Segment:
Entry-level to mid-range recreational/utility ATV
Target User:
Recreational riders, farm use, trail riding
Competitors:
Yamaha Warrior/Banshee, Suzuki Warrior/LT-R450, Honda FourTrax/Rancher
Powertrain:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, 398cc engine, CVT transmission
Suspension:
Independent front suspension, swingarm rear suspension
Design Philosophy:
Balanced performance for trail riding with some utility capability.
Engine Mechanical:
Top-end overhaul, bottom-end overhaul, piston/cylinder inspection, valve adjustments, timing, lubrication system
Fuel System:
Carburetor inspection, cleaning, adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank service
Ignition System:
CDI unit, spark plug analysis, stator testing, wiring diagrams
Cooling System:
Radiator inspection, fan operation, coolant flushing, thermostat testing
Transmission:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) belt inspection, clutch assembly, gear case maintenance, fluid changes
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive system, universal joints, differential maintenance, axle inspection
Suspension:
Front and rear shock absorber service, spring replacement, A-arm bushing inspection, steering linkage maintenance
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake pad replacement, rotor inspection, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery testing, starter motor, lighting system, charging system (alternator/stator), fuses, switches
Frame And Body:
Frame inspection, panel removal/installation, seat, handlebars, fenders, plastics
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, chain adjustment (if applicable, though shaft drive), spark plug checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based issue resolution
Engine Repair:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, component testing, and replacement
Transmission Repair:
CVT service, clutch adjustments, gearbox component overhauls
Brake Service:
Bleeding, caliper rebuild, master cylinder replacement, pad/rotor replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, fault finding
Suspension Overhaul:
Shock absorber rebuilding, component replacement, alignment checks
Carburetor Rebuild:
Disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, and jetting adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic checks and maintenance to complete engine and component overhauls, detailed troubleshooting.
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, timing marks, electrical schematics, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
2-Stroke, Single-Cylinder
Displacement:
398cc (approx.)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Bore X Stroke:
Typically around 86mm x 69mm (requires specific manual verification)
Compression Ratio:
Typically 6.0:1 to 7.0:1 (requires specific manual verification)
Carburetion:
Single Carburetor (e.g., Mikuni VM Series, size typically 34mm-38mm)
Horsepower:
Estimated 25-30 HP (requires specific manual verification)
Torque:
Estimated 20-25 lb-ft (requires specific manual verification)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 3.7 gallons (14 liters)
Oil Type:
2-stroke premix oil (specific blend recommended by Polaris)
Oil Ratio:
Typically 40:1 or 50:1 (verify with manual)
Length:
Approx. 74.5 inches (189 cm)
Width:
Approx. 45.8 inches (116 cm)
Height:
Approx. 43.0 inches (109 cm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 485 lbs (220 kg)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.5 inches (14 cm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 48 inches (122 cm)
Rack Capacity Front:
Typically around 50 lbs (23 kg)
Rack Capacity Rear:
Typically around 100 lbs (45 kg)
Tire Size Front:
AT 22 x 7-10
Tire Size Rear:
AT 22 x 10-10
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x110mm (typical for Polaris of this era)
Engine Oil Change:
Every 25 hours or 6 months (for gearcase oil), check 2-stroke oil level frequently.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 10-20 hours or as needed, depending on conditions.
Spark Plug Check:
Every 25 hours or annually.
Brake Fluid Check:
Every 6 months or annually.
Cvt Belt Inspection:
Every 25-50 hours or annually.
Engine Oil Type:
2-stroke engine oil, TC-W3 certified or equivalent (Polaris Premium 2-Stroke Oil recommended)
Gearcase Oil Type:
Polaris Synthetic Gearcase Lubricant or equivalent SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (Polaris recommended type, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Common Wear Items:
CVT belt, brake pads, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, ball joints.
Engine Considerations:
2-stroke engines require diligent 2-stroke oil mixing and cooling system maintenance to prevent overheating and seized pistons.
Electrical Potential Issues:
Stator failure, CDI unit issues, loose connections can occur with age and vibration.
Manufacturer:
Polaris Industries Inc.
Specialty:
Snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, Motorcycles
Predecessors:
Polaris had various ATV models, the Trail Blazer line was known for its sporty nature.
Successors:
Polaris continued to evolve its sport and utility ATV lines with models like the Sportsman and Predator.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily USA (Minnesota)
Production Run Years:
The Trail Blazer 400 was produced for several years, with this manual covering the 2002-2003 iteration.