Well the sportsman wouldnt start (nothing, didnt turn on or crank or light up at all) and i pulled the plug off of the key switch, and i could get it to turn on by jumping terminals (lights and crank over) so i go buy a new keyswitch assembly thinking thats the problem, so i fork over the $70 for one and plug it in. Well it doesnt work either! so im stumped on this one. A little help would be appreciated.

 

ofitter dude, what model are we dealing with 700,800 carb or efi? this may sound dumb but did you hit your kill switch on the left handle bar? did you leave the key in the on position and juice your battery?

 

make sure the kill switch connections arent bad inthe switch as well as being off.

 

haha, sorry for the lack of info. It is a 2002 Sportsman 500 HO, carbed. I can jump terminals in the plug going to the keyswitch and turn it on and get it to crank that way. I never really considered that the stop-run-stop switch could be off but i guess it could be a possiblility, i never use the thing. The battery is not dead, it registers 12.18V.

 

im havin the same issue....got in pretty deep water...took it home cleaned and checked....took my son for a ride just around my place....chuckin along bout 20mph and it just dies....checked all i know to check....one thing though....after i tried electically starting it a few times and failed....gave a shot at the pull start....when i removed the pull rope i heard air flush out or in...like there was pressure in there....i dunno but could i have a vaccum problem....any info is greatly appreciated

 

werdamudd the air rush is normal, it shows you have a good seal in the case. Hot air expands and builds up pressure.