purchased a used 2008 sportsman 500 with 70 miles, have put 70 miles since purchase 3 wks ago from dealer. used on farm every day. now won't start with key, can jump start across relay and can use pull start. checked fuses, ok, pulled leads and checked relay, ok. all functions in spedo work. battery shows 12.75 volts. can't get the ecu to go into diagnostic mode as manual says in P and turn key on then off three times in 5 sec to see if any fault codes. anyone have any ideas

 

welcome to the forum. are you refring to the solenoid that your jumping across(2 big cables) to start the bike? if so then the solenoid is what is bad. when you turn the key to the start position it should send power down to the solenoid via. the small wire connected to the side of it. i can't remember on my 800 if it had to be in park or neutral and then turn the key on and off 3 times w/ in the 5 seconds.

 

Where are the fuses on your 08 ? I have a 08 and in the 3.5 years I'v had it I'v never came across a fuse .

 

I unhooked the lead wires and jumped the solenoid with 12 v and worked fine. no elect from switch.

 

fuses are inside the front cover under rubber cover with the spare fuses on top

 

Your's must be EFI then as my 08 have none .