I could use some ideas from anyone in helping me troubleshoot an issue with my 2001 Sportsman 500 H.O. I live in Minnesota, and it is pretty cold right now. My wheeler will not start using the ignition. The starter grinds like it is going out. When I try to start it manually with the rope, there is no tension on the cord. My battery is new. Is there maybe something to do with moisture in the recoil? How easy would this be to fix on my own?

 

Don't know about the rope but I hope you have good anti freeze in it!
Is the motor turning over at all? Or is it froze up?

 

the motor doesn't even turn, the starter just grinds. I use Polaris anti freeze.

 

I'm not sure what to tell you pinkman16, If I were you I would send a PM (Private Message) to "Old Polaris tech" he knows alot about Polaris quads.
Other than that you could try thawing it out and trying it again.
Good luck!

 

I'd pull the recoil housing. Sounds like something with the recoil went a foul and it is staying engaged is possibly interferening with the starter.
Just a wild guess,but that is where I would start. If it was just the starter grinding I would say starter bendix,but add the loose recoil rope and I would start by pulling the cover and see what you see.
If it is outside it's possible some ice built up inside the housing.

Good luck.