There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pointing your 2020 Polaris General down a trail, engine rumbling, ready for adventure. It’s a workhorse and a weekend warrior all in one. But let’s be real—that feeling can turn to frustration fast when a strange noise, a sudden loss of power, or an electrical gremlin cuts your ride short. You know your machine is tough, but you also know it has its quirks.
If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over an issue, you’re not alone. The good news is that you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to pull back the curtain on the most common 2020 Polaris General problems and give you a clear, no-nonsense roadmap to diagnosing and fixing them yourself.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the specific issues owners report most, from the clutch and drivetrain to those pesky electrical bugs and suspension wear. We’ll arm you with the knowledge to spot trouble early, make smart repairs, and keep your General running strong for years to come. Let’s get those wrenches turning.
The Heart of the Beast: Common Engine and Drivetrain Issues
The ProStar 1000 engine is a solid power plant, but the components that transfer its power to the ground are under constant stress. Understanding these weak points is the first step in our 2020 Polaris General problems guide for keeping your machine reliable on the trail.
The Infamous Clutch Wear and Tear
Your General’s clutch is one of the hardest-working parts on the machine. It’s also one of the most common sources of trouble if not properly maintained.
Symptoms to watch for: A noticeable slipping sensation during acceleration, jerky or hesitant starts from a dead stop, or a distinct burning smell after a hard run. You might also notice your RPMs are high, but your speed isn’t increasing as it should.
The Fix: Pop off the clutch cover (you’ll need an 8mm socket for the bolts) and inspect the drive belt. Look for glazed sides, cracks, or missing cogs. A healthy belt is crucial. If the belt looks okay, the issue could be worn rollers or weights in the primary or secondary clutch. For many DIYers, a complete clutch rebuild kit from a brand like EPI or Dalton is a fantastic upgrade that often outlasts the OEM parts.
Drive Shaft Carrier Bearing Failure
This is a big one for the General platform. The factory carrier bearing, which supports the main drive shaft, is notorious for premature failure because it’s not sealed well and isn’t greasable.
Symptoms to watch for: A loud, rhythmic vibration or a grinding/whirring noise that seems to come from under the center console. You can often feel the vibration through the floorboards, and it gets worse with speed.
The Fix: Safely get under your machine and grab the drive shaft near the middle. If you can wiggle it up and down more than a tiny bit, your carrier bearing is shot. Don’t replace it with another OEM unit. The best practice is to upgrade to a heavy-duty, greasable aftermarket carrier bearing from brands like SuperATV or Sandcraft RCR. It’s a more involved job, but it’s a permanent solution.
Dealing with Overheating
An overheating engine can leave you stranded and cause catastrophic damage. Luckily, the cause is often simple.
Symptoms to watch for: The temperature gauge climbing into the red, steam coming from the front of the machine, or the coolant overflow bottle bubbling like a coffee pot.
The Fix: Your radiator is a magnet for mud and trail debris. The first step is a thorough cleaning. Use a garden hose (never a high-pressure washer, which can bend the delicate fins) to spray from the back of the radiator forward, pushing the mud out the way it came in. Also, check your coolant level and ensure the radiator fan is kicking on. If it’s not, check the fan relay and fuse in the main fuse box under the hood.
Electrical Gremlins: Chasing Wires and Cures
Modern side-by-sides are packed with electronics, and with all the vibration and water crossings, wiring issues can pop up. Knowing how to 2020 Polaris General problems in the electrical system can save you a massive headache.
Voltage Regulator Problems
The voltage regulator is responsible for charging your battery and running the electronics. When it fails, it can cause a cascade of confusing issues.
Symptoms to watch for: A battery that constantly dies, flickering headlights, the power steering cutting out, or random error codes on the dash. The machine might run fine for a bit, then suddenly die.
The Fix: Grab a simple multimeter. With the General running, touch the probes to your battery terminals. You should see a reading between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If it’s much lower (like 12.5v) or spiking much higher, your regulator is likely toast. The OEM placement isn’t great for cooling, so some owners relocate the new one to a spot with better airflow.
Weak Grounds and Accessory Wiring
A poor ground connection can mimic a dozen other problems. The factory grounding points can be a source of frustration, especially after adding accessories like light bars or a winch.
Symptoms to watch for: Accessories that work intermittently, a winch that struggles under load, or dimming lights when you activate an accessory.
The Fix: One of the most effective and popular mods is adding a dedicated ground wire. Run a heavy-gauge wire (8-gauge is good) directly from the negative battery terminal to a clean, bare metal spot on the frame. This provides a solid ground path for the entire machine and can solve many phantom electrical issues.
Suspension and Steering: Keeping Your Ride Smooth and True
Your suspension takes a beating on every ride. Keeping it tight and responsive is key for both comfort and safety. Here are some common problems with 2020 Polaris General problems related to the chassis.
Premature Bushing and Ball Joint Wear
The A-arm bushings and ball joints are critical pivot points. The stock components can wear out surprisingly fast, leading to a sloppy and unpredictable ride.
Symptoms to watch for: A clunking sound when going over bumps, vague or loose-feeling steering, and uneven or accelerated tire wear.
The Fix: Safely jack up the front of your General so the tires are off the ground. Grab a wheel at the top and bottom and try to wiggle it in and out. Any significant play indicates worn ball joints. To check bushings, try to move the A-arms side-to-side. Upgrading to aftermarket polyurethane bushings (which are often greasable) and heavy-duty ball joints will make your front end feel better than new.
Shock Seal Leaks and Performance Fade
Your shocks control the ride. When they start to fail, you’ll feel it.
Symptoms to watch for: A visible film of oil on the shock body, indicating a leaking seal. The ride may feel overly bouncy or harsh, as the shock is no longer damping suspension movement effectively.
The Fix: A leaking shock needs to be rebuilt or replaced. A rebuild involves replacing the internal seals and oil, which can be done by a dedicated suspension shop. If the shock shaft is damaged or you’re looking for an upgrade, a full replacement with aftermarket shocks from brands like FOX or Walker Evans can transform your ride quality.
Your Proactive 2020 Polaris General Problems Care Guide
The best way to fix a problem is to prevent it from happening in the first place. A little proactive maintenance goes a long way and is one of the most important 2020 Polaris General problems tips we can offer.
The Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist
Before every single ride, take five minutes to do a quick walk-around. It can save you from a long walk back.
- Tires: Check pressure and look for any damage.
- Fluids: Check engine oil and coolant levels.
- Visuals: Look under the machine for any new drips or leaks.
- Brakes: Test the brake pedal feel before you start moving fast.
- Air Filter: In dusty conditions, check and clean your air filter frequently.
A Sustainable Maintenance Routine
Creating a routine you can stick with is key. This is what we mean by sustainable 2020 Polaris General problems prevention. Follow the service intervals in your owner’s manual for oil changes, differential fluid changes, and valve checks. Every few rides, take the clutch cover off and blow out the dust with compressed air to extend belt life.
Eco-Friendly Fluid Disposal
Part of being a responsible owner is handling waste properly. When you change your oil or coolant, don’t just dump it. Your local auto parts store or municipal recycling center will almost always accept used fluids for free. This is an easy way to practice eco-friendly 2020 Polaris General problems maintenance.
Benefits of Knowing These Common Problems
It might seem like a drag to learn about all the things that can go wrong, but there are huge benefits of 2020 Polaris General problems awareness. Knowing these issues ahead of time empowers you. You can make smarter upgrade choices, save a fortune on shop labor costs, and gain the confidence to handle trailside repairs, ensuring you never get stranded far from home.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2020 Polaris General Problems
Is the 2020 Polaris General a reliable machine?
Absolutely. At its core, the 2020 General is a very capable and reliable UTV. Like any high-performance off-road vehicle, it has known weak points that require attention and diligent maintenance. The problems listed here are well-documented, and thankfully, the aftermarket has provided excellent, long-term solutions for nearly all of them.
What’s the single most important maintenance item to prevent issues?
If we had to pick just one, it would be a tie between keeping your air filter clean and regularly inspecting your clutch system. A clogged air filter can starve the engine of air and cause serious damage. A neglected clutch can leave you dead on the trail without warning. Both are relatively easy to check.
How can I tell if a used 2020 General has these problems?
When inspecting a used machine, focus on these key areas. Jack it up and check for play in the wheels (ball joints) and A-arms (bushings). Get underneath and try to move the drive shaft (carrier bearing). Look for oily residue on the shock bodies. During a test drive, pay close attention to any hesitation or slipping during acceleration (clutch issues) and listen for unusual whirring or grinding noises.
The 2020 Polaris General is an incredible machine built for both work and play. While no vehicle is perfect, understanding its common issues transforms you from a simple rider into a knowledgeable owner. By keeping an eye on these key areas and embracing a little preventative maintenance, you can ensure your General is always ready for the next adventure.
Now you have the knowledge. Get in the garage, get your hands dirty, and keep that rig trail-ready. Happy trails and ride safe out there!
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