Does The Polaris General Have A Heater – The Ultimate DIY Install

There’s nothing like hitting the trail on a crisp autumn morning, the air sharp and the leaves crunching under your tires. But as the sun stays low and the temperature drops, that crisp morning can turn into a bone-chilling ride that cuts your adventure short. You start wondering if you can push through the cold, or if it’s time to pack it in and head for home.

We’ve all been there. You bought your rig for year-round fun, not to have it parked for a third of the year. This is where the big question comes up: does the Polaris General have a heater? It’s a question that can make or break your cold-weather riding plans.

In this guide, we’re going to give you the complete, no-nonsense answer. We promise to walk you through everything from factory options to the best aftermarket kits. You’ll learn exactly what you need to look for, how to install a heater yourself, and how to keep it running perfectly for years of four-season fun.

The Short Answer: Does the Polaris General Have a Heater from the Factory?

Let’s get straight to the point: most Polaris General models do not come with a heater as standard equipment. Think of it like air conditioning in a base model truck a decade ago—it’s considered an optional upgrade, not a necessity for every owner.

However, Polaris knows that many riders demand all-weather capability. That’s why you’ll often find a full cab heater and defrost system included in their premium, fully-enclosed trim packages, like the Polaris General XP 1000 NorthStar Edition. These top-tier models are designed from the ground up for total climate control.

For everyone else with a Sport, Premium, or Deluxe model, a heater is an accessory you’ll need to add. But don’t worry, that’s actually great news. It means you have complete control over the type, power, and cost of the system you install.

Why a Heater is a Game-Changer for Your General

Adding a heater to your UTV isn’t just about luxury; it’s a massive upgrade in comfort, safety, and utility. This is one of the most practical mods you can make, and understanding the full benefits of does the polaris general have a heater will convince you it’s worth every penny.

Extend Your Riding Season: This is the biggest win. A good heater turns your General into a true four-season machine, letting you comfortably go on hunting trips, plow snow, or just enjoy trail rides when everyone else has winterized their rigs.
Boost Safety and Visibility: A cold cab isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous. A heater with a defrost function keeps your windshield clear of fog, frost, and ice, ensuring you always have a perfect view of the trail ahead. It also keeps your hands warm and nimble for better control of the vehicle.
Enhance Rider Comfort: Let’s be honest, being cold sucks. A warm cab makes every trip more enjoyable for you and your passengers. No more shivering, chattering teeth, or needing to bundle up in so many layers you can barely move.
Increase Your Rig’s Value: When it’s time to sell or trade in your General, a professionally installed, high-quality cab heater is a major selling point that can significantly increase its resale value, especially in colder climates.

Types of Heaters for Your Polaris General: OEM vs. Aftermarket

Once you’ve decided to add warmth to your ride, you have two main paths: buying an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) kit from Polaris or choosing from a wide range of aftermarket options. This does the polaris general have a heater guide will help you choose the right path for your budget and skills.

Polaris OEM Heater Kits

Polaris offers its own heater and defrost kits designed specifically for the General. These are engineered by the same people who built your machine, which comes with some distinct advantages.

Pros:

Perfect Fitment: The brackets, hoses, and vents are designed to mount in factory locations for a clean, integrated look.
Plug-and-Play Wiring: Often utilizes factory wiring harnesses and pre-wired switch locations on the dash.
Dealer Support: You can have it installed by a dealer, and it’s fully supported by the Polaris parts network.

Cons:

Higher Cost: You’re paying a premium for the Polaris name and the guaranteed fit.

Popular Aftermarket Heater Kits

Companies like Inferno Cab Heaters, SuperATV, and MotoAlliance have become leaders in the UTV heater market. They offer powerful, reliable kits that are often more affordable than OEM options.

Pros:

Cost-Effective: Generally, you’ll get more heating power (BTUs) for your dollar compared to OEM.
Variety of Options: You can choose from different heat outputs and vent configurations to customize your setup.
Strong Community Support: There are countless videos and forum posts from other owners who have installed these kits, offering valuable tips.

Cons:

Installation Can Be More Involved: While kits come with instructions, you might have to do more drilling or creative routing of hoses and wires.

What to Look For in an Aftermarket Kit

When shopping for a kit, don’t just look at the price. Pay attention to these key specs:

BTU Rating: British Thermal Units measure heat output. For a General, look for a kit in the 16,000 to 28,000 BTU range. Higher is better for extreme cold.
Fan Speeds: A multi-speed fan (usually 3-speed) gives you better control over temperature and noise.
Quality Components: Look for high-temperature silicone hoses, not cheap rubber. Check for quality hose clamps and a powerful, reliable Spal blower motor.
Included Vents: Ensure the kit comes with enough vents for defrosting the windshield and warming the cab and your feet.

How to Install a Heater in Your Polaris General: A DIY Guide

Ready to get your hands dirty? Installing a heater is a totally manageable weekend project for a DIYer with basic tools. This section covers how to does the polaris general have a heater installed correctly and safely. We’ll use a typical aftermarket coolant heater as our example.

Safety First: Before You Begin

Never skip the prep. Your safety and your machine’s health depend on it.

Let the engine cool down completely. You’ll be working with the cooling system, and hot coolant can cause severe burns.
Disconnect the negative terminal on your battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
Work in a well-lit and ventilated space.
Have a large drain pan ready to catch the coolant. Antifreeze is toxic, so keep it away from pets.

Tools & Parts You’ll Need

Gather everything before you start to avoid mid-project trips to the auto parts store.

Heater Kit: Your chosen OEM or aftermarket kit.
Basic Hand Tools: Socket set, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers (especially hose clamp pliers).
Specialty Tools: Trim panel removal tool, sharp hose cutter or utility knife, drill and bits, hole saw (for vents).
Supplies: Extra Polaris-approved coolant, zip ties, electrical tape, and a jug of distilled water for flushing if needed.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Note: These are general steps. Always follow the specific instructions included with your heater kit!

Drain the Coolant: Place your drain pan under the radiator and open the drain plug or disconnect the lower radiator hose to drain the system.
Access the Dash and Firewall: Carefully remove the necessary front body panels, dashboard pieces, and the center console to gain access to the firewall and coolant lines running through the center of the vehicle.
Mount the Heater Unit: Your kit will have a main heater box containing the heater core and fan. Bolt this securely under the dash in the location specified by the instructions. This is often on the passenger side firewall.
Tap into the Coolant Lines: This is the most critical step. Locate the main coolant lines that run from the engine to the radiator. Use the provided “Y” fittings to splice into the hot coolant output line and the cool coolant return line. Ensure you cut the correct lines! Secure all connections with the provided hose clamps and tighten them firmly.
Run Heater Hoses: Route the new heater hoses from the “Y” fittings to the inlet and outlet ports on your heater core. Avoid sharp kinks and keep the hoses away from hot exhaust components or moving parts. Use zip ties to secure them.
Install Vents and Ducting: Use a hole saw to carefully cut openings in your dashboard for the defrost and cab vents. Connect the flexible ducting from the heater unit to the back of each vent.
Wire the Fan and Switch: Mount the fan speed switch in a convenient spot on your dash. Run the wiring harness from the switch to the fan motor on the heater unit. Connect the power wire to a 12V source (often a pre-wired accessory terminal) and the ground wire to a solid point on the chassis.
Refill and Bleed the Cooling System: This is a crucial step for preventing engine overheating. Close the radiator drain. Slowly refill the radiator with a 50/50 mix of approved coolant and distilled water. Leave the radiator cap off, start the engine, and let it warm up. As it circulates, you’ll see air bubbles burp out of the radiator. Keep topping it off until the bubbles stop and the fluid level is stable. This process removes air pockets from the system, including your new heater core.
Test Everything: Once the system is bled, put the radiator cap back on. Turn on your new heater and check that the fan works on all speeds and that you’re getting hot air from the vents. Carefully inspect all your new hose connections for any signs of leaks.

Common Problems and Best Practices for Your General’s Heater

Your new heater should provide years of reliable service. Following this does the polaris general have a heater care guide will help you address any issues and keep it running efficiently. This is one of the most important does the polaris general have a heater tips we can offer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Heater Blows Cold or Lukewarm Air: This is almost always caused by air trapped in the system. The cooling system needs to be “bled” again to remove the air pocket from the heater core. Low coolant is the second most likely culprit.
Fan Doesn’t Work: Start with the simple stuff. Check the fuse for the heater circuit. If the fuse is good, use a multimeter to check for power at the switch and the fan motor to diagnose a bad switch or failed motor.
Coolant Leak: If you smell antifreeze or see drips, immediately shut down the engine. Carefully inspect all the hose clamps you installed. A loose clamp is the most common source of leaks.

Maintenance Best Practices

Proper maintenance is the key to a long-lasting system. Following these does the polaris general have a heater best practices ensures efficiency and reliability.

The health of your heater is directly tied to the health of your General’s entire cooling system. Regularly check your coolant level and inspect the hoses for cracks or swelling. A well-maintained cooling system not only protects your heater but also ensures your engine runs at its peak efficiency. This approach is a cornerstone of a sustainable does the polaris general have a heater strategy, as an efficient engine uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions, making it a more eco-friendly does the polaris general have a heater setup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris General Heaters

How much does it cost to add a heater to a Polaris General?

Costs vary widely. A quality aftermarket kit from a reputable brand like Inferno or SuperATV typically ranges from $400 to $700. An OEM kit from Polaris can be closer to $800 or more. Professional installation can add another $300-$500 depending on shop labor rates.

Can I install a heater myself?

Absolutely. If you are comfortable with basic mechanical and electrical work, like changing your own oil and wiring up accessories, you can definitely tackle this project. Just be patient, read the instructions carefully, and give yourself a full day to complete it without rushing.

Will installing an aftermarket heater void my Polaris warranty?

Generally, no. In the United States, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prevents manufacturers from voiding your warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket part. However, if your aftermarket heater installation directly causes a failure (e.g., you wire it incorrectly and fry the ECU), that specific repair would not be covered by warranty. Always perform a clean, professional-quality installation.

How much power does a UTV heater draw?

The heater fan is the only component that draws electrical power. It’s a relatively low draw, typically between 3 to 7 amps depending on the fan speed. The Polaris General’s charging system (stator) is more than capable of handling this extra load without any issues.

So, the answer to “does the Polaris General have a heater” is clear: not usually from the factory, but it’s one of the best and most achievable upgrades you can make. Adding a heater transforms your machine, opening up a whole new season of riding and utility. It’s a project that adds immense comfort, safety, and value to your investment.

Don’t let the cold dictate your adventures. Grab a kit, clear a Saturday in the garage, and get ready to enjoy your Polaris General no matter what the thermometer says. Get out there, stay warm, and keep the adventures going all year long!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.