I own a 2003 Sportman 500 (bought it used) and its been sitting in my garage for a little as I mostly use it in the winter. I noticed its been leaking transmission fluid on the ground. I looked underneath but can't really see where it is coming from. There is a plate (roughly 6 inches x 4 inches) with 4 bolts and the oil is dripping from one of the bolts. Not sure what this plate does and not sure the leak is coming from this plate but it looks like they used a sealant when bolting this plate in place. Does anyone know where I should be looking for the leak? I checked the level and its not even reading on the dipstick.

Also how in the world do add fluid? Do you have to have some special funnel? And one more thing where is the drain plug for the transmission fluid? I did notice underneath the skid plate there is one bolt that it may be but I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated. I like doing my own maintenance but I am new to this ATV as I have only put 30-40 hours on it.

 

my 700 will leak a quarter spot of fluid when it sits a while too. seems to be from the rearmost section on the left side.

your drain plug for your tranny will be the only bolt visable through the skid plate, its more to the right side of the bike.
you fill it from the passenger side kick panel.
look at the shifter linkage on the tranny, and the plug is strait down.
14mm socket should take care of you.
easier to remove the kickpanel, but if you have a piece of tubing and a funnel, its a piece of cake with it on.
good luck.