U-Joint
Grease ¢
(PN 2871551)
Premium U-Joint
Grease ¢
(PN 2871551)
Remove filler hole screw in hubs. Rotate wheels to
4 or 8 O’clockposition. If lubricantis not visible add
until it flows from fillerhole. Reinstall screw.
2. Place a drain pan beneath the transmission oil
drain plug area.
3. Remove thedrain plugandwipethemagneticend
clean to remove accumulated metallic filings.
4. After the oil has drained completely, install a new
sealing washer and install the drain plug. Torque
to 14 ft. lbs. (19 Nm).
5. Add the properlubricant through the dipstick hole
until the oil level is between the upper and lower
limits. Do not overfill.
6. Check for leaks.
7. Reinstall skid plate if removed in Step 1.
FRONT GEARCASE
LUBRICA
The gearcase lubricant level should be checked and
changedinaccordancewiththemaintenance
schedule.
SBesurevehicleislevelbefore proceeding.
SCheck vent hose to be sure it is routed
properly and unobstructed.
SThe correct gearcase lubricant to use is
Polaris Premium GL5 80-90 Gear Lube
(PN 2871653)
FRONT GEARCASE SPECIFICATIONS
Specified Lubricant:
Polaris Front Gearcase Lube (PN
2871653)
Capacity:
(120ml.)
TION
...Or API GL5 80-90 Gearlube
4.0 Oz............
Full
To check the level:
1. Remove dipstick and wipe clean.
2. Reinstall dipstick completely, remove and check
the level. Add the proper lubricant as required to
bring level into operating range as shown.
Operating
Range
Drain Plug / Fill Plug Torque:
14 ft. lbs. (19.4 Nm)
To check the level:
1. The front gearcase lubricant level
checked
The gearcase must be drained and re-filled with
the proper amount of lubricant.Refer to
procedure below.
To change lubricant:
1. Remove gearcase drain plug located on the
bottom and drain oil. Catch and discard used oil
properly.
with a dipstick or by visual reference.
cannot be
2.9
MAINTENANCE
2. Clean and reinstall drain plug using a newsealing
washer.
3. Remove fill plug.
4. Add proper amount of lubricant.
5. Install fill plug. Check for leaks.
Make sure vent
is unobstructed
Fill plug
Drain Plug
Drain plug
TRANSMISSION GEARSHIFT
LINKAGE
PRELIMINARY
ADJUSTMENT,
INSPECTION
SHIFT LINKAGE
ADJUSTMENT
Linkage rod adjustment is necessary when
symptoms include:
SNo All Wheel Drive light
SNoise on deceleration
SInability to engage a gear
SExcessive gear clash (noise)
SShift selectors moving out ofdesired
range
NOTE: When adjusting linkage, always adjust both
linkage rods. The adjustment of one rod can prevent
proper adjustment of the other rod.Remove
necessary components to gain access to shift linkage
rodends (i.e.exhaust heat shield, exhaust pipe,etc.).
Low Range
Jam Nut
Gear Selector
Slides
Jam
Nut
Linkage rod will rotate
1/8 -1/4 turn if rod ends
are tightened properly.
Parallel
Correctly Tightened
Jam Nut
SIfshifting problems are encountered,
the transmission linkage can be
adjusted.
STightenshiftlinkage rodend jam nuts
properly after adjustment.You
should be able to rotate the linkage
rod between 1/8 and 1/4 turn after
both jam nuts are tight.
SThetransmissionshiftlinkage
should be periodically inspected for
wear and parts replaced as required
to remove excess play from shift
linkage.
SRefer to Transmission chapter for
more information.
Incorrectly Tightened
Jam Nut
NOTE: Rod end orientation, rod ends are
both down.
Ill. 1
1. Inspect shift linkage tie rod ends, clevis pins, and
pivot bushings and replace if worn or damaged.
Lubricate the tie rod ends with a light aerosol
lubricant or grease.
2. Loosen all rod end adjuster jam nuts see Ill. 1.
3. Note orientation of tie rod end studs with stud up
or down.Remove both rod end studs from
transmission bell cranks.
4. Be sure idle speed is adjusted properly.
both
NOTE: It is important to disconnect
from the transmission bell cranks. If one linkage rod
is incorrectly adjusted, it can affect the adjustment of
the other rod.
5. Place gear selector in neutral. Make sure the
transmission bell cranks are engaged in the
rod ends
2.10
MAINTENANCE
neutral position detents.
Adjust to align linkage rod end studs
with holes in bellcrank(s).
35 in. lbs.
(4 Nm)
35 in. lbs.
(4 Nm)
Ill. 2
6. Be sure the shift linkage rod ends are firmly
attached to the gear selector slides. Adjust the
low range (inside) rod so the rod end is centered
onthe transmission bellcrank. Install the lock nut
to the rod end and torque to 35 in. lbs. (4 Nm).
S Rotate rod both directions to
find points where resistance
is felt.
S Center the rod between the
Place
mark
on rod
points.
S Hold rod end parallel to
mounting surface and
tighten jam nut.
Parallel
tightened, the rod should rotate freely 1/4 turn
without binding.
11. Repeat Steps 7-10 for the High/Reverse rod.
THROTTLE INSPECTION
Check for smooth throttle opening and closing in all
handlebar positions. Throttle lever operation should
be smooth and lever must return freely without
binding.
1. Place the gear selector in neutral.
2. Set parking brake.
3. Start the engine and let it idle.
4. Turn handlebars from full right to full left. If idle
speed increases at anypoint inthe turningrange,
inspect throttle cable routing and condition.
Adjust cable tension as needed until lock--to--lock
turning can be accomplished with no rise in
engine rpm.
5. Replace the throttle cable if worn, kinked, or
damaged.
3
6
2
1
565
4
Ill. 3
7. Rotate the linkage rod clockwise until resistance
is felt. Mark the rod so revolutions can be easily
counted. See Ill. 3 at right.
8. Rotate the linkage rod counterclockwise until the
same resistance is felt, counting the revolutions
as the rod is turned.
9. Turn the rod clockwise again one half of the
revolutions counted in Step 9.
10. Tighten the rod end jam nuts securely while
holding the rod end.The jam nuts must be
tightened with both front and rear rod ends
parallel to each other. If jam nuts are properly
ETC Cover
Ill. 1
To remove the ETC cover:
1. Use a medium flat blade screwdriver and insert
blade into the pocket of the cover starting on the
#1 position.
2. Twist screwdriver slightlywhile liftingon the cover
to release snap.
3. Repeat procedure at the other five locations as
shown.
NOTE: Do not attempt to remove cover until all
latch points are released.
Removal Sequence
2.11
Loading...
+ 244 hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.