Polaris Ranger Fuel Pump Problems – 5 Problem Solved

Fuel pump is a crucial vehicle element. It’s responsible for pumping the fuel into the engine. In addition to poor acceleration, a faulty fuel pump results in low mileage.

So, today I will be discussing Polaris ranger fuel pump problems.

Polaris Ranger fuel pumps primarily have overheating problems, electrical issues, and fuel contamination. Also, clogged filtration and lower fuel efficiency are other major problems. There are specific reasons and solutions for these problems. In most cases, you may need to replace the fuel pump.

Now, let’s discuss all the problems, their reasons, and their solutions.

How Do I Know If My Polaris Ranger Fuel Pump Is Bad?

The fuel pump is responsible for the poor acceleration, sudden engine shut-downs, and loss of top speed. Also, If your Polaris Ranger has trouble starting, sputters, or is less fuel efficient, the fuel pump is the culprit here. In this case, consider replacing the pump.

How Do You Diagnose a Fuel Pump Problem?

There are two ways to diagnose your fuel pump for problems. The easiest method is to check the fuel pump by disconnecting it and driving the car without it. If the car runs better without the fuel pump, it means that the fuel pump is the culprit.

The second method is testing the fuel pump using the fuel pressure gauge(our pick: BOSCH (FIX 7818 Fuel Pressure Tester Kit). If the gauge shows a zero reading, the fuel pump is completely dead. Ideally, a Polaris Ranger should have a fuel pump pressure between 38-40 psi.

Polaris Ranger Fuel Pump Problems: Quick Overview

Here’s the overview of the problems, reasons, and solutions.

5 Major Fuel Pump Problems, Reasons & Solutions

Let’s now discuss the major fuel pump problems, their causes, and their solutions.

Problem 1: Overheating Problem

The first problem we have is overheating. If the fuel pump gets overheated, it may malfunction or, in the worst case, completely stop working. You may face trouble starting the car, whining noises in the engine, and sputtering the engine at high speeds.

Reason

The fuel pump is responsible for pumping the fuel into the engine combustion chamber. Excess heat is generated if fuel isn’t pumped into the engine properly. It Happens when there’s any dirt or impurities in the fuel or if the oil filter is not working properly. 

Solution

If the fuel pump has an overheating issue, then the only solution is to replace it completely. I’ll talk about how to replace the fuel pump of a Polaris Ranger later in this article.

Problem 2: Electrical Issue

The second reason we have is the electrical issue related to the fuel pump. Polaris Ranger and other modern vehicles have the fuel pump electrically connected to the fuse tank. The fuel pump and fuse box can fail if there is an electric issue.

Reason

There may be electrical issues if the connection or terminals have corrosion/rust or if the connection is loose. Additionally, excessive heat can damage internal wiring and cause malfunctions. 

Solution

Inspect the fuel pump along with the fuse box. Ensure all the connections are properly connected, and there’s no rust in the terminals. You can use a brass or steel brush to clean the terminals and connection from rust. Also, replace ant wirings if needed.

Problem 3: Fuel Contamination

The third problem we have is fuel contamination. The engine cannot handle the contaminated fuel that well. Contaminants like dirt and moisture clog the fuel pump and the oil filter resulting in poor engine performance. 

Reason

The engine needs oxygen from the air to burn the fuel more efficiently. Every vehicle has air and oil filters to clean all kinds of impurities that come with air and low fuel. Low-quality fuels often contain contaminations and can harm engines.

Solution

Ensure that your fuel doesn’t have any contamination and the oil filter is working properly. If your fuel pump is clogged and damaged with impurities, consider replacing it immediately. Additionally, low-quality fuels contain impurities, so avoid using them.

Problem 4: Clogged Filtration

The second last problem is the clogged filtration of the fuel pump. Filters in fuel pumps can become clogged, causing straining and shortening their lifespans.

Reason

If the fuel pump strainers are clogged with dirt/pollen, it can disrupt the fuel flow to the engine. The oil filter is responsible for cleaning up the impurities from the oil before it goes to the engine. In other words, if it fails to filter the impurities, the pump will clog.

Solution

You can change the oil filter or use a fuel injector cleaner to clean the clogged internals. It is recommended to use the fuel injector cleaner every 3000 miles. 

Problem 5: Lower Fuel Efficiency

The last problem is lower fuel efficiency. When the fuel pump pushes more fuel to the engine, it results in lower fuel efficiency. Here, you may think the more fuel the engine gets, the better, but that’s not the case. Fuel filters follow a certain fuel pressure.

Reason

The Polaris Ranger comes with a fuel pressure regulator between 38-40 psi. If the pressure is low or zero, your fuel pump is dead.

Solution

You can adjust the fuel pressure regulator accordingly. Consider replacing the fuel pump with a new one. Here’s a video on adjusting the fuel pressure regulator.

How To Replace Polaris Ranger Fuel Pump?

Replacing the fuel pump of your Polaris Ranger is easy. Always follow the owner’s manual that comes with the vehicle to replace the fuel pump. You will also find the list of all the required tools needed for the replacement. Here’s the video complete guide.

FAQs

How Do You Prime A Polaris Fuel Pump?

To prime, a Polaris Fuel Pump, first, fill the fuel tank and insert the ignition key into one position. Now press the engine start/stop button and allow the fuel pump to run for about 2-5 seconds until it stops. Repeat the process 2-3 times and finally start the engine.

How Can I Test My Fuel Pump Without A Tool?

To test the fuel pump without a tool, first, you need to disconnect the hoses from the pump. Now, block the hose passage tightly with your finger. If the oil touches and pushes your finger hard, the pressure is good.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Fuel Pump?

In general, your vehicle’s fuel pump should last between 100,000-200,000 miles. You can extend the lifespan of the fuel pump if you use good-quality fuel. Bad-quality fuels often have contamination that can clog your fuel pump and oil filter.

Conclusion

That was everything about the Polaris ranger fuel pump problems. I have thoroughly investigated the problems, their reasons, and solutions. Hopefully, you can find the solution to your problem. Good luck with your Polaris Ranger until next time.

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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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