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1996-1999 Polaris Xplorer 500 ATV Service & Repair Manual
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CONTENTS
QUICK REFERENCE DATA ........ •...•.• .............. • . IX
CHAPTER ONE .
GENERAL INFORMATION
Manual organization
Notes, cautions and warnings
Safety first
Cleaning parts
Handling gasoline saf ely
Service hints
Torque sped fications
Fasteners
Lubricants
Threadlocking compound
RTV gasket sealant
CHAPTER TWO .....
TROUBLESHOOTING
Operating requirements
Troubleshooting instruments
Starting the engine
Starting diffi culties
Engine is difficult to start
Engine starting system
Charging system
Ignition system
Electronic throttle control
.. .. .. .1
Expendable supplies
Serial numbers
Warning and information labels
Basic hand tools
Precision measuring tools
Special tools
Fabricating tools
Mechanic's tips
Beari ng replacement
Seals
Storage
.. 36
Fuel sys tem
Engine overheating
Engine
Engine noises
Cy linder leak down test
Powe r tra in
Steering
Frame noise
Brakes

CHAPTER THREE . .. .... .. .. •. •.. .
LUBRICATION, MAINTENANCE AND TUNE-UP
Pre- ride check list
Tire s and whee ls
Battery
Battery electrical cabl e connectors
Periodic lubrication
CHAPTER FOUR .
ENGINE TOP END
Eng ine prin cip les
Engine cooling
Eng ine lubrication
Servicing the engine in the frame
Exhaust system
Cylinder head cover
Rocker ann assembly
CHAPTER FIVE . . • .
ENGINE LOWER END
Engine
Flywheel and stator plate
Recoi l starter
Crankcase
Crankshaft inspection
Balancer shaft inspection
CHAPTER SIX • ....
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburetor operation
Carburetor
Carburetor cleaning and inspection
Carburetor tests and adjustments
Throttle cable replacement
CHAPTE R SEVEN. ........ •
COOLING SYSTE MS
Polaris variable transmission (PVT)
air cooling system
Eng ine cooling system
Safety precauti ons
Hoses and hose clamps
Engin e gaskets/sea ls
.... .. 53
Periodic main tenance
Unscheduled inspection
and maint enan ce
Engine tune-up
.. .. .. ...... 94
Camshaft
Cy linde r head
Valves and valve components
Cylinder block
Piston and piston rings
Camshaft chain and sprockets
Break-in procedure
. . . 137
Shan end float measurement
and shim selection
Oil pumr
Oil system one-way check valve
Break-in procedu re
175
Stall ing enrichment (choke) cab le
Fuel tank
Fuel shutoff valve
Air filter air box
Fu ~l pllm p
.... 198
Coo ling system inspection
Radiator
Coo ling fan
Coo lant pump
Thermostat
Temperature sensors

CHAPTER EIGHT .
CLUTCH/DRIVE BELT SYSTEM
Drive unit
Drive pulley
Specia l tools
Driven pulley
Drive belt
CHAPTER NINE .
TRANSMISSION
Tra nsmission
Tra nsmission inspection
Shift shafts
Front output shaft
CHAPTER TEN .......
FRONT DRIVE SYSTEM
Front hub and Hillard clutch
Front drive axle, boots and CV
(constant velocity) joints
CHAPTER ELEVEN ..
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ba sic informat ion
Negative battery terminal
Charging system
Alterna tor stator
Voltage regulator/rectificr
Capacitordischarge ignition
Ignition coil
Ignition stator coils
CHAPTER TWELVE .
FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING
Front wheel
Front hub
Front strut cartridge and spring
Front strut/spindle
Control arm
CHAPTER THIRTEEN .
REAR SUSPENSION
Rear wheels
Tire changing and tire repairs
Shock absorber
Rear hub and bearing carrier
Rear axles
Upper control arm
. .. .. .. .... 213
Drive pulley
Driven pulley
Clutch outer and inner cover
(all models)
. . 249
Transmission gearcase oil seal
inspection andreplacement
Shift selector linkage
..... .... 290
Front drive shaft
Front drive unit
.. .. . 303
Electric starting system
Starter drive gears
Starter solenoid
Lighting system
Electrical components
Sw itches
Wi ring dia grams
. 337
Handlebar
Tie rods
Steerin g shaft
Tires and wheels
. 362
Lower control arm
Upper and lower control
arm inspection
Stabilizer linkage
Stabilizer support

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
BRAKES
Disc brakes
Front brake padreplacement
Fro nt cal iper
Ou tput shaft brake pad replacement
(199 6-1997 models)
O utput shall brake cal iper
(] 996- 1997 models)
Outpu t shall brake pad replacement
(I998-on models)
Outp ut shaft brake caliper
(I 998-on models)
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
BODY
Seat
F ront rack and grille
Side pan els
Front fender
Front bumper (models so equipped)
SUPPLEMENT .
2001-2003 SERVICE INFORMATION
Starting the engine
Ignition system
Periodic maintenance
Engine tUIl C- Up
Cylinder block
Piston and piston rings
Engine
Fl ywhee l and stator plate
Carburetor (Sportsman 500 H.G. models)
Cleaning and inspection
Carburetor tests and adjustments
Drive belt
Driven pulley (2003 models bui lt
after 07/08102)
INDEX .
WIRING DIAGRAMS .
.. . .. . . 382
Fron t master cylinder
Rear master cylinder
Brake hose replacement
Rear brake pedal
Rem brake lever
(1996-1997 Sweden models)
Foot brak e
(1998-on Sweden model s)
Brake disc
Bleeding the system
... .. .. .. . 425
Radiator guard
Rear rack
Rear fender
Footv..'ells
Rear bumper (models so equipped)
... ... .... . 437
Tra nsmission
Lighting system
Electrical components
Steering shall (2002-on models)
Rear hub and bearing carrier (2003 models)
Rear brake pad replace men t
(2003 mode ls)
Rear calipers (2003 models)
Front master cylinder
Rear mast er cylinder (2003 models)
Rear brake disc (2003 models)
Brake hose replacemen t (2003 models)
.470
.476

QUICK REFERENCE DATA
ATV INFORMATION
MODEL: YEAR: _
VIN NUMBER:, _
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER : _
CARBURETOR SERIAL NUMBER OR 1 .0. MARK: _
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE (COLD)'
Model kPa PSI
Front wheels 34.5 5
Rear wheels 34.5 5
"Tlre pressure for original equipment tires. Aftermarket tires may require different Inflation pressure.
RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS, FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
Item
Engine 011
Transmission all
Front gear case
Front hubs
Brake fluid
Coolant
Grease
Item
Engine all
Transmission all
Front gear case (all years)
Front hubs
Coolant
Lubricant or fluid type
Polaris Premium 4 Synthetic 10W/4Q
or 10W/40 motor all
Polaris synthetic gear case 011 (part No. 2871478)
Polaris front gearcase lube (part No. 2871653), or
API GL5 80·90 gear lube
Polaris demand drive hub fluid (part No. 2871654),
or ATF Type F.
DOT 3 brake fluid
50:50 mixture ethylene glycol·based
coolant compounded for aluminum radiators
and engines
Polaris all season grease, or equivalent
RECOMMENDED CAPACITIES
Quantity
1.89 L (2 U.S. qts.)
946.3 cc (32 U.S. oz.}
96 cc (3.25 U.S. oz.)
75 cc (2.5 U.S. oz.)
Approx. 2.16 L (2.25 U.S. qts.)
IX

MAINTENANCE AND TUN E·UP TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Item N'm
in. .. lb.
Crankcase oil drain plug 19
Cylinder head cover screws 8.2 72
Front gear case drain plug 9.4 83
Handlebar up per holder bol ts 13·17 115-150
Oil tank drain plug 19
0 11 tank screen and fitting 20
Valve adjuster locknuts 6-7 53-62
Whee/lug nuts
Front 21
Rear 21
MAINTENANCEAND TUNE·UP SPECIFICATIONS
ft .·lb.
14
14
15
15
15
Item
Disc brake pad thickness wear limit
2003 Sportsman 500 & 500 H.O.
Rear brake
All other models and years
Front and rear brakes
Valve clearance (cold)
Intake and exhaust
Spark plug
400 cc
Heat range
Gap
500 ee
Heat r ange
1996-1997
1998-2001
2002·on
Gap
1996 · 1998
1999-2000
2001·on
Idle sp eed
1996-1988, 2001-on
1997·2000
Carburetor pilot air screw (34 mm)
1996
1997·1998
1999-2000
2001 -on (400 ee)
Carburetor pilot air screw (40 mm )
2001
2002-on
Item
Headlights
Grill mounted lights
1996
1997
1998-on
Tai lli g ht
Brake light
Indicator lights
1996
1997-on
Spec ificat ion
4.6 mm (0.180 In.)
3.81 mm (0.150 In.)
0.15 mm (0.006 In.)
NGK BKR5E
0.9 mm (0.036 in.)
NGK BKR5ES
NGK BKR5E
NGK BKR6E
0.6-0.7 mm (0.02 4-0.028 in .
0.7 mm (0.028 In.)
0.9 mm (0.036 in.)
1100-1300 rpm
1000-1400 rpm
1 1/2 turns out
2 turns out
2 5/8 turns out
23/4 turns out
2 1/2 turns out
2 turns out
REPLACE MENT BULBS
Spec ification
12 volt , 6 0/60 watt Halogen
12 volt, 37.5 watt (2)
12 volt, 35 watt (2)
12 volt, 27 watt
12 volt, 8.26 watt
12 volt, 6.9 watt
12 volt, 1.25 watt
12 volt ,l.0 watt
x

CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INFORMATION
This detailed. comprehensive manual covers the
Polaris Sportsman 400, 500 and Xplorer 500 4 x 4
from I 996-on.
Keep this book handy in the toolbox. Reading
and using it will help to better understand how the
vehi cle runs, lower repair costs and generally im-
prove personal satisfaction with the vehicle.
The following tables are included at the end of
this chapter:
Tah le 1 lists model year and number.
Tahle 2 lists general dimensions.
Ta ble 3 lists vehicle weight (dry) .
Table 4 lists decimal and metric equivalents.
Tab le 5 lists general torque specifications.
Tab le 6 lists conversion tables .
Ta ble 7 lists technical abbreviations.
Table 8 lists metric tap and drill sizes.
Tables 1-8 are at the end of this chapter.
MANU AL OR GANIZATlO:'ll
All dimensions and capacities are expresse d in
English units familiar to U.S. mechanics. as well as
in metric units.
This chapter provides general information and
discusses equipment and too ls useful both for pre-
ventive maintenance and troubleshooting.
Chapter Two provides methods and suggestions
for the quick and accurate diagnosis and repair of
problems. Troubles hooting procedures discuss typ-

2
ica l sy mpto ms and logi cal method s to pinpoint the
t roub le.
Chap ter Th ree explains all periodic lubrication
and routine maintenance necessary to keep the veh i-
cle funning well. Cha pter Three also includes rec-
ommended t UIl C-Up proce du res , el imina ting the
need to constantly consult chapters on the various
ass e mb l ies .
S ubsequen tc hapters describe specific sys te ms
such as the engine, clutch/ drive belt system, trans-
mission, exhaust, cooling, suspension and brakes.
Eac hc hapter provides disass emb ly, repair and as-
sembly procedures in a simple step- by-step form .
Ifa repair is impract ica l for a ho me mechan ic . it is
so indicated. It is usually faster ami less expensive
to take such repairs to a dealer or competent repair
shop. Specifications concerning a particular system
arc i ncluded at the end of the appropriate chapter.
So me of the proc edures in this manual spec ify
s pec ial too ls. In most case s, the tool is illustrated ei-
ther in actual use or alone. Well-equi pped mec han-
ics may find they ca n substitute similar tools
alre ady on hand or can fabricate thei r own .
NOTES, CAUTIONS AND WARNI NGS
T he terms NOT E, CAUTION and WAR NING
have specific mean ings in this manual. A NOTE
pro vides add itio na l inform ation to mak e a step or
procedure easier or clearer . Di sregardi ng a NOTE
cou ld cause incon venience, but wou ld not cause
eq u ipment damage or personal injury.
A CAUTION emp hasize, areas where eq uipment
da mage co uld result. Di sregarding a CA UTION
co uld cause permane nt mechanical dama ge ; hO\\I-
eve r, personal inju ry is unlikely.
A WARNING emphasizes areas where pe rsona l
injury or eve n death could result from negligence.
Mechanical damage may also occ ur. WARNI NG S
are fa be taken seriously. In some cases, serious in-
jut)' or death has resulted from dis regar ding similar
w arn ings .
SA rETY FIRST
Professional mechan ics can work for years and
never sustain a serious injury. I f a few rul es of com-
mon sense and safe ty arc ob served. man y safe hours
can be enjo yed servicing the ATY. Ignoring these
CHAPTER ONE
rules can injure so meo ne working on the vehicle. or
damage the AT V.
I. Never lise gaso line or any t ype of low flash po int
solvent to clean parts, Sec Cleaning Parts and Han-
dling Gasoline Safety in this chapter for additional
informat ion on parts cleaning, gaso line usc and
safety.
NOTE
The flash point is the lowest tempera-
lur e at which the vapo rsfrom a com-
bustible liquid will ign ite when in
open ail: A lowjlash point solvent will
ignite at a lower temperature than a
higlzjlash point solvent.
2. Never smoke or usc a torch in the vicinity of
flammable liquids in open containers , such as gas o-
line or cleaning solvent.
3. lf wclding or brazing is req uir ed on the vehicle.
remove the fuel rank, c arbur etor, and fron t and rea r
shocks to a safe dist ance at leas t 50 feet (15 m)
away.
4. Use the proper sized wrenches to avo id damage
to fasteners.
5. When loosening a tight or stuck nut, be guided
by what would h app en if the wrench slips.
6. When rep lacing a fastener, make sure to usc one
with the same measurem ents and strength as the old
one. Incorrect or mismatched fasteners can result in
da mage to the vehicle and possibl e personal injury.
Beware of fastener kits that are filled with cheap
and p oor ly made nuts. bolts, was he rs and co tte r
pins. Ref er to Faste ne rs in this chapter for addi-
tional inform ation.
7. Keep all hand and power tool s in good condition.
Wipe greasy and oily tools after using them. Dirty
tools arc difficult to hold and can cause injury. Re-
place or repair worn or damaged tools.
8. Kee p the work area clean and uncl uttered.
9. Wear safety g ogglcs during all operation s in-
vo lving drillin g, grinding. the use of a cold chis el,
usin g chemicals, cleaning parts, when u sing com-
pressed air or anytim e the safety of eyes is in-
vo lved.
10 . Mak e sure to wear the correct typ e of clothes
for the jo b. Lon ghair should be tied up or covered
with a cap so thai it cannot be caught by a piece of
moving equipme nt or tool.

G ENE RAL INFO RMATION
11. Keep an approved fire extinguisher nearby. Be
sure it is rated fur gasoline (Class B) and electrical
(Cla ss C) fires.
12. When drying bearings or other rotating paris
with compressed air, never allow the air j et to rotate
the bearing or pari. The air jet is capab le of rotating
them at speeds tar in excess of those for which they
were designed . The bearing or rotating part is very
likely to disintegrate and cause serious injury and
damage. To prevent bearing damage when using
com pressed air, hold the inner bearing race by hand.
WARNING
The improper use ofcompressed air is
velJ' dangerous. Using compressed
air to tlUSI off clothes, the ATV or
workbench can cause jl ying particles
to be blown into eyes or skill. Neve r
direct or blow compress ed air in/a
skin or through any bod y openin g (in-
cluding cuts) as this can cause severe
injury or death. Compressed air must
be used care /id ly; never allow chil-
dren to lise or play with a ll)' com-
pressed air equipment or hoses.
13. Never work on the upper part of the vehicle
while someone is worki ng underneath it.
14. When putting the vehicle on a stand, make sure
the vehicle is secure before walking away from it.
15. Never carry sharp tools in clothing pockets.
16. There is always a right and wrong way to use
tools. Learn to use them the right way.
17. Do not start and run the ATV in an enclosed
area , The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a
colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Carbon monox-
ide levels build quickly in a small closed area and
can cause unconsciousness and death in a short
time. When it is necessary to start and run the vehi-
cle during a service procedure, always do so out-
side, or in a serv ice area equip ped with a ventilating
system.
CLEANING PARTS
Cleaning parts is one of the more tedious and dif-
ficu lt serv ice jo bs per formed in the home garage.
While there are a nnmber of chemical cleaners and
solvents available for home and shop lise, most arc
poisonous and extremely flammable. To prevent
chemical overexposure, vapor buildup, tire and sc-
3
rious injury. observe all manufact urer 's direct ions
and warn ings while noting the following,
I. Read the entire product label before using the
chem ical. Observe the precautions and warnings on
the label. Always know what type of chem ica l is be-
ing used.
2. If the chemical product must be mixed, measure
the proper amount according to the direction s.
3. Always provide sufficient ventilation when
working with solvents or other chemicals. If a
chemical can be smelled, there is some vapor in the
air. The stronger the smell, the stronger the vapor
con cent ration .
4. If a product is listed as combustible, flammable
or an extremely flammable Iiquid, the danger offi re
increases as the vapor collects and builds up in the
shop.
5. lf a product is listed as a poison, the vapor is poi-
sonous as well as the liquid.
o. To prevent skin exposure, wear protective
gloves when cleaning parts. Select a pair of chemi-
cal-resistant gloves suitable for the type of cherni-
cals that will be used. Replace the gloves whcn they
become thin, damaged, cha nge COIOf, or swe ll.
7. Wear safety goggles when using chemicals and
cleaning parts.
8. Do not lise more than one typ e of cleaning sol-
vent at a lime.
9. If a pan must be heated to remove a bearing,
clean it thoroughly to remove all oil, grease and
cleaner residue. Then wash with soapy water and
rinse with clear water,
10. Wear a respirator if the instruction label says to
do so.
II . Keep chemical products out of reach of chil-
dren and pets.
12. To prevent sparks, usc a nylon bristle brush
when cleaning paris.
13. When using a commercial paris washer, read
and follow the manufacturer's instructions lor se-
lecting the type of solvent to usc. Parts washers
must be equipped with a fusible link designed to
melt and drop the cover in the event of fire.
14. Wash both hands and arms thoroughly after
cleaning parts,
HANDLING GASOLINE SAFE LY
Gasoline, a vola tile flammable liquid, is one of
the most dan gerou s items in the shop, However, be-
a

cause gasoline is used so often, manypeople forget
that it is a dangerous product. Gasoline should be
used only as fuel for internal-combustion engines.
Never usc gas oline to clean part s, tools or to wash
hands. When working on an ATV. motorcycle or
any other type of gasoline engine. gasoline will al-
ways be present in tbe fuel tank, fuel line and carbu-
retor. To avoid a disa strous accident when working
around gasoline or on the fuel system, carefully ob-
serve the following precauti ons:
I. Never usc gasoline to clean part s. See Cleaning
Part s in this chapterfor additional information on
pans cleaning and safety.
2. Wh en working on the fuel sys tem, work outside
or in a well-ven tilated area.
3. Do not add fuel to the fuel tank or service the fuel
system while the ATV is in the vicinity of open
flames, sparksor where someoneissmoking. Gaso-
line vapors arc actually more dangerous than liquid
gasoline. Because these vapors are heavier than air.
they collect in low areas and are easily ignited.
4. Allow the engine to coo l completely bef ore
working on any fuel system component.
5. When draining the carburetor, catch the gasoline
in a plastic container and then pour it into a
safety-approved gas can.
6. Do not store gasoline in any type of glass con-
tainer. If the glass shoold break . a serious explosion
or fire could occur.
7. Wipe up spilled gasoline immediately with dry
rags. Store the rags in a metal container with a lid
ontil they can be properly disposed of . or put them
outside in a safe place to dry.
8. Do not po ur water onto a gasoline tire. Water
spreads the lire and makes it more difficult to put
oot. Use a Class B. BC. or AIlC fire extinguisher to
smother the names and put the fire out.
9. Always tum the engine off before refu eling. Usc
a wide-mouth funnel to prevent spilling gasoline
onto the engine. exhaust pipe or muffl er. Do not
overfill the fuel tank . Leave an airspace at the topof
the fuel tank to prevent fuel from spilling out when
installing the cap.
10. Always refuel the ATV while it is parked out-
side and away fro m all open flames and sparks.
II . When transporting the ATV in another vehicle.
keep it upright with the fuel valve turned oiT.
12. Do not perform a spark test (as described in
Chapter Two ) if there is any gasoline leaking from
the fuel tank , fuel line or carburetor.
CIIAI'TER O~E
FRONT
REAR
SERVICE HINTS
~..Iost of the service procedures covered are
straightfor wa rd and can be performed by anyone
reasonably handy with tools. It is suggested. how-
eve r. that the personal capabilities be carefully eon-
sidercd before attemp ting any operation involving
major disassembly of the engine.
Take time and do the job right. Do not forget that
a newly rebuilt engine must be broken in the same
wayas a new one. Refer to the Engine Br eak-In pro-
ccdure listed in Chapter Four and Chapter Five.
J. Fron t, as used in this manual, refersto the fro nt
ofthe vehicle; the front of any component is the end
closest to the front of the vehicle. The left and right
sides refer to the position afthe p art s as viewed by a
rider sitting 011 the seat rac ing forward. For exam-
ple, the throttle control is on the right side. The se
rules aresimple. but confusion can cause a major in-
convenience during service. Sec Figure 1.
2. Whenever servicing an engine or suspens ion
component, secure the vehicle in a safe manner.
3. Tag all similar internal part s for location and
mark all mating part s for position. Record number
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$36.99
This service manual for the Polaris ATV Xpress 300 from 1996 to 1998 is an essential resource for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. It contains detailed illustrations, diagrams, wiring schematics, and step-by-step instructions for a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks.
- General Information
- Maintenance
- Engine
- Fuel System/Carburetion
- Body
- Steering
- Suspension
- PVT System
- Final Drive
- Transmission
- Brakes
- Electrical
The manual is available in a printable PDF format and is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. It can be viewed using Adobe Reader. With a wealth of pictures and diagrams, this manual provides comprehensive support for all your repair and maintenance needs. All pages are printable, allowing for easy access to the required information at home, in the office, or at the repair shop.