Category:
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) / Utility Quad
Target Audience:
Owners, mechanics, and service departments for Polaris Sportsman 400 and 500 ATVs.
Competitors 2004:
Honda FourTrax, Yamaha Kodiak, Suzuki King Quad, Arctic Cat 400/500.
Powertrain Options:
Available in 400cc and 500cc engine configurations, typically single-cylinder, liquid-cooled.
Drivetrain:
Selectable 2WD/4WD, often with Polaris's Automatic On-Demand 4WD system.
Suspension:
Independent front and rear suspension for comfortable and capable off-road riding.
Value Proposition:
Provides complete factory-level repair and maintenance procedures, essential for preserving vehicle longevity and performance.
Engine And Powertrain:
Engine disassembly/assembly, fuel system, cooling system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, clutch systems.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, front suspension (A-arms, shocks, ball joints), rear suspension (swingarm, shocks, linkage), steering system, wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, front and rear calipers, brake lines, master cylinders, brake pads, rotors, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter, alternator, lighting, ignition switch, fuses, relays, electronic control units (ECUs), diagnostic connectors.
Body And Trim:
Body panels, fenders, seat, handlebars, footrests, storage compartments, decals.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug inspection/replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable), greasing points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical diagnostics.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component replacement.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair information, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Includes detailed exploded views, torque specifications, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (if originally digitized from a source document with OCR).
Quality:
High-resolution scans, optimized for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Engine Type 400:
4-stroke, SOHC, Single Cylinder (approx. 375cc - 400cc)
Engine Type 500:
4-stroke, SOHC, Single Cylinder (approx. 499cc - 500cc)
Cooling System:
Liquid-Cooled
Horsepower 400:
Estimated 22-28 HP (varies slightly by sub-model/tuning)
Horsepower 500:
Estimated 28-34 HP (varies slightly by sub-model/tuning)
Carburetor Type 400:
Mikuni BS34 or similar (typical)
Carburetor Type 500:
Mikuni BSR42 or similar (typical)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-50 API SG or higher (check manual for exact specification, often a motorcycle specific oil)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.0-2.5 Liters (check manual for exact capacity with filter change)
Transmission Type:
Automatic PVT (Polaris Variable Transmission) with engine braking
Gear Selection:
High, Low, Neutral, Reverse
Drive System:
Shaft Drive (2WD/4WD)
Final Drive:
Gear reduction (front and rear)
Transmission Fluid:
Polaris Variable Transmission Fluid (PVT Fluid) or equivalent SAE 5W-50 synthetic (check manual for precise specification and alternatives)
Length:
Approx. 83 inches (210.8 cm)
Width:
Approx. 46 inches (116.8 cm)
Height:
Approx. 47 inches (119.4 cm) to handlebars
Dry Weight:
Approx. 575 lbs (261 kg) to 600 lbs (272 kg) depending on exact model
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
Front Rack Capacity:
Approx. 90 lbs (41 kg)
Rear Rack Capacity:
Approx. 170 lbs (77 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Approx. 1,225 lbs (556 kg)
Classification:
Utility ATV
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear)
4Wd System:
Automatic On-Demand 4WD system with 2WD/4WD selector
Lighting:
Dual headlights, taillight/brake light
Ergonomics:
Comfortable seating position, handlebar controls designed for ease of use.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 100 hours or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 20 hours or monthly, inspect more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 100 hours or 12 months
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 200 hours or 1 year
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water) - consult manual for specific Polaris coolant or recommended alternatives.
Common Wear Items:
Drive belts (PVT belt wear), wheel bearings, ball joints, tie rod ends, brake pads, suspension bushings.
Potential Electrical Concerns:
Voltage regulator issues, stator failures (less common but possible), corrosion in connectors.
Engine Maintenance:
Importance of correct oil viscosity and regular changes to prevent premature wear on the single-cylinder engine.
Manufacturer:
Polaris Industries, a leading manufacturer of powersports vehicles.
Lineage:
The Sportsman line is Polaris's flagship ATV series, known for its utility, comfort, and all-terrain capability. The 400 and 500 models represent mid-range displacement options offering a balance of power and economy.
Production Era:
The 2004 models are part of a generation of Sportsman ATVs that saw continuous refinement in chassis, suspension, and powertrain.