My Sportsman 500 EFI will not stay running. It will start but the throttle needs to be feathered to keep running. After a few seconds it dies. Any suggestions. I have replaced the fuel pump in the gas tank. Any help will appreciated.

 

Sounds like the (ETC) Electronic throttle control needs adjustment. Not sure of the procedure but I hear its easy. Just use the search option on this site,I,m sure someone has explained it before.

 

Have you checked for any trouble codes?

 

I am not sure how to check for trouble codes. If you could explain I will see if there are any. Thanks so much for the help

 

Cycle the key 3 times in 5 seconds. Count the number of blinks on the instrument cluster.

Adjust your etc if it just won't idle like TLC said. Find the adjuster in the throttle cable and pull back the boot. Adjust the cable length till you have about 1/16 to 1/8 of an in on the end of the throttle lever. Do that first, then check codes. I re-read your post and think TLC is right.

 

I would bet money its the throttle cable. It streaches over time resulting in the engine stalling when you release the throttle. It only takes minutes to adjust, you slide the rubber boot on the throttle cable up and will find a wheel with a locking nut, you adhust the wheel taking most of the free play out of the throttle, then tighten the locking nut so it won't slip back. What you are doing is making the throttle cable housing longer to compensate for the metal cable streach. The owners manual has instructions on this.

 

Thank you for your reply, I am a little concerned as the machine only has 8.5 hours on it, that the cable would be able to stretch in that short a period. I will however, definately adjust it and hopefully this will resolve my issue. I so appreciate all the great tips you folks are wonderful. Thanks

 

That sounds about right, same as when I did mine. The new cable will stretch will quick, after the first adjustment mine has not needed furthur adjustments but it if does you will notice.

 

i checked the codes and the following is what came up on the display
WEl and the last looked like at E with the top line missing. I have no idea what this means. Help once again. Adjusting the throttle cable did not seem to do anything. Thanks

 

it is the throttle cable. mine does this alot. the adjuster is plastic and seems to slip or something. my kid sometimes rides in front of me and i'm guessing he bumps or grabs the cable and then it won't idle. can't believe polaris would use a platic adjuster! my.02