5 Reasons Your Polaris Outlaw 50 Won’t Start (Solution)

If you’re having a hard time starting your Polaris Outlaw 50, it could be due to a flat or dead battery. In other cases, the engine doesn’t get enough fuel due to carburetor and fuel filter issues or a clogged gas cap. 

Accordingly, low compression can make it hard to start your ATV because the fuel mixture isn’t compressed enough to ignite. Besides low compression, a faulty kill switch can lock your vehicle in stop mode, making it hard to start. 

Read on to learn more about why your Polaris Outlaw 50 won’t start and how you can fix it and get it firing again. 

Why Your Polaris Outlaw 50 Won’t Start?

Your Polaris Outlaw 50 requires fuel, sparks in the spark plugs, a charged battery, and air to start. If a problem denies the engine any of those requirements, your Outlaw 50 won’t start.

The table below shows some of the issues and their fixes in short;

Have you got a brief description of the problem and the solution? Now read on to know the details of them. 

1. Battery Issues

Aside from running several electrical circuits in the ATV, the battery supplies power to the starter motor, turning the engine to start it. If the battery is dead or discharged, it can’t provide enough voltage to start the engine.

Solution

1. Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage to check your battery level. Levels below 12.2V indicate a flat battery, while dead batteries have voltages below 12V. If the battery is flat, use the appropriate charger to charge it, and then try to start your Outlaw 50.
2. If you have a flat battery but want to get your Polaris Outlaw running quickly, you can jumpstart it. Find another vehicle with a charged 12-volt battery. Connect the terminals of the batteries using jumper wires and turn the ignition. After starting your ATV, the alternator will charge the battery. 
3. To troubleshoot the battery, begin by examining it physically. Check the terminals for any signs of corrosion, leaks, or swelling. Use a terminal cleaner to rinse the terminals, and apply grease if you find any corrosion. In case of swelling, you must replace the battery. We’d recommend this battery (Pirate Battery YTX9-BS Maintenance Free Replacement Battery for ATV). 

2. Kill Switch Problems

The kill switch has two modes of operation; STOP and RUN. STOP blocks power from getting to the starter, so you can’t accidentally start the vehicle. RUN allows power to flow freely, so the Outlaw can start and run normally. 

Solution

To troubleshoot a troublesome kill switch, find the wiring diagram. Start by measuring the voltage across it while operating it. Since kill switches work by opening or closing circuits, the reading should change as you operate the switch. Otherwise, the switch is faulty. 

If the switch is not working as expected, disconnect it and check for signs of corrosion. Then use a multimeter to check for any breaks in its wires. Replace any broken wires and retest the switch. If it still doesn’t work, you should replace it.

3. Engine not Getting Fuel

Another common reason your Polaris Outlaw 50 doesn’t start is that fuel doesn’t get to the engine. The issue may be a congested fuel supply line, filter, a damaged fuel pump, or a faulty carburetor. 

Solution

If you think your ATV’s engine is not getting enough fuel, start by checking the fuel filter. Ensure the filter is in good shape but if it looks old or dirty, swap it out for a new one. 

Debris and old gas can block the carburetor causing the engine to receive no fuel. To clean the carburetor, use carb cleaners to dissolve the debris and old gas. Ensure the choke is open during cleaning to allow the dirt to leave.

You can detach the carburetor and clean it if using a carb cleaner fails. In this case, you can ask a professional to help or follow the guide below;

• Drain the carb using the drain screw
• Detach it from the vehicle
• Disassemble it carefully
• Clean using a brush and carb cleaner
• Reassemble it and reinstall it on your ATV

The Polaris Outlaw ATV also has a cap with a vent to allow air to escape or enter the gas tank. If the vent stops working, fuel doesn’t get to the engine. If the gas cap is congested, clean it and clear the vent. You can replace it if you think it’s too dirty or old. 

4. Spark Plug Issues

Spark plugs create the spark that lights the air-fuel mixture in the engine. If the spark plugs are damaged, there won’t be any electrical spark to light the air-fuel mixture. Hence, your ATV won’t start. Even if you manage to start the vehicle, damaged spark plugs will cause engine misfires and stalling. 

The common problems that stop a spark plug from firing include;

• Dirty terminals
• Bent electrodes
• A build-up of carbon

Solution

To clean a spark plug with dirty terminals or carbon build-up, you need a wire brush. However, be careful while brushing it to avoid accidentally changing the plug gap size. 

If the electrodes are bent, use a feeler gauge to measure the size of the plug gap. Then use pliers to unbend the electrode and adjust the gap till it matches the required size. In case the spark plugs can’t be fixed, you must replace them.

5. Low Compression

When the engine squeezes the air into the top of the combustion cylinder, that’s known as compression. This action warms the air-fuel mixture and readies it for ignition. If your Polaris Outlaw 50 has low compression, you’ll find it hard to start. 

Several issues can cause low compression. They include;

• Faulty head gasket
• Damaged spark plug
• Worn-out piston rings
• Faulty valves

Solution

You can replace cracked spark plugs, adjust the tightness of valves or even swap them out for new ones. However, other problems like a damaged head gasket or worn-out piston rings are difficult to fix. If you suspect your Outlaw’s issues are related to the head gasket or piston rings, ask for professional help. 

Here’s a video of a Polaris Outlaw 50 with starting issues.

FAQs

Here are some answers to some common questions about Polaris Outlaw 50 problems.

Conclusion

Your Polaris Outlaw 50 won’t start because of several issues. For example, the battery could be flat or dead; the engine may have low compression or insufficient fuel. In other cases, your ATV’s kill switch could be damaged, blocking you from starting the vehicle. 

Most of these problems, such as battery issues, are easy to fix, so you should have your vehicle up and running quickly. The more complicated issues like damaged piston rings and head gaskets require the services of a trained professional to fix.

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Mark Williams

Founder and Author at Theautomobily

Mark Williams is the founder and author of Theautomobily located in Tucson, AZ. As a Mechanical Engineer,He has 15 years of experience in the automobile industry. Mark's deep understanding of various types of vehicles such as UTVs, ATVs, cars, Trucks, and lawnmowers which allows him to provide valuable insights and information.

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