05 Sportsman 500.

When I went to start my atv the battery was almost dead so I used the pull start and she fired right up. It was idling fine and I went to give it some gas and it seemed as soon as I hit about 2600 rpms it would just stall out. I started it again wth the same results.

I have enough fluids in it.

After trying this several times I was able to get it to stay running for about 20 sec and was able to drive it out of the garage but after riding for about 20 sec it would just stall out. I would have to turn off the key and turn it back on to get it to start with the pull start. Then I could ride for about 20 more sec and it would stall.

During the many restarts I got a few loud backfires.

I had the warranty work (ECM) done back in Jan of 08 and I took it on a few long trips since then. I also hooked up a winch and used it with a plow a few times over the winter. Except for some yardwork I havent used it much this summer.
I'm guessing the problem is electrical cause when it runs it sounds fine. And it stalls it just dies, I can recover mid-stall if I switch the kill switch off then on but the recovery is only for a few secondsbefore it stalls again.

I dont know what could be causing this problem but Im guessing it probably has something to do with the winch I installed (I installed it back in late Feburary 08) So It has been ridden a bunch since then but no long distance rides.

Anyone got any ideas or can point me in the right direction? Thanks,

Does anyone have any idea what this could be?

 

Have you checked your spark plug? When was the last time you drove it, you said the battery was almost dead so I am assuming that it sat for awhile.

 

This may sound like a stupid question but whereabouts is the spark plug and how do I access it?

 

First things first,check battery connections,check charging about 13-5 to 14 volts above 3000 rpm, have load test on battery done,replace if fails. If sitting up with no battery tender battery can sulfate quickly and wont hold a charge. Check etc throttle slack 1/8" max(adjuster on cable) Spark plug located behind right side panel,deep set into head (dont damage removing) If battery was almost dead as you said, could be source of problems. Plus how old is battery? 3 years average life if maintained properly,some get more,some less. Also not a bad idea to recheck the ecm connections,especially the yellow 3 wire plug.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: old polaris tech

First things first,check battery connections,check charging about 13-5 to 14 volts above 3000 rpm, have load test on battery done,replace if fails. If sitting up with no battery tender battery can sulfate quickly and wont hold a charge. Check etc throttle slack 1/8" max(adjuster on cable) Spark plug located behind right side panel,deep set into head (dont damage removing) If battery was almost dead as you said, could be source of problems. Plus how old is battery? 3 years average life if maintained properly,some get more,some less. Also not a bad idea to recheck the ecm connections,especially the yellow 3 wire plug.</end quote></div>

I indeed believe this problem is electrical. Do you think a dead battery could be the problem? I mean, if so, then whats the use of having a pull start? Unless the starter dies I cannot see the use. I have no idea how to get at the ECM connections.Where do I locate them? I have other batteries I could put in that should work. I wonder how much a new battery is. I actually hope that is the problem as it is an easy fix.

 

Dead battery could be the whole problem, I can buy a new one at O'reilly's for around 30 bucks, replace it and clean all connec tions and see if it cures it.

 

Well looks like it was a battery. i wish I lived in Wyoming cause I just dumper $98 on a battery from the dealer. ugh. Although now that it runs and Ive missed it so...I wouldve paid $150.
Took her for a test beat and she ran great. Washed er up real nice. ANyone here ever use SC-1 polisher - comes in an aerosol can and this stuf brings back the shine to the blacks on the quad and will shine up ALL the plastics. Sweet.

Thanks everyone for your replies and suggestions.