My buddy has this, and he's willing to sell it to me for a good price. He said the computer is bad in it, and that it's a fairly common problem. Something about auto-resetting breakers going bad.

In any case, when you turn the key on, no lights power up and nothing happens. Apparently they took it all apart and tested wiring and other stuff, and narrowed it down to the computer.

Thoughts? Are there other things to check?

 

All I can say is buyer beware! Granted ANYTHING possible when it comes to electronics,but just from our shop(doesn't represent anything except our own experience)we never had to replace a computer on any machine! We have removed em(rob Peter to pay Paul!) and tested in different machines trying to narrow down problems,but didn't find a bad one. Most of the electrical problems were harness,sometimes sensor related. WHY didn't he have it replaced himself?? Its not that costly compared to the machines value (less than $400,granted there is a part number change!) If you do purchase the computer it will have to be programmed to the machine at a dealer(it comes blank from the factory!) Just a little info for you,BUT it could be a bargain! OPT

 

Ok, so say I'm getting a 2007 Sportsman 500 EFI for $3k... If the only thing wrong with it is that when you turn the key on, there's no power, is it worth $3k? From my research, it is. The thing has 300 miles on it.

 

If the price is right,and you can get it running, and you're happy, that's all that matters! Good luck OPT

 

Probably going to pick it up here shortly.

Man, I started doing some looking around, and I found some sites where people said they've replaced 3 ECM's in the first 500 miles. Some units have caught fire (even though the 2007 doesn't seem to be included in the spontaneously combusting ECM recall), multiple failed PDM units, and even a couple of complete wiring harness replacements.

What is up with the 2007 model year?

I think it's still worth what he's asking, but there are 3 different things that it could be.

Does anyone have test methods for the PDM and ECM? Do they open up at all so I can get probes in there?

 

On the Polaris parts website it doesn't show a replacement ecu,but at Cycle Parts Warehouse a replacement number is given! Usually when this happens its for a reason! Its just that we never encountered a problem,BUT that doesn't mean there wasn't a problem with em! This has NOTHING to do with the carb model ecm replacement recall from 2004-2006! The three different things(ecu,harness,the pdm which basically controls the charging,fan,etc was what I was referring to if you buy this machine! The original owner could have avoided a lot of this by just having it hooked up to the Digital Wrench software at the dealership when he first had problems!!Efi machines are not like working on the old carb and cdi system which gave you resistance specs the average owner could check out and work on!! If he has it back together you can have it checked out usually for about an hour service charge at most dealerships! Atvs are basically going to be like cars and the "check engine" light. At least with cars you can have the codes read at Auto Zone,Napa,etc(sometimes they get it right!)OR buy your own, BUT a lot of times takes the dealership to turn the damn light off! OPT

 

A friend of mine works for polaris corporate. The ECMs do fail, but their statistics show that the PDM is 4 times more likely to fail.

I don't understand why they didn't just use a tried and true fuse block. It's easier to troubleshoot and less likely to fail completely. Sometimes simple is better, especially if you are stuck in the middle of nowhere.

 

Did you get your problem fixed. I am working on an 07 500 EFI. when you turn the key on it does nothing for a while, then it will start clicking, then you will hear the fuel pump come on. after that sometimes it will start. I have found the starter selnoid is bad. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Buzz

 

Ok, so here's what I found out...

The first revision of the PDM in the 2007 500 EFI's were bad. They could fail, either by just dying, or taking out other things like the ECM or even the wiring harness. Some of the failure modes would provide no voltage or current control and it would just fry things.

It's likely that your PDM is bad for sure. But when it failed, it could have destroyed other components. I would start by replacing the PDM.

I have not replaced mine yet, but should have one by the end of the week. I am getting a brand new one, which will be the new revision of the module. If you buy one used, there's no guarantee that you'll have the new revision and you might run into problems down the road. I've been reassured by a reliable source that the electrical gremlins that people experience with this model should disappear if you get the new revision of the PDM. I have no idea how to tell if you have the new PDM revision. I'll reply in this thread if I can tell the differences when I get my new one.

To be honest, I was going to fix the thing and then trade it for a Yamaha of a similar price. I'm about 90% sure I'm going to keep it now, but the first sign of problems, I'm going to get rid of it. Reading about the electrical problems that people experience, it does scare me. But like I said, I've been reassured that the new PDM fixes all that.

 

At $3000 I just want to jump on it and ride no ifs or buts. I looked at many Sportsman 500s five years ago before buying mine. I go by condition not year. I turned down a few h 2005 higer miles before buying a 2001 with lower miles.

You do not hand over 3K to start repairing a ATV.