I have an 02 Sportsman 500HO, and a friend of mine has the same wheeler. We both seem to have an issue with the electrical system. Electrical systems are my weak area, so I am looking for some help. What should I be checking?? We have to charge the battery, and then the electric start works until the battery wears out, and then we have to charge it again.

It seems to be a pretty common problem on this machines???

 

I have been having some of the same issues with my 01 Sportsman 500HO. Lately starting issues, but if I use the winch a lot I can get it to bring the headlights almost all the way down with the wheeler running! I did find one bad ground that looks like it has been broken for quite some time now. I fixed it as best as I could, but it isn't quite as long as I would like it to be. Any ideas would be awesome!

 

Check your voltage regulator. Here is another way of testing. If you have a voltage meter, put the leads on the battery and start your atv. If you are getting 13.4-14 Vdc. Your good.

Next. Rev up your motor to a decent rpm. If it goes above 16 Vdc, you are over charging. Replace regulator
If you don't get any change and it remains 12 Vdc or lower. You are not charging. Replace regulator

Hope this helps

 

Awesome, I will definitely be checking this. the other times I notice the lights dim even when trail riding is when the cooling fan kicks in.

 

make sure you guys check to see if the recifer is unplugged. it happened on my 02' 500 i had and it will not charge the the battery and will kill the battery.

 

What is a recifer and where is it located? Thanks!

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: chevyman142000

What is a recifer and where is it located? Thanks!</end quote></div>



It is located on the inside of the radiator guard, make sure all wires are plugged in and check for any corrosion inside the connections.

 

Yet, another good idea. Couldn't said it better myself.

 

Ok, so I checked the voltage on mine. When idling it is at 14 volts and when I rev it a bit it goes up to 17 volts. Need a new voltage regulator? I didn't check wiring to the recifer. These two parts aren't the same thing are they?

 

yes they are the same thing. and yes i would say you need one if your putting out 17 volts. better becare you dont fry the light bulbs and electronics in the wheeler w/ that much juice. polaris calls it a recifier, but it regualates the voltage.