UTV Troubleshooting Guide

Diagnosis is critical when it comes to UTV maintenance. The sooner you can identify the problem, the sooner you’ll know whether you’ll be able to fix it yourself or whether it might be best to schedule a service appointment. You’ll also have a better idea of what kinds of replacement parts you might need. For more on how to troubleshoot your UTV’s maintenance problems, check out this guide from Car Corral Polaris.

Battery Issues

If your side by side isn’t starting properly, the cause is often a dead or undercharged battery. While undercharged batteries can be recharged, dead batteries will need to be replaced. If the UTV’s battery isn’t undercharged or dead and the problem still persists, it might be a poor terminal connection. Try greasing the battery’s terminals, treating them with an anti-corrosive, and then tightening them. If your UTV is equipped with a refillable battery and the electrolyte levels are dropping more quickly than they should, the culprit might be a crack or hole in the cell, in which case the battery will need to be fully replaced. 

Engine Trouble

If your UTV isn’t starting correctly despite the battery being fine, or the engine just isn’t putting out as much power as it should, check the engine itself. Possible engine issues include a clogged injector, an empty fuel tank, a dirty or broken spark plug, a ruined ignition coil, or a wrecked crankshaft position sensor. Go through each part, checking that all of them are in good working condition. If your UTV is still slow to start, check the fuel system. Make sure that the fuel tank, filter, electric fuel pump, and injector are all doing their jobs, and that the fuel tank cover is intact.

Overheating Engine

If your UTV’s engine overheats too easily, the problem usually lies in the coolant system. Check your coolant levels and top them off if needed. If you see evidence of a corroded coolant flow path, flush your system. If those steps don’t help, the problem might be a loose radiator cap or broken fan. 

Shop UTVs at Car Corral Polaris in Flora, Illinois. We also offer financing, parts ordering, and servicing. We’re proud to serve communities like Mt. Vernon and Evansville, Indiana.