🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Polaris

Model:

Sportsman Xplorer 500

Model Variant:

Sportsman 500, Xplorer 500, Worker 500, Sportsman 500 RSE, Sportsman 400, Sportsman 500 DUSE, Sportsman 500 H.O., Sportsman 500 HO, Worker 400 (International), Sportsman 400 ASEI, Sportsman 500 RSEl, Sportsman 500 DUSE1, Sportsman 500 H.O. Desert, Sportsman 500 H.O. Freedom, Sportsman Ducks Unlimited Special Edition (DUSE), Sportsman Remington Special Edition (RSE)

Model Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Product Code:

Not specified, but implies a digital service manual

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, home mechanics, professional repair shops

Value Proposition:

Saves money on repair bills, empowers vehicle owners to perform repairs and maintenance.

Ease Of Use:

Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions with clear visuals.

Completeness:

Complete service and repair coverage for the specified model years and variants.

Accessibility:

Instant download, printable, available on multiple operating systems.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Polaris Sportsman & Xplorer 500 ATVs

Secondary Coverage:

Polaris Sportsman 400 (2001-2003), Polaris Worker 500 (1998-2000), Polaris Worker 400 (International) (2002)

Estimated Page Count:

Not specified, but described as 'COMPLETE' and 'Tons of pictures and diagrams'

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Analogy:

Factory Shop Manuals or CDROM Manuals used in repair shops

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip

Accessibility:

Zoom In/Out, Printable pages

Delivery:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

General Information, Troubleshooting, Lubrication Maintenance And Tune-Up, Engine Top End, Engine Lower End, Fuel System, Cooling Systems

Powertrain:

Clutch/Drive Belt System, Transmission, Final Drive

Chassis And Suspension:

Front Suspension And Steering, Rear Suspension

Brakes:

Brakes

Electrical:

Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams

Body:

Body

Specific Updates:

2001-2003 Service Information

Maintenance:

Lubrication, Tune-Up, Routine Maintenance, Clutch Maintenance, Fluid Checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for various systems, common issues and their solutions

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for engine, transmission, drive systems, suspension, brakes, electrical, and body components.

Rebuilds:

Implied through 'Engine Top End', 'Engine Lower End', and 'complete rebuild' capability for mechanics.

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers simple to complicated repairs effortlessly, suitable for professional mechanics.

Visuals:

Highly detailed exploded pictures and diagrams

Diagnostic Tools:

Implied for troubleshooting section

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

File Quality:

High resolution, printable pages

Searchability:

Implied for PDF format

Printability:

All pages are printable

Binding:

Digital (Downloadable PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

PDF Reader:

Adobe PDF Reader

Decompression:

WinZip

Os Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows (Vista32 and 64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, Single Cylinder (for 500cc models)

Displacement:

499cc (for 500cc models)

Engine Type 400:

4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, Single Cylinder (for 400cc models)

Displacement 400:

375cc (for 400cc models)

Horsepower:

Not explicitly stated, but generally around 30-35 HP for 500cc models of this era.

Torque:

Not explicitly stated.

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor (likely Mikuni or similar for 500cc, specific model may vary)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Cooling Method:

Liquid-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Automatic (Polaris PVT - Continuously Variable Transmission)

Drive Modes:

High, Low, Neutral, Reverse

Clutch System:

Drive Belt System

Final Drive:

Shaft Drive (likely with Polaris's AWD system or selectable 2WD/4WD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Not specified in product info, typical for this era ~83 inches.

Width:

Not specified in product info, typical for this era ~46 inches.

Height:

Not specified in product info, typical for this era ~47 inches.

Dry Weight:

Not specified in product info, typically around 600-650 lbs.

Ground Clearance:

Not specified in product info, typically around 10-12 inches.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

N/A for ATVs in traditional automotive sense.

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear)

Drive System:

Often featured Polaris's Automatic All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

Lighting:

Headlights, Taillight

Operator Controls:

Handlebar steering, throttle, brake levers.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Basic ATV functionality, no complex infotainment)

Driver Assistance Features:

Automatic All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is a key technological feature.

Connectivity Options:

N/A

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 100 hours or 6 months, detailed in manual.

Gearbox Oil Change:

Typically every 200 hours or 12 months, detailed in manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

As per manual recommendations, typically around 100-200 hours.

Drive Belt Inspection Replacement:

Regular inspection, replacement usually based on wear or failure, detailed in manual.

Engine Oil Type:

Likely SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50, specific API service classification mentioned in manual.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, specific mixture ratio mentioned in manual.

Gearbox Oil Type:

Polaris specific gearcase lubricant or equivalent SAE 80W-90 gear oil, detailed in manual.

Common Wear Items:

Drive belts, suspension bushings, tie rod ends, wheel bearings.

Engine Performance:

Carburetor tuning and cleaning can be a frequent maintenance item for optimal performance.

Electrical System:

While generally robust, wiring connections and grounds should be kept clean and secure.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Polaris Industries

Brand Focus:

Known for powersports vehicles, including ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.

Sportsman Lineage:

The Sportsman line has been a cornerstone for Polaris, known for its comfort, versatility, and robust performance.

Xplorer Positioning:

Often positioned as a more utility-focused or specialized version of the Sportsman.

Production Period:

1996-2003 (as covered by this manual)

Key Updates During Period:

Introduction of H.O. (High Output) engines, special editions (RSE, DUSE).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

Polaris Sportsman line consistently recognized for its market leadership and performance in the ATV segment.

Model Specific Awards:

Specific awards for individual model years are not detailed in the product information.