Polaris Ranger Won’t Start: 5 Possible Reasons And Solutions
Polaris Ranger is a very reliable ATV. However, we get that it can face many problems. One of the most common problems is it won’t crank.
So, how do you fix Polaris Ranger won’t start?
A faulty battery could be an issue behind this problem. You may need to jumpstart your ATV. Nevertheless, starter motor failure can cause the issue. Changing the starter motor can solve the issue. Also, flaws in the alternator can be a reason behind it. Getting it replaced can fix your issues.
However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. You need to learn more to solve the issues.
Let’s move along with it.
5 Reasons Why Your Polaris Ranger Won’t Start
The Polaris Ranger is a trustworthy travel buddy. But it’s a complex machine with hundreds of moving parts. And, like any other machine, it occasionally fails to perform as expected.
The most typical reasons for Ranger’s breakdown are discussed in this article. And also how you can fix it.
Reason 1 A Faulty Battery
What’s the most common cause of your Ranger’s engine not running or running slowly? It is a defective or expired 12v battery. Further examination will be necessary if the battery is the root cause of the starting difficulty.
A voltage test of the battery will also be essential. The voltage between the battery poles and the acidic flow can all be determined with a test.
Likely, your automobile battery hasn’t yet reached its peak capacity if bought new. There’s nothing to be alarmed about. A battery takes time to obtain its peak strength.
Reason 2: Starter Motor Failure
A starter is a motor used to start your Ranger’s engine. A starting motor has an average life of 100,000 to 150,000 miles. The capacity of the engine will get reduced if it’s cranked more often.
In any case, the starter motor’s lifespan is limited. It will degrade down after a long duration of use. Furthermore, if the starter motor fails, the engine will not start.
3. Faulty Spark Plugs
If the spark plug is faulty it is more likely the engine won’t start. If there is any flaw, it’s not the spark plug that will be affected. The plug connection gets loosened because of this.
If the difficulty is limited to a single cable, you can repair it by yourself. You will have to take it to the workshop if the whole spark plug has failed.
4. Flaw in Alternator
An alternator is a machine that generates electricity. If the alternator faces failure electricity will not be generated. The battery will possibly get deprived of being charged because of this
Therefore, it will seem like there is a battery failure and you will change the battery. But the battery will not function properly which will lead to the engine not starting.
5. Blocked Fuel Filter
The fuel filter of a ranger does not run out indifferent to other mechanical parts. But it gets blocked and obstructed by dust particles over a time period. The fuel pressure and the porosity get affected due to this.
It won’t matter at the very beginning. But over a time period when the fuel filter is clogged, it will affect the engine. The engine will not be able to perform with peak capacity and have a start failure.
Troubleshooting
We have seen the reasons and problems why your Polaris Ranger is not starting. Now let us find solutions to these problems
Troubleshooting 1: Faulty Battery
Mainly there are 2 ways to troubleshoot this issue, let’s learn about them.
12-volt Battery Test
A multimeter may be used to properly test the voltage of your Ford Ranger’s battery. The multimeter is adjusted to the battery’s operating voltage. And it’s linked to its plus and negative poles before the test.
The voltage of a car battery that has been successfully tested, For example; checked, normally ranges between 12 and 13 volts.
Values exceeding 14 or below 11.5 volts necessitate a professional evaluation of the car battery’s condition. Because these measured values may indicate that the battery is defective and needs to be replaced.
Ranger Jumpstart
If your Ranger breaks down due to a dead battery, you can jump-start. You have to jump-start it using jumper cables and a healthy battery from another vehicle. Or you can also utilize a battery booster if available.
Connect the red cable to the positive terminal of your Ranger’s dead battery first. Then you have to connect to the donor battery’s positive terminal.
Connect the black wire to the donor battery’s negative terminal first. Then to the bare metal in your Ranger’s engine bay.
Begin with the donor car before moving on to your Ranger. Reverse the cable removal process.
Troubleshooting 2: Starter Motor Failure
You can start the engine if there is a starter motor failure by turning a key. You have to do it along with hitting the starter motor with a solid tool.
This method works effectively when the starter parts are jammed together. Or the gears are misaligned.
However, there is a possibility that the starter might have expired. Therefore it is better if you get it checked at the maintenance shop.
Troubleshooting 3: Faulty Spark Plugs
Check to see if there is any spark. Detach the spark plug from the cylinder head. Afterward, put it back into the spark plug wire/boot.
Start the engine again to check if there is a spark now. It’s an indicator of functionality. Get the plug changed if you don’t see a spark. If you still face problems get the coil replaced.
Troubleshooting 4: Flaw in Alternator
It’s a rare occurrence that your alternator suffers a failure. The performance of modern cars has increased significantly. Therefore it’s a given that the cars will last from 250,000 to 350,000 miles.
But yet its performance highly depends on how you use it. And if it’s a used car, then the alternator might be out of order.
In case of an alternator breakdown, you have to get it replaced with a new alternator.
Troubleshooting 5: Blocked Fuel Filter
Check the fuel system thoroughly. Start the engine and drag the fuel line to check whether the gas is available or not. In scenarios like this examine the fuel filter thoroughly to observe if there is a clog. Ensure that there is enough gas in the fuel tank.
Observe to check if there is a clog in the air filter. The clog will get your engine obstructed and as a result, it will not run. In this case, cleaning is not recommended. It’s better to get the air filter replaced.
Here is the guide to check if the fuel filter is clogged.
First, Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor or fuel injection system. Then turn on the fuel pump to see if fuel flows freely through the line. If there is no or very little fuel coming out of the line, the fuel filter may be clogged and in need of replacement.
FAQs
What is the average shelf-life of a Polaris Ranger battery?
A Polaris Ranger battery can last long on an average of four years. It’s a given only if the battery is taken proper care of. If you need to replace your battery please get it changed at a Polaris dealer workshop.
How do you get the check engine light switched off on a Polaris Ranger?
If your check engine light is on then switch the Ignition key on and off. This workaround is the best method out there for this problem. The computer is compelled to gain its saved memory while rebooting. Turning the ignition on and off for a few seconds will fix it.
How can I tell if my Polaris Ranger’s battery is dead?
There are few signs that can tell you the battery is dead. Those are-
The Polaris Ranger’s engine won’t turn over when you turn the key, The headlights and other electrical components won’t turn on. Also, You may hear a clicking sound when you try to start the engine.
How often should I replace the spark plugs and ignition coils on my Polaris Ranger?
It is recommended to replace spark plugs every 100 hours of use or once a year, whichever comes first. Ignition coils should be replaced as needed or as recommended by the manufacturer.
How do I check if my Polaris Ranger’s ignition switch is working properly?
First, Turn the key to “on” and see if the dashboard lights turn on or not. If the lights don’t turn on, the ignition switch may be faulty and in need of replacement
How do I know if my Polaris Ranger fuel pump is bad?
There are a few signs that your Polaris Ranger fuel pump may be bad including Engine Cranks but Won’t Start, sputtering engine, loss of power, and a whining noise.
Final Thoughts
That was everything regarding Polaris Ranger won’t start.
Here’s a piece of advice, always inspect your brake fluid ATV. Otherwise, your brake won’t engage without fluid and can face accidents.
Have a good day.
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