Polaris Ranger 500 Problems: Reasons and Solutions for All Issues (2024)

The Polaris 500 Ranger is the perfect machine for anyone who prioritizes utility over brute force. This understated workhorse adapts easily on the trail because it doesn't need a trailer to reach the trailhead.

Whether you are looking to purchase a brand spanking new 2022 Polaris Ranger, or a used older model, you can count on this machine for efficiency, reliability, and durability to haul and tow a decent weight considering its small size and the measly 32hp delivered by its 500cc engine.

It can easily fit in the back of your pick-up when looking to drive a long distance before going off-road on this light, small but reliable machine.

Common Problems in the Polaris Ranger 500

Despite its praiseworthy features, the Polaris Ranger 500 - like any other machine - will likely experience some mechanical and electrical challenges now and then. Worry not; this article will help you make the right decision when purchasing a Ranger 500. If you are looking to fix your Ranger 500, you are well covered because this article includes the solutions to the highlighted problems.

Does Your Engine Fail to Turn When starting?

Several owners of the Polaris Ranger 500 have reported that their engine does not start upon turning the key in the ignition. This problem can be a result of a few reasons, such as:

• Unfastened battery connections.
• Unsecured solenoid connections
• Low battery voltage.
• Detached electronic box connections.

The leading cause of the engine not turning when starting mainly occurs when your battery has low voltage as it is the source of electricity. It is by recharging the drained battery that the problem should be solved.

If the problem persists after recharging the battery, you should inspect all the connections and ensure they are fastened, including at the battery terminal. When you ensure that all the connections are secured, you, in turn, solve the problem of unfastened battery connections and unsecured solenoids.

Anytime the issue results from loose electronic box connections, ensure that when you inspect, you clean and reinstall all connectors.

Is Your Polaris Ranger 500 Engine Turning but Not Starting?

There have been several cases where the owners of the Polaris Ranger 500 have reported their engines turning but not starting. Since this problem is not straightforward as to what may cause it, here are some of the possible causes of your engine turning but not starting;

• Lack of fuel.
• A defective spark plug
• Low battery voltage
• Presence of water in the engine
• Mechanical failure.

When solving lack of fuel, it goes without saying that refueling your engine may solve the issue. You may refuel and note that your engine may still be defective. Take a good look at the spark plug and replace it if it is faulty. Whenever you have a drained battery, you should recharge it back to 12.8V. Take it to a professional.

While inspecting you may notice the presence of water in the fuel, you should drain the whole fuel system and make sure you replace the mixture with the recommended fuel. The option of visiting your Polaris Ranger 500 professionals is always applicable when the leading cause of your engine not turning is because of mechanical failure. They will ensure they have a good look at it and resolve the problem.

Does Your Polaris Ranger 500 Engine Backfire?

You may be riding your Ranger 500 and notice that your engine is backfiring randomly. The feeling in the pit in your stomach is right; this is not a good sign. Any one of these reasons may cause your Ranger 500 to keep backfiring:

• A weak spark from the spark plug
• Aged or non-recommended fuel
• Loose ignition connections
• A faulty ignition timing
• Incorrectly installed spark plug wires
• Incorrect spark plug heat range or gap.
• Presence of water in the fuel.
• Mechanical failure.

Whenever you realize that your engine has a weak spark plug, you should immediately inspect it and determine whether the gap is the required one and clean it if necessary or replace the damaged spark plug with a new spark plug. If the source of the backfiring is terrible fuel, you should get rid of all that fuel and replace it with fresh recommended fuel. This has proven to restore engines that have been backfiring due to water in the fuel.

To rectify loose electrical ignition connections, one must inspect all the connections and ensure that they are all tightened up.

Several reasons will compel you to go and visit a professional for help if they are causing your Ranger 500 engine to backfire. Problems such as faulty ignition timing, mechanical failures, and incorrectly installed spark plug wires will require an expert on the model to look at it to help reach a solution.

Is Your Polaris Ranger 500 Engine Losing Power or Even Stopping?

Owners of the Polaris Ranger 500 have reported that their engines are losing power or even stopping due to a lack of energy after particular mileage. After looking into this problem, the following was stated as common causes of your Ranger 500 engine losing power:

• Lack of fuel
• Bent fuel vent line
• Faulty spark plugs
• Presence of water in the fuel
• Faulty spark plug wires
• An overheated engine
• Clogged air filter
• Low battery voltage
• Incorrect fuel

The lack of fuel is corrected by refueling your Polaris. That's why you should inspect the spark plugs and ensure they are in good working conditions.

Whenever you realize that your fuel is mixed with water, make sure that you drain all of it and then connect the system before replacing the fuel. If the problem is faulty spark plug wires and other mechanical failures, you should make sure that you visit your dealer urgently to solve the problem.

If your Polaris Ranger 500 engine is overheating, you should first make sure that you clean the radiator screen and core. You can also prevent your engine from overheating by cleaning the exterior of your engine and having regular inspections from your dealer. Also, ensure that you charge your drained battery to 12.8V for it to be able to power up all systems as anticipated.

Does Your Polaris Ranger 500 Park Brake Engine Limit Feature Fail to Disengage?

Though it might seem like a simple problem when your park brake limit feature fails to disengage in your Polaris Ranger 500, it might sometimes be frustrating. There are a few reasons behind this problem, and that is:

• The parking brake is not entirely engaged.
• Switch movement failure or parking brake connector malfunction.

When it comes to the issue of the parking brake not being wholly disengaged, you should ensure that the lever is in the forward-most position. When the brake is cleared, the failure should not appear. If the source of the problem is a parking brake connector malfunction, you should disconnect the connector temporarily and visit your dealer for further assistance.

Does Your Polaris Ranger 500 Drive Belt Wear/ Burn?

Currently, some owners of the Polaris Ranger 500 have encountered the problem of their engine drive belts burning up and wearing out at a high rate. Some of the different reasons that contribute to your drive belt wearing and tearing include the following:

• Driving at low RPM
• Inadequate warm-up at low ambient temperatures
• Stuck in snow or mud
• Going over large objects from a stopped position
• Clutch malfunction
• Poor engine performance
• Slippage from not allowing the belt to warm-up

While driving your Polaris Ranger 500 at a low RPM or a speed of about 3-7mph, you can damage your engine's drive belt, and the solution to this problem is for the driver to drive at a low range more frequently or drive at higher speeds.

The other main reason for wear and tear of the drive belt is your engine not warming up adequately at low temperatures. This problem can only be rectified by letting your engine warm up for at least 3 minutes while the transmission is neutral. You should then advance the throttle into short bursts 6 to 7 times for the drive belt to become more flexible and thus prevent burning.

Whenever you are stuck in snow or mud, you should shift the transmission to a low range and cautiously use fast, aggressive throttle application to engage the clutch. You should be extremely cautious because excessive throttle may force you to lose control or cause your vehicle to overturn.

Anytime you are going over large objects from a stopped position, always ensure that you shift the transmission to a low range and carefully apply the throttle to engage the clutch. When the clutch is the one that has a problem, it is advisable to take it to your dealer for them to have a look and rectify the situation.

Final words

When your engine is failing, you should thoroughly inspect your fuel tank and lines, look for foreign objects, and check for signs of fouled plugs. The drive belt will slip off when you fail to warm up your belt from low temperatures. It will slip off when you fail to warm up your belt.