2000 Sportsman 500 the hour meter is flashing like a strobe light. when I go to reverse the machine dies. if I hold reverse override in I can put it in reverse but if I release it the machine dies. can any one tell me what to do?

 

needs a new speedo..

it's a pretty common failure...

 

The problem is not the Speedometer. THe problem is the speedometer cable. There is a magnet behind the passenger side front disk. The magnet collects brake disk filings and the magnet can't get a proper reading. Remove the bolt holding the magnet end of the speedo cable and clean it with electric cleaner. This might work, if not you need a new speedo cable. Does your speedo show the correct speed? MIne used to read 20 or more mph while I was sitting still with the motor running. It burnt out 3 speedometers before the cable was replaced. Also try taking the headlight pod apart and unpluging the speedo cable. If this solves your reverse problem then it is definately the cable. Good luck.

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2000 Sportsman 500 Remington - lemon
1994 Yamaha V-max 1200
1990 Chevy 350 swamp buggy

 

Sounds to me like the speedo. It could have been damaged by the "bad speedo wire". I too, see this from time to time. If it is killing the engine in reverse than damage is probably already done. Going to need the speedo anyway.

 

You are right Elroy,
Although I have found that if the speedo stays pegged and the speedo cable is still hooked up, the speedo will come back to life occasionally. That's when you unplug the speedo wire from the back of the speedo. I saved one of my speedo's this way.

 

my step dads speedo went out on his sp500 also. although many of the problems are different, the speedo and its parts seem to be the cause of them