I have a 2002 Polaris Sportsman 500. It wouldnt start with the key, sounds like it is turning over. I can pull start. Battery seems to be good, I did recharge. Next day started with key. Is the starter going bad?

 

If it sounds like it is turning over (with normal rpm?), I wouldn't think the starter is going bad, unless its making a bunch of grinding noises along with it. Again, if its spinning over good, it probably doesn't need a battery recharge.

Starts with the pull cord, and doesn't start with the key? Possibly something in the ignition key switch. As you turn it all the way to crank, it disconnects the ignition (spark) part of the circuit. But if the key is in the run position, it keeps the ignition part of the start circuit connected and you can pull it over to start. See if you have spark while cranking with the key. Just guessing.

 

Mine would turn over with key but not start,but would start with a pull of the rope. Turned out it was dirt and crud on the face of the pulse coil and rust on the flywheel,cleaned them up and its been great since. May also need the the gap between the flywheel and Pulse Coil moved in. Heres a post about it.

http://forums.atvconnection.com/pola...ng-issues.html