IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle. Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com.

2023 Scrambler 850 Owner’s Manual

P/N 9941255

Trademarks

NGK® is a registered trademark of NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc. Loctite® is a registered trademark of Henkel Corporation. MACPHERSON RIDE® is a registered trademark of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. NYOGEL® is a registered trademark of Nye Lubricants, Inc. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig, Inc. QR Code® is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED. BatteryMinder® is a registered trademark of VDC Electronics, Inc. Phillips® is a registered trademark of the Phillips Screw Company. Tread Lightly^SM is a service mark of the United States Department of Agriculture. Google Play® is a registered trademark of Google LLC. APPLE® and APP STORE® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. MIKUNI® is a registered Trademark of MIKUNI CORPORATION. Silicon Labs® is a registered trademark of Silicon Laboratories Inc. iOS® is a registered trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc. Android® is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Duro® is a registered trademark of HWA Fong Rubber (USA) Inc. DBA Duro Tire & Wheel Corp. AUTOLITE® is a registered trademark of BMO HARRIS BANK N.A. RiderCourse℠ is a service trademark of Specialty Vehicle Institute of America.

Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc.

Copyright Information

Copyright 2022 Polaris Industries 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 discrepancies may result between the actual vehicle and the information presented in this publication. 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.

The original instructions for this vehicle are in English. Other languages are provided as translations of the original instructions.

Printing

Printed in U.S.A.

i 2023 Scrambler 850 Owner’s Manual
ii Welcome
iii Safety Symbols and Signal Words
Chapter 1: Introduction
- 1.1.1: Important Warning About This Manual
- 1.1.2: Vehicle Identification Numbers
- 1.1.3: Reporting Safety Defects (Canada)
Chapter 2: Safety
- 2.2.1: Safety Training
- 2.2.2: Safe Riding Gear
  - 2.2.2.1: Helmet
  - 2.2.2.2: Eye Protection
  - 2.2.2.3: Gloves
  - 2.2.2.4: Boots
  - 2.2.2.5: Clothing
- 2.2.3: Safety Warnings
  - 2.2.3.1: Operating Without Instruction
  - 2.2.3.2: Age Restrictions
  - 2.2.3.3: Using Alcohol or Drugs
  - 2.2.3.4: Failure to Inspect Before Operating
  - 2.2.3.5: Handling Gasoline
  - 2.2.3.6: Exposure to Exhaust
  - 2.2.3.7: Protective Apparel
  - 2.2.3.8: Operating on Pavement
  - 2.2.3.9: Operating on Public Roads
  - 2.2.3.10: Operating at Excessive Speeds
  - 2.2.3.11: Physical Control of the Vehicle
  - 2.2.3.12: Turning Improperly
  - 2.2.3.13: Jumps and Stunts
  - 2.2.3.14: Improper Hill Climbing
  - 2.2.3.15: Descending Hills Improperly
  - 2.2.3.16: Crossing Hillsides
  - 2.2.3.17: Stalling While Climbing a Hill
  - 2.2.3.18: Operating on Steep Hills
  - 2.2.3.19: Operating on Slippery Terrain
  - 2.2.3.20: Operating in Unfamiliar Terrain
  - 2.2.3.21: Improper Tire Maintenance
  - 2.2.3.22: Operating Improperly in Reverse
  - 2.2.3.23: Operating Over Obstacles
  - 2.2.3.24: Skidding or Sliding
  - 2.2.3.25: Operating a Damaged Vehicle
  - 2.2.3.26: Operating Through Water
  - 2.2.3.27: Improper Cargo Loading
  - 2.2.3.28: Operating on Frozen Bodies of Water
  - 2.2.3.29: Poor Visibility
  - 2.2.3.30: Physical Skills
  - 2.2.3.31: Hot Exhaust Systems
  - 2.2.3.32: Trailer Hitch Warning (if equipped)
  - 2.2.3.33: Unauthorized Use of the Vehicle
  - 2.2.3.34: Equipment Modifications
  - 2.2.3.35: Reporting Safety Defects (Canada)
- 2.2.4: Safety Labels and Locations
  - 2.2.4.1: General Warning
  - 2.2.4.2: Age 16 Warning
  - 2.2.4.3: Reverse Override Warning
  - 2.2.4.4: Clutch Cover Warning
  - 2.2.4.5: Tire Pressure/Load Warning
  - 2.2.4.6: No Passenger Warning
  - 2.2.4.7: Rack/Box Warning
  - 2.2.4.8: 4X4 (AWD) Caution
  - 2.2.4.9: Discretionary Warning
Chapter 3: Features and Controls
- 3.3.1: Controls
  - 3.3.1.1: Ignition Switch/Light Switch
  - 3.3.1.2: Engine Stop Switch
  - 3.3.1.3: Mode/Reverse Override Switch
  - 3.3.1.4: Headlight Switch
  - 3.3.1.5: 4x4 Switch (if equipped)
  - 3.3.1.6: Throttle Lever
- 3.3.2: Brake Lever
- 3.3.3: Parking Brake
- 3.3.4: Master Cylinder/Brake Fluid
- 3.3.5: Auxiliary Foot Brake
  - 3.3.5.1: Brake Fluid Level
- 3.3.6: Automatic Transmission Gear Selector
  - 3.3.6.1: Belt Life
- 3.3.7: Fuel Cap
- 3.3.8: Front Compartment
- 3.3.9: Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
- 3.3.10: Battery Charge Port
- 3.3.11: All Wheel Drive System
  - 3.3.11.1: 4X4 Mode
  - 3.3.11.2: 2X4 Mode
  - 3.3.11.3: Engaging 4X4
- 3.3.12: Instrument Cluster
  - 3.3.12.1: Overview
  - 3.3.12.2: Indicator Lamps
  - 3.3.12.3: Digital Gauge
  - 3.3.12.4: Display Area 1
  - 3.3.12.5: Display Area 2
  - 3.3.12.6: Options Menu
    - 3.3.12.6.1: Diagnostic Code
    - 3.3.12.6.2: Unit Selection Distance
    - 3.3.12.6.3: Unit Selection Temperature
    - 3.3.12.6.4: Clock (if Equipped)
    - 3.3.12.6.5: Back Light Color
    - 3.3.12.6.6: Back Light Level
    - 3.3.12.6.7: Service Hours
    - 3.3.12.6.8: Bluetooth® (if equipped)
      - 3.3.12.6.8.1: Pairing Your Phone to the Gauge
    - 3.3.12.6.9: Electronic Power Steering (EPS) (if equipped)
Chapter 4: Operation
- 4.4.1: Important Information
- 4.4.2: Safe Operation Practices
- 4.4.3: Trail Etiquette
- 4.4.4: Know Your Riding Area/Tread Lightly^SM
- 4.4.5: Vehicle Break-in Period
  - 4.4.5.1: Engine and Drivetrain Break-in
  - 4.4.5.2: Brake System Break-in
  - 4.4.5.3: PVT Break-in (Clutches/Belt)
- 4.4.6: Pre-Ride Checklist
- 4.4.7: New Operator Driving Procedures
  - 4.4.7.1: Turning the Vehicle
  - 4.4.7.2: Driving on Slippery Surfaces
  - 4.4.7.3: Driving Uphill
  - 4.4.7.4: Driving Downhill
  - 4.4.7.5: Driving on a Sidehill (Sidehilling)
  - 4.4.7.6: Turning Around on a Hill (K-Turn)
  - 4.4.7.7: Driving Through Water
  - 4.4.7.8: Driving Over Obstacles
  - 4.4.7.9: Driving in Reverse
- 4.4.8: Starting the Engine
  - 4.4.8.1: Cold Weather Operation
- 4.4.9: Stopping the Engine
- 4.4.10: Parking the Vehicle
  - 4.4.10.1: Parking on an Incline
- 4.4.11: Cargo Warning
- 4.4.12: Hauling Cargo Guidelines
- 4.4.13: Towing Loads
Chapter 5: Winch Guide
- 5.5.1: Winch Safety
- 5.5.2: Winch Safety Precautions
- 5.5.3: Winch Operation
- 5.5.4: Winch Cable Care
- 5.5.5: Shock Loading
- 5.5.6: Winch Maintenance and Service Safety
Chapter 6: Emission Control Systems
- 6.6.1: Noise Emission Control System
- 6.6.2: Operation on Public Lands in the U.S.A.
- 6.6.3: Crankcase Emission Control System
- 6.6.4: Exhaust Emission Control System
- 6.6.5: Electromagnetic Interference
Chapter 7: Maintenance
- 7.7.1: Periodic Maintenance Chart
- 7.7.2: Maintenance Interval Chart
- 7.7.3: Lubrication Guide
- 7.7.4: Engine Oil
  - 7.7.4.1: Oil Recommendations
  - 7.7.4.2: Oil Level Check
  - 7.7.4.3: Oil and Filter Change
- 7.7.5: Transmission Oil
- 7.7.6: Front Gearcase (Demand Drive) Fluid
- 7.7.7: Rear Gearcase Oil
- 7.7.8: Power Steering Unit (if equipped)
- 7.7.9: Steering Assembly
- 7.7.10: Cooling System
  - 7.7.10.1: Recovery Bottle Coolant
  - 7.7.10.2: Radiator Coolant
- 7.7.11: Brakes
  - 7.7.11.1: Hand Brake
  - 7.7.11.2: Auxiliary Foot Brake
- 7.7.12: Seat Removal
- 7.7.13: Side Panel/Footwell Removal
- 7.7.14: Tires
  - 7.7.14.1: Tire Tread Depth
  - 7.7.14.2: Front Wheel Hub Tightening
  - 7.7.14.3: Wheel Nut Torque Specifications
  - 7.7.14.4: Wheel Removal
  - 7.7.14.5: Wheel Installation
- 7.7.15: Toe Alignment
- 7.7.16: Air Filter Installation
- 7.7.17: Fuse Replacement
- 7.7.18: Lights
  - 7.7.18.1: Headlight Beam Inspection
  - 7.7.18.2: Headlight Beam Adjustment
  - 7.7.18.3: Headlamp Replacement
  - 7.7.18.4: Taillight/Brake Light Lamp Replacement
- 7.7.19: Spark Plugs
  - 7.7.19.1: Spark Plug Recommendations
  - 7.7.19.2: Spark Plug Inspection
    - 7.7.19.2.1: Normal Plug
    - 7.7.19.2.2: Wet Fouled Plug
- 7.7.20: Vehicle Immersion
- 7.7.21: Spark Arrestor
- 7.7.22: PVT System
  - 7.7.22.1: When to Use Low Range and High Range
  - 7.7.22.2: PVT Drying
- 7.7.23: Battery
  - 7.7.23.1: Battery Removal
  - 7.7.23.2: Battery Installation
  - 7.7.23.3: Battery Storage
  - 7.7.23.4: Battery Charging
  - 7.7.23.5: Battery Identification
  - 7.7.23.6: LEAD ACID CONVENTIONAL / DRY SHIPPED AGM BATTERY BEST PRACTICES
    - 7.7.23.6.1: LEAD ACID CONVENTIONAL BATTERIES
    - 7.7.23.6.2: DRY SHIPPED AGM BATTERIES
  - 7.7.23.7: LOW MAINTENANCE BATTERY BEST PRACTICES
    - 7.7.23.7.1: LEAD ACID LOW MAINTENANCE BATTERY
    - 7.7.23.7.2: AGM LOW MAINTENANCE BATTERIES
- 7.7.24: Camber and Caster
- 7.7.25: Front/Rear Shock Compression
- 7.7.26: Throttle Body/Idle RPM
- 7.7.27: Handlebars
- 7.7.28: Cleaning and Storage
  - 7.7.28.1: Washing the Vehicle
  - 7.7.28.2: Polishing the Vehicle
    - 7.7.28.2.1: Polishing Tips
- 7.7.29: Cleaning and Storage
  - 7.7.29.1: Storage Tips
    - 7.7.29.1.1: Clean the Exterior
    - 7.7.29.1.2: Stabilize the Fuel
    - 7.7.29.1.3: Oil and Filter
    - 7.7.29.1.4: Air Filter / Air Box
    - 7.7.29.1.5: Fluid Levels
    - 7.7.29.1.6: Inspect and Lubricate
    - 7.7.29.1.7: Fog the Engine
    - 7.7.29.1.8: Battery Maintenance
    - 7.7.29.1.9: Storage Area / Covers
- 7.7.30: Transporting the ATV
Specifications
- 8.1 SCRAMBLER 850
Chapter 8: POLARIS Products
- 8.8.1: Lubricants / Service Products
Chapter 9: Troubleshooting
- 9.9.1: Drive Belt Wear/Burn
- 9.9.2: Engine Doesn't Turn Over
- 9.9.3: Engine Turns Over, Fails to Start
- 9.9.4: Engine Backfires
- 9.9.5: Engine Pings or Knocks
- 9.9.6: Engine Runs Irregularly, Stalls or Misfires
- 9.9.7: Engine Stops or Loses Power
- 9.9.8: Diagnostic Display Code Definitions
Chapter 10: Warranty
- 10.10.1: Limited Warranty
- 10.10.2: Registration
- 10.10.3: Warranty Coverage And Exclusions
  - 10.10.3.1: Limitations Of Warranties And Remedies
  - 10.10.3.2: Lubricants and Fluids
- 10.10.4: How To Obtain Warranty Service
  - 10.10.4.1: In the Country where your product was purchased:
  - 10.10.4.2: Outside the Country where your product was purchased:
  - 10.10.4.3: If you move:
  - 10.10.4.4: If you purchase from a private party:
- 10.10.5: Exported Products
- 10.10.6: Notice
- 10.10.7: U.S.A. EPA Emissions Limited Warranty
- 10.10.8: California Residents
Chapter 11: Maintenance Log
- 11.11.1: Maintenance Log