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POLARIS OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
HELP CENTER
03/04/2024

2016+ Sportsman High Lifter Oil Change

Required Tools and Supplies
All-Terrain GreaseGrease Gun6mm Allen Socket
Oil FilterPS-4 Engine Oil or Oil Change Kit19mm Socket
2.5-Inch Oil Filter WrenchFunnelT40 TORX® Socket
RatchetTorque WrenchOil Pan
Shop RagsSafety GlassesNitrile Gloves


For more information on tools, read Tools and Fasteners Guide.

When changing the oil on your Polaris Sportsman, always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves. The PS-4 Full Synthetic Oil Change Kit is part number 2877473. The Extreme Oil Change Kit is part number 2890055.

To change the engine oil and filter on your Sportsman 850 High Lifter Edition or Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter, follow these steps:

1. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface in a well-ventilated area.

2. Ensure the transmission is in PARK and set the parking brake.

3. Start the engine. Allow it to warm up at idle for 2 to 3 minutes and then stop the engine.

4. Continue by cleaning the area around the dipstick. 

5. Remove the dipstick and set it aside.

6. Next, place a drain pan under the engine crankcase. Placing a rag in the bottom of the drain pan will help prevent the splashing of oil.

7. Then clean the area around the oil drain plug.

8. Remove the drain plug with a 6mm Allen socket and allow the oil to drain completely.

9. Next, remove the oil filter cover plate. Use a T40 TORX® socket to loosen the three fasteners holding it in place.

10. Using a 2.5-inch oil filter wrench, turn the oil filter counterclockwise to remove it.

11. Clean the filter sealing surface on the crankcase with a clean, dry cloth. 

12. Lubricate the O-ring on the new filter with a film of fresh engine oil. Make sure the O-ring is in good condition.

13. Install the new filter and rotate it clockwise by hand until the filter gasket contacts the sealing surface. Then turn it an additional three quarters of a turn. The filter is part number 2520799. It is included in the oil change kit.

14. Next, clean any dirt or debris from the drain plug and ensure the sealing surfaces are free of any nicks or scratches. 

15. Also install a new sealing washer on the drain plug. The sealing washer is part number 5812232.

16. Reinstall the drain plug. Torque to 12 ft-lbs (16 Nm).

17. Before continuing, clean any residual oil off the vehicle.

18. Reinstall the oil filter plate and fasteners. Torque the fasteners to 7 ft-lbs (9 Nm).

19. Add 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of the recommended oil. Do not overfill. Your oil change kit comes with the correct amount of oil for your vehicle.

20. Next, reinstall the dipstick and wipe away any residual oil.

21. Start the engine and allow it to idle for 1 to 2 minutes.

22. Stop the engine and inspect for any leaks.

23. Next, remove the dipstick and wipe with a clean shop towel. Reinstall the dipstick fully and remove again to inspect the oil level. Add oil as needed to bring the level to the upper mark on the dipstick.

24. Wipe up any residual oil and dispose of the used oil and filter properly.

25. Next, use a grease gun to grease all suspension grease zerks.

  • On model year 2020 and 2021 High Lifter models, there is one grease zerk on the front propshaft and two on the rear bearing carriers.
  • On model year 2019 and older High Lifter models, there is one grease zerk on the front propshaft, two on the rear bearing carriers, and two on the A-arms.  

26. Then move to the rear of the vehicle to clean the spark arrestor. Before performing this procedure, remove any combustible materials from the area. Never run the engine in an enclosed area.

27. Remove the arrestor cleanout plug on the bottom of the muffler.

28. Next, start the engine. Quickly squeeze and release the throttle several times to purge carbon from the system. Do not stand near the spark arrestor when performing this step.

29. Before continuing, allow the exhaust to cool completely to prevent the risk of burns.

30. Reinstall the arrestor cleanout plug and torque the fastener until fully seated.

Programmable Service Interval
When the hours of engine operation equal the programmed service interval setting, the wrench icon (6) on the gauge will flash for 5 seconds each time the engine is started. When this feature is enabled, it provides a convenient reminder to perform routine maintenance.

Rider information center

The service interval is programmed at 50 hours at the factory. The service hours remaining will display in the information display area (3) of the rider information center. Change the engine oil and filter at the recommended service intervals.

To change the service interval, do the following:

Gauge diagram

1. Press the MODE button until remaining service hours display. On a Sportsman, the reverse override button (below) also acts as the MODE button when held down for approximately half a second. The override button will not function as a MODE button if the transmission is in reverse.

Mode button

2. Press and hold the MODE button.

3. When the service hours flash, press and release the MODE button to advance the hours to the desired setting (including OFF). Press and hold the MODE button to set the new service hour interval.

For more information, see your authorized Polaris Dealer. Find a dealer near you with the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.

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