My 1999 first lost headlights and electric starter then weeks later lost the 4 wheel drive option. They were both in a snowstorm (which has never bothered it before). They appeared to me to be related but not the same source of the problem. The failures were two weeks apart. Any help out there?

 

You need to get your hands on a wiring diagram, and a test light. the problem should be easy to find because it is a constant problem

 

Hi Badmoose,
Thanks for the quick reply. A wiring diagram would be great. Where on Earth do I find one? Any ideas?

 

does the speedo work? is the battery good?

 

the battery is good. I charged it thinking the electric start was bad but then the lights went and now the 4 wheel drive. Takes all the fun out of plowing. I am not sure if the speedo works or not.

 

The Voltage Regulator (about $40) Fried. Turns out the battery got fried adn the speedo got fried. All the lights got fried. I replaced the Voltage Regulator and the lights but the speedo still didnt work so I took it apart and found a transistor had melted right ouot of the circuit board. I figured I didnt have much to lose so I soldered it back in(Saved about $200). She works fine now. Not sure if this happens much but the speedo is fixable on these things even if they dont look the best after rebending the bezel on. Not new anyway.

 

hi,
I just repaired my 2000 sportsman 500 today.

it had the NO LIGHTS, NO SPEED (needle), NO HOURS (digital), and NO MILEAGE (digital)issue.

The speedometer head comes apart by gently bending the metal brezel up, then the needle pulls straight up (note where you have it positioned)

there are 3 screws under the numbers, you need to peel the plastic label up carefully.

from there the back has 2 large black electrolitic capacitors and a 3 legged SRC transistor next to them. That transistor part needs replaced.
It is a Motorola TIP 48 voltage regulator.

Mine looked fine visuially and after much convincing I pulled it and replaced it and saved my self$ 250.00

need more help--email me at Apark3@woh.rr.com
I have a bunch of these transistors, had to buy 50.