My 2004.5 500 Sportsman won't idle now. The temp has been low, could that be the problem. I'm new to ATVing and Polaris machines. Is this cause for concern?

 

Probably running a bit lean due to the cold air - try adjusting the idle up and see if that helps, if not you'll need to adjust the idle mixture screw.

 

Hello 1der. You might want to check your owners manual. My owners maual for my quad says that the jetting needs to be changed when it is operated below 40 degrees F. It also says how to properly richen the idle mixture when temperatures drop. Hope this helps.
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Thanks I'll try that tomorrow.

 

I found last winter (at lease here in the midwest at 582Ft above sea level) as the temp drops below 30Deg F, i have to increase the idle screw to hold idle and once the temp climbs again in the spring i have to turn down the idle.

 

hello,

you might want to check the throttle cable play adjustment. if this is loose, (more than 1/8" play), it can cause it to die. i'm assuming from your post that you can get it to idle with a slight amount of throttle? also, after check the throttle cable play, check your idle screw at the carb, but adjust the t-cable play 1st.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll give that a try. Last time I rode the bike the throttle seen a little of.

 

a Sportsman500 in the cold needs a little more gentle warm up time. play with that choke while feathering the throttle until the ATV has warmed-up. then kill the choke and you are ready to go.

i don't know of any SP500 that needs to be re-jetted for winter. no way.

your ETC could be out of adjustment or like others have stated the idle a tad low.

i have found the Sp500 to be VERY cold weather friendly ATVs.

-MT

 

Thanks for the reply. I adjusted the throtle linkage yesterday. Went out and rode it like I just stole it. Ran just like before- great. Don't ya just love your Polaris. Again, to everone, Thanks for the help. 1der

 

i don't know of any SP500 that needs to be re-jetted for winter. no way.

your ETC could be out of adjustment or like others have stated the idle a tad low.

i have found the Sp500 to be VERY cold weather friendly ATVs.

-MT[/quote]
i dropped my main 2 sizes from stock and never jetted up for winter the only problem i have is when i first start it hesatates until it warms up so if i need to i pull the choke on abit
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