Was occasionally getting a "click" in the starter relay. Try several times, then one of the times works and it starts. Now, nothing but relay clicks. Replace the very old battery. Same behavior. Any suggestions where to start?

 

Jump the solenoid posts and see if the starter kicks over ok. If it doesn't,tap the starter with a hammer and see if it spins then. If it does,could be starter brushes worn,armature has a flat spot or just dirty. You can get them cheap here. Best to replace the bendix anytime you replace the starter.Cheap enough now to do both.DB Electrical - 400 If you narrow it down to a solenoid,they're cheap.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Starter-Solenoid-Relay-POLARIS-SPORTSMAN-400L-4x4-1993-1994-1995-19961997-ATV-/280857992374?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item416470dcb6&vxp=mtr

 

Jumped the solenoid, nothing. No spark, no nothing. Hit starter button, solenoid only clicks. Pulled skid plate, checked cable - nice and tight. Still nothing. Removed cable from starter. Although everything looked clean, I took emery cloth to bolts and cable end. Reassembled. Starter working perfect. Go figure. Tight bolts, no conductivity.
Thanks again for the guidance OPT !

 

Good post! Goes to show that even if something looks ok it very well may not be.A little bit of corrosion can cause electrical nightmares for a lot of people including me! One reason most people hate working on electrical problems. Glad it was a cheap fix,that's the best kind..