Polaris Scrambler 500 4x4 - Manual (Page 111)

108
TROUBLESHOOTING
Contact your Polaris dealer for service if you’re unable to identify
solutions using the following charts.
Drive Belt and Cover Problems
Possible Cause Solution
Driving onto a pickup or
tall trailer in high range
Shift transmission to low range during loading of the ATV
to prevent belt burning.
Starting out going up a
steep incline
When starting out on an incline, use low range or dis-
mount the ATV (after first applying the park brake) and
perform the K-turn as described on page 56.
Driving at low RPM or
low ground speed (at
approximately 3-7 MPH)
Drive at a higher speed or use low range more frequently.
The use of low range is highly recommended for cooler
PVT operating temperatures and longer component life.
Insufficient warm-up of
ATVs exposed to low am-
bient temperatures
Warm the engine at least 5 minutes. With the transmission
in neutral, advance the throttle to about 1/8 throttle in
short bursts, 5 to 7 times. The belt will become more flex-
ible and prevent belt burning.
Slow/easy clutch engage-
ment
Use the throttle quickly and effectively.
Towing/pushing at low
RPM/low ground speed
Use low range only.
Utility use/plowing Use low range only.
Stuck in mud or snow Shift the transmission to low range, and carefully use fast,
aggressive throttle application to engage clutch.
WARNING: Excessive throttle may cause loss of control
and vehicle overturn.
Climbing over large
objects from a stopped
position
Shift the transmission to low range and carefully use fast,
brief, aggressive throttle application to engage clutch.
WARNING: Excessive throttle may cause loss of control
and vehicle overturn.
Belt slippage from water
or snow ingestion into the
PVT system
Shift the transmission to neutral. Using the throttle, vary
the engine RPM from idle to full throttle. Repeat several
times as required. During this procedure, the throttle
should not be held at the full position for more than 10
seconds. Clutch seals should be inspected for damage if
repeated leaking occurs.
Clutch malfunction See your Polaris dealer.
Poor engine performance Check for fouled plugs or foreign material in gas tank,
fuel lines, or carburetor. See your dealer.
Slippage from failure to
warm up belt
Always warm up the belt by operating below 30 mph for
one mile (5 miles or more when temperature is below
freezing).
Wrong or missing belt Always use the recommended belt.
Improper break-in Always break in a new belt and/or clutch by avoiding
aggressive or high speed operation during the first two full
tanks of fuel.