So, you’ve got a Polaris Ranger 570. You already know it’s a workhorse, a trail buddy, and an indispensable tool around the property. But let’s be real—sooner or later, every machine throws you a curveball. One minute you’re hauling firewood, the next you’re stranded with a machine that won’t start, makes a weird noise, or just doesn’t feel right. It’s frustrating, and it can wreck a perfectly good day.
I get it. Here at FatBoysOffroad, we’ve seen it all. That’s why we’re promising to cut through the noise and give you a straight-shooting, practical guide. We’re going to walk you through the most common polaris ranger 570 problems, from simple fixes you can do in your garage to the more complex issues that might have you scratching your head.
In this guide, we’ll cover the electrical gremlins that cause starting failures, the drivetrain drama behind those awful clunks and squeals, overheating issues that can stop you dead in your tracks, and the suspension woes that make for a rough ride. Let’s get that rig running right.
The Usual Suspects: A Quick Guide to Common Problems with Polaris Ranger 570s
Before we dive deep, let’s look at the big picture. Most issues with the Ranger 570 fall into a few key categories. Knowing these helps you narrow down the cause quickly. This is the first step in any good polaris ranger 570 problems guide.
Think of this as your pre-flight checklist. When your machine acts up, your mind should immediately jump to one of these areas:
- Electrical & Starting Issues: This is number one. Weak batteries, faulty voltage regulators, and bad grounds are frequent culprits behind a no-start condition.
- Clutch & Drivetrain Wear: The CVT clutch system is brilliant, but belts wear out, and rollers get flat spots. This leads to jerky acceleration, slipping, and strange noises.
- Overheating: Radiators caked in mud, low coolant, or a failed fan can quickly lead to an engine getting too hot, especially on slow, technical trails.
- Suspension Component Failure: The 570 is built tough, but bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings are wear items. Clunks, steering wander, and excessive play are tell-tale signs.
Recognizing which category your problem fits into is half the battle. Now, let’s get our hands dirty and break down how to fix them.
Electrical Gremlins: Solving Starting and Power Issues
Nothing is more frustrating than turning the key and getting a click… or worse, nothing at all. Electrical issues are the most frequent of all polaris ranger 570 problems, but they are often the easiest to solve with a methodical approach.
Is It Just the Battery?
Always start here. It’s simple and often the root cause. A modern UTV has a lot of electronics that can drain a battery, especially if it sits for a while.
First, give the battery terminals a visual inspection. Are they furry with blue or white corrosion? If so, disconnect the terminals (negative first!) and clean them with a wire brush and a baking soda/water paste. A tight, clean connection is critical.
Next, check the voltage. Grab a simple multimeter, set it to DC volts, and touch the probes to the battery posts. A healthy, fully charged battery should read around 12.6-12.8 volts. If you’re seeing anything below 12.2 volts, it’s time to charge it. If it won’t hold a charge, the battery is likely toast.
The Dreaded “Click-No-Start”
If the battery is good but all you hear is a single, loud “CLICK” from under the seat or bed area, your starter solenoid is the prime suspect. This little device is an electrical switch that sends the big jolt of power from the battery to the starter motor.
You can test it by carefully (and we mean carefully) using a screwdriver with an insulated handle to bridge the two large posts on the solenoid. If the engine cranks over, you’ve found your bad part. A replacement starter solenoid is inexpensive and easy to install.
Chasing Wires: Finding Shorts and Bad Grounds
If your battery is good and the solenoid is fine, you may have a wiring issue. Polaris is known for having some common wire chafe points. Inspect the main wiring harness where it runs along the frame, especially near the engine and exhaust.
Also, check the main ground wire. This is the thick black cable running from the battery’s negative terminal to the vehicle’s frame. Ensure the connection point on the frame is clean, free of paint and rust, and tight. A poor ground can cause all sorts of bizarre electrical problems.
Drivetrain Drama: Tackling Clutch and Transmission Woes
The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is the heart of your Ranger’s drivetrain. It’s what gives you that smooth acceleration. But when it acts up, it can be noisy and rob you of power. Learning how to polaris ranger 570 problems in the drivetrain are diagnosed is a key skill.
That Grinding, Squealing, or Jerking Feeling
If you’re experiencing jerky take-offs, a grinding noise when you start moving, or a general lack of “get up and go,” your clutch needs attention. The most common culprit is a worn drive belt.
Another issue is flat-spotted or worn clutch rollers in the primary clutch. Over time, these small plastic or metal pucks wear down, which prevents the clutch from engaging smoothly. You’ll need to remove the clutch cover to inspect the belt for glazing, cracks, or missing cogs and check the rollers for wear.
The Infamous Belt Smell: Prevention and Replacement
That burning rubber smell after a tough climb or pulling a heavy load is your drive belt screaming for mercy. It means the belt is slipping and generating immense heat.
The best prevention is using low gear (L) when you should be. Driving slowly, pulling loads, or climbing steep hills in high gear (H) is the #1 killer of belts. Also, proper belt break-in on a new belt is crucial for a long life. Follow the manufacturer’s procedure—it usually involves a period of varied speeds without full-throttle acceleration.
Replacing a belt is a straightforward job with the right tool. You’ll need the specific Polaris belt removal tool (it looks like a long bolt) to spread the secondary clutch sheaves, which loosens the belt so you can slip it off.
Keeping Your Cool: Overheating and Cooling System Fixes
An overheating engine can cause catastrophic damage. If you see that temp light flash or the gauge creeping into the red, stop immediately. This is one of those problems where a good polaris ranger 570 problems care guide is more about prevention than cure.
Step 1: Check the Obvious
Before you panic, do a quick visual check. Is the coolant overflow bottle at the proper level? More importantly, is your radiator caked in mud? The radiator needs airflow to work. A pressure washer (from a safe distance, so you don’t bend the fins) is your best friend after a muddy ride.
When the Fan Doesn’t Kick On
If you’re sitting at a standstill and the engine is hot, you should hear the electric cooling fan turn on. If it’s silent, you have a problem. Start by checking the fuse for the fan in the main fuse box.
If the fuse is good, the problem could be the fan motor itself or the thermo-sensor switch that tells it when to turn on. You can test the fan by running 12-volt power directly to its connector. If it spins, the fan is good, and you should look at replacing the sensor.
Bleeding the System: Removing Trapped Air
If you’ve recently drained and refilled the coolant, you may have an air bubble trapped in the system. This creates an airlock that prevents coolant from circulating properly, leading to overheating.
The Ranger 570 has a bleed screw on the engine head. You’ll need to park the machine on an incline (nose up), run the engine with the radiator cap off, and crack open that bleeder screw until a steady stream of coolant comes out. This is a critical step for a healthy cooling system.
Proactive Maintenance: A Sustainable Approach to Preventing Problems
The real secret to a reliable machine isn’t being a master mechanic—it’s preventing issues before they start. Adopting some polaris ranger 570 problems best practices will save you countless hours of frustration. The key benefits of polaris ranger 570 problems knowledge is empowerment and prevention.
Your Pre-Ride Checklist for Reliability
Spend five minutes before every ride checking the essentials. It’s the smartest thing you can do.
- Tires & Wheels: Check air pressure and look for damage. Grab each tire and check for wheel bearing play.
- Controls & Cables: Check throttle and shifter operation. Test the brakes.
- Lights & Electrics: Turn on the key, check headlights and taillights.
- Oil & Fluids: Check engine oil and coolant levels. Look under the machine for any new drips or leaks.
- Chassis & Suspension: Look for loose bolts, torn CV boots, or greasy messes around your A-arm bushings.
Eco-Friendly Shop Practices
Being a responsible DIYer means handling waste properly. When you do your own maintenance, you’re dealing with used oil, old coolant, and other chemicals. Adopting sustainable polaris ranger 570 problems solutions is good for your wallet and the environment.
Never dump fluids on the ground or down a drain. Collect used oil and coolant in sealed containers. Most auto parts stores and local recycling centers will accept them for free. It’s an easy, eco-friendly step that protects our trails and waterways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris Ranger 570 Problems
Why does my Ranger 570 backfire?
Backfiring, especially on deceleration, is usually caused by a lean fuel condition or an exhaust leak. Check that the exhaust header bolts are tight where they meet the engine. If the problem persists, it could be related to a dirty fuel injector or a weak fuel pump.
What’s the most common reason a Ranger 570 won’t start?
By far, the most common cause is a weak or dead battery. Always start your diagnosis there. The second most common cause is a fuel delivery issue, such as a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump.
How often should I change the drive belt?
There’s no hard-and-fast mileage rule, as it depends entirely on your riding style. A good rule of thumb is to visually inspect the belt every 50 hours of use. Plan on replacing it preventatively every 150-200 hours, or sooner if you do a lot of heavy towing or aggressive trail riding.
Is the Polaris Ranger 570 a reliable machine?
Absolutely. The ProStar 570 engine is a proven platform. Like any complex off-road vehicle, it requires consistent and proactive maintenance. The owners who experience the fewest problems are the ones who stick to the service schedule and perform pre-ride checks.
The Polaris Ranger 570 is a fantastic machine, but it’s not invincible. By understanding its common weak points and knowing how to diagnose them, you empower yourself to keep it running strong for years to come. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, ask questions, and learn as you go.
Grab your tools, follow these tips, and stay on top of your maintenance. Now get out there and enjoy the ride!
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