Troubleshooting - Polaris Sportsman 450 Owner's Manual

TROUBLESHOOTING

Contact your Polaris dealer for service if you're unable to identify
solutions using the following charts.
Drive Belt and Cover Problems
Possible Cause
Driving onto a pickup or
tall trailer in high range
Starting out going up a
steep incline
Driving at low RPM or
low ground speed (at
approximately 3-7 MPH)
Insufficient warm-up of
ATVs exposed to low am-
bient temperatures
Slow/easy clutch engage-
ment
Towing/pushing at low
RPM/low ground speed
Utility use/plowing
Stuck in mud or snow
Climbing over large
objects from a stopped
position
Belt slippage from water
or snow ingestion into the
PVT system
Clutch malfunction
Poor engine performance
Slippage from failure to
warm up belt
Wrong or missing belt
Improper break-in
112
Shift transmission to low range during loading of the ATV
to prevent belt burning.
When starting out on an incline, use low range or dis-
mount the ATV (after first applying the park brake) and
perform the K-turn as described on page 58.
Drive at a higher speed or use low range more frequently.
The use of low range is highly recommended for cooler
PVT operating temperatures and longer component life.
Warm the engine at least 5 minutes. With the transmission
in neutral, advance the throttle to about 1/8 throttle in
short bursts, 5 to 7 times. The belt will become more flex-
ible and prevent belt burning.
Use the throttle quickly and effectively.
Use low range only.
Use low range only.
Shift the transmission to low range, and carefully use fast,
aggressive throttle application to engage clutch.
WARNING: Excessive throttle may cause loss of control
and vehicle overturn.
Shift the transmission to low range and carefully use fast,
brief, aggressive throttle application to engage clutch.
WARNING: Excessive throttle may cause loss of control
and vehicle overturn.
Shift the transmission to neutral. Using the throttle, vary
the engine RPM from idle to full throttle. Repeat several
times as required. During this procedure, the throttle
should not be held at the full position for more than 10
seconds. Clutch seals should be inspected for damage if
repeated leaking occurs.
See your Polaris dealer.
Check for fouled plugs or foreign material in gas tank,
fuel lines, or carburetor. See your dealer.
Always warm up the belt by operating below 30 mph for
one mile (5 miles or more when temperature is below
freezing).
Always use the recommended belt.
Always break in a new belt and/or clutch by avoiding
aggressive or high speed operation during the first two full
tanks of fuel.
Solution