need help-- why neutral light stays on in gear, I changed out a key ignition switch on a 1998 Polaris sportsman 500 wires on wrong? runs fine everything works but the neutral light stays lit

 

Probably the gear position switch in the shift box. Sometimes you can adjust the shift linkage to be able for the shift **** to engage this switch plunger. Shift into neutral,loosen the lock nuts on the linkage ball end at the shift rods. Remove the lower nuts holding the rods to the shift levers and lift both rod ends out. This is the time to check for any excess play on the shifter assembly. If there is a lot of slack or play back and forth on the shift rod, linkage adjustment may not help that much.May take having to replace worn parts and many now are becoming NLA. While still in neutral loosen the rod ends to where they fall stright into the shift box levers with no pull. Tighten the lock nuts and two 10mm nuts holding the linkage to the slides. Item #15 is the gear position switch.1998 Polaris SPORTSMAN 500 (W98CH50A) Gear Selector | Cycle Parts Warehouse Allso some early models had the plastic lever switch and was replaced by the later metal plunger switch. You just have to tear into the shift box to see which one you have.

 

thanks for the response, was out of town, today I tried the adjustment there is not any play in the rods, light still stays on, maybe take apart that switch? atv hasn't moved in over 5 years, been covered and parked

 

If it's been sitting for 5 years then yes might be a good idea to go into the shift box to check the switch.Replace the slide o-rings for sure.Be careful as the top plate is under spring pressure when you loosen the screws. Small centering spring on the right side under the plate that can pop out also.Use the parts diagram as a guide. Again when filling the box with fresh oil use 30wt,0w40,5w50 and fill only enough to cover the slides. Too much oil can cause lock up.