Polaris 500 2X4 User manual

Pantone 425 C
WARNING
Improper vehicle use can result in SEVERE INJURY or DEATH.
NEVER operate:
Swithout proper training or instruction.
Sat speeds too fast for your skills or the conditions.
Son public roads - a collision can occur with another
vehicle.
Swith a passenger - passengers affect balance and
steering and increase risk of losing control.
ALWAYS:
Suse proper riding techniques to avoid vehicle
overturns on hills and rough terrain and in turns.
Savoid paved surfaces - pavement may seriously affect
handling and control.
READ OWNER'S MANUAL.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
ALWAYS USE
AN APPROVED
HELMET AND
PROTECTIVE
GEAR
NEVER USE
ON PUBLIC
ROADS
NEVER CARRY
PASSENGERS
NEVER USE
WITH DRUGS
OR ALCOHOL
For your nearest Polaris dealer,
visit www.polarisindustries.com
Polaris Sales Inc.,
2100 Hwy. 55, Medina, MN 55340
U.S.A.
Part No. 9922077 Rev 02
Printed in U.S.A.

1
WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing a Polaris vehicle, and welcome to our world-
wide family of Polaris owners. We proudly produce an exciting line of
utility and recreational products.
• Snowmobiles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Quadricycles
•RANGER utility vehicles
• Victory motorcycles
Always follow the instructions and recommendations in this manual.
The manual contains instructions for minor maintenance, but informa-
tion about major repairs is outlined in the Polaris Service Manual and
should be performed only by a Factory Certified Master Service Dealer
(MSD) Technician. Please see your dealer for all of your service needs
during (and after) the warranty period.
For more information about Polaris, visit us online at www.polarisin-
dustries.com.

2
POLARIS and POLARIS THE WAY OUT are registered trademarks of Polaris Indus-
tries Inc.
Copyright 2008 Polaris Sales Inc. All information contained within this publication is
based on the latest product information at the time of publication. Due to constant
improvements in the design and quality of production components, some minor discrep-
ancies may result between the actual vehicle and the information presented in this publi-
cation. Depictions and/or procedures in this publication are intended for reference use
only. No liability can be accepted for omissions or inaccuracies. Any reprinting or reuse
of the depictions and/or procedures contained within, whether whole or in part, is
expressly prohibited.
Printed in Taiwan
2009 Scrambler 500 2X4 International Owner’s Manual
P/N 9922077

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Emission Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Polaris Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

4
INTRODUCTION
The following signal words and symbols appear throughout this manual
and on your vehicle. Your safety is involved when these words and sym-
bols are used. Become familiar with their meanings before reading the
manual.
The safety alert symbol indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
A NOTICE indicates a situation that may result in property damage.
The Prohibition Safety Sign indicates an action NOT to take in order
to avoid a hazard.
The Mandatory Action Sign indicates an action that NEEDS to be
taken to avoid a hazard.

5
INTRODUCTION
Failure to heed the warnings and safety precautions contained in this manual
can result in severe injury or death. This vehicle is not a toy and can be
hazardous to operate. A collision or rollover can occur quickly, even during
routine maneuvers, if you fail to take proper precautions.
• Read this owner’s manual. Understand all safety warnings, precautions and
operating procedures before operating the vehicle.
• Never operate this vehicle without proper instruction. Take a training course.
• This vehicle is an ADULT VEHICLE ONLY. Operation is prohibited for anyone
under 16 years of age.
• This vehicle is approved for OFF-ROAD TOWING ONLY. Operating a
Quadricycle/trailer combination on public roads is prohibited.
WARNING

6
INTRODUCTION
Vehicle Identification Numbers
Record your vehicle's identification numbers and key number in the
spaces provided. Remove the spare key and store it in a safe place. The
ignition switch must be replaced if all keys are lost.
Vehicle Model Number: ___________________________________________________
Frame VIN: ____________________________________________________________
Engine Serial Number: ___________________________________________________
(right front side of engine crankcase)
Key Number: ___________________________________________________________
####
VIN
Key Number

7
SAFETY
Safety Training
When you purchased your new Polaris vehicle, your dealer offered a
hands-on safety training course. You were also provided with printed
materials that explain safe operating procedures. Review this informa-
tion on a regular basis.
If you purchased your vehicle from a party other than a Polaris dealer,
please request free safety training from any authorized Polaris dealer.
Equipment Modifications
The warranty on your Polaris vehicle may be terminated if any equip-
ment has been added, or if any modifications have been made, that
increase speed or power.
The addition of certain accessories, including (but not limited to) mow-
ers, blades, tires, sprayers and large racks may change vehicle handling.
Use only Polaris-approved accessories. Know their function and effect
on the vehicle.

8
SAFETY
Safe Riding Gear
Always wear protective clothing to reduce the chance of injury.
Helmet
Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established safety stan-
dards.
Approved helmets in the USA and Canada bear a U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) label.
Approved helmets in Europe, Asia and Oceania
bear the ECE 22.05 label. The ECE mark consists
of a circle surrounding the letter E, followed by the
distinguishing number of the country which has
granted approval. The approval number and serial
number will also be displayed on the label.
Helmet
Eye Protection
Gloves
Boots
Long Pants
Long
Sleeves
E
4
051039
0006.31

9
SAFETY
Safe Riding Gear
Eye Protection
Do not depend on eyeglasses or sunglasses for eye protection. When-
ever riding a Polaris vehicle, always wear shatterproof goggles or use a
shatterproof helmet face shield. Polaris recommends wearing approved
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing markings such as VESC
8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE. Make sure protective eye wear is kept clean.
Gloves
Off-road style gloves with knuckle pads are the best for comfort and
protection.
Boots
The best footwear is a pair of sturdy over-the-calf boots with low heels.
Clothing
Always wear long sleeves and long pants to protect arms and legs.
Riding pants with kneepads and a jersey with shoulder pads provide the
best protection.

10
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Failure to operate the vehicle properly can result in a collision, loss of control,
accident or overturn, which may result in serious injury or death. Heed all safety
warnings outlined in this section of the owner’s manual. See the OPERATION
section of the owner’s manual for proper operating procedures.
Read and understand all warnings, cautions and
operating procedures in this manual and on the
safety labels before operating this vehicle.
Never operate this vehicle without proper
instruction. Take a training course. Beginners
should receive training from a certified instructor.
Contact an authorized Polaris dealer or visit the
Polaris web site at www.polarisindustries.com.
Never permit others to operate this vehicle unless
they have read and understand this manual and all
product labels, and have completed a certified
safety training course.
Never allow anyone under 16 years of age to
operate this vehicle.
WARNING

11
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Handling Gasoline
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive under certain conditions.
• Always exercise extreme caution whenever handling gasoline.
• Always refuel with the engine stopped, and outdoors or in a well ventilated
area.
• Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in or near the area where
refueling is performed or where gasoline is stored.
• Do not overfill the tank. Do not fill the tank neck.
• If gasoline spills on your skin or clothing, immediately wash it off with soap
and water and change clothing.
• Turn the fuel valve off whenever the vehicle is stored or parked.
Never start the engine or let it run in an enclosed area. Operate this vehicle only
outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
Always inspect your vehicle before each use to
verify that it's in safe operating condition. Follow
the inspection and maintenance procedures
outlined in this manual. See page 33.
Always wear an approved helmet that fits
properly. Wear eye protection (goggles or face
shield), gloves, boots, long sleeves and long
pants.

12
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Never consume alcohol or drugs before
or while operating this vehicle.
Keep both hands on the handlebars. Keep
both feet on the footrests.
Never carry a passenger. The purpose of
the long seat is to allow the operator to
shift position as needed during operation. It
is not intended for carrying passengers.

13
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Never carry a passenger on the rear rack.
Ejection from the vehicle or contact with
moving components can result in serious
injury or death.
Operating on paved surfaces may seriously affect the handling and control of
the Quadricycle and could result in loss of control, accident and/or injury. Avoid
sudden turns or swift movement of the handlebars.
Never operate at excessive speeds. Travel
and turn at speeds appropriate for the
terrain, visibility, operating conditions and
your experience.

14
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Always follow the procedures outlined in this
manual for turning. Never turn sharply at
excessive speeds, which can lead to vehicle
overturn. See page 37.
Never attempt jumps or other stunts.
Always follow the procedures outlined in
this manual for driving through water.
Never drive through deep or fast-flowing
water. See page 43.

15
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Always follow the procedures outlined in this
manual for driving on hills. See page 39. Never
operate on hills too steep for this vehicle or for
your abilities. Practice on smaller hills before
attempting larger hills. Avoid climbing hills
steeper than 25°.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this
manual for driving downhill and for braking on
hills. See page 41.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this
manual for braking if you stall or roll backwards
while climbing a hill. Never back down a hill. See
page 42.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this
manual for crossing the side of a hill. See page
40. Never attempt to turn this vehicle around on
any hill until you've mastered (on level ground)
the turning technique outlined in this manual.

16
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Always use the size and type of tires
specified for your vehicle. Maintain the
proper tire pressure.
Always travel slowly when operating on
unfamiliar terrain. Use extra caution.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this manual for driving in reverse. See
page 45.
Use caution when operating on rough, slippery
or loose terrain.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this manual for operating over
obstacles. See page 44.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this manual for operating on slippery or
loose surfaces. Use extra caution. Always avoid skidding or sliding. See page
38.

17
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Never operate this vehicle on a frozen body of water.
Never modify a Quadricycle through improper installation or use of accessories.
Never exceed the stated load capacity for your vehicle. Cargo must be properly
distributed and securely attached. Reduce speed and follow the instructions in
this manual for carrying cargo or towing. Allow a greater distance for braking.
If this vehicle has been involved in an accident, always have an authorized
Polaris dealer inspect the entire vehicle for possible damage, including (but not
limited to) brake, throttle and steering systems.
Hot components can cause serious burns and fire. Do not touch hot exhaust
system components. Always keep combustible materials away from the exhaust
system.
Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is not in use to prevent
unauthorized use or accidental starting.
For more information about Quadricycle safety, contact
an authorized Polaris Quadricycle dealer or visit the
Polaris web site at www.polarisindustries.com.

18
SAFETY
Safety Labels and Locations
Warning labels have been placed on the vehicle for your protection.
Read and follow the instructions on each label carefully. If any of the
labels shown in this manual differ from the labels on your vehicle,
always read and follow the instructions of the labels on the vehicle.
If an informational or graphic label becomes illegible or comes off, con-
tact your Polaris dealer to purchase a replacement. Replacement safety
labels are provided by Polaris at no charge. The part number is printed
on the label.
General Warning
WARNING
Improper ATV use can result in SEVERE INJURY or DEATH
ALWAYS USE AN APPROVED HELMET AND PROTECTIVE GEAR
NEVER USE ON PUBLIC ROADS
NEVER CARRY PASSENGERS
NEVER USE WITH DRUGS OR ALCOHOL
NEVER operate:
• without proper training or instruction
• at speeds too fast for your skills or the conditions
• on public roads - a collision can occur with another vehicle
• with a passenger - passengers affect balance and steering and increase risk
of losing control
ALWAYS:
• use proper riding techniques to avoid vehicle overturns on hills and rough ter-
rain and in turns
• avoid paved surfaces - pavement may seriously affect handling and control
LOCATE AND READ OWNER’S MANUAL.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
7175376