There’s nothing more frustrating. You’re geared up, the trail is calling, and you hit the ignition on your Sportsman 570 only to hear that dreaded click… or worse, complete silence. You jump-start it, ride for an hour, and the next weekend, it’s the same story. A recurring dead battery isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a symptom of a deeper problem.
If you’re tired of being stranded and want to permanently solve why your polaris sportsman 570 battery keeps dying, you’ve come to the right place. We’re not just going to tell you to buy a new battery; we’re going to give you the knowledge and step-by-step process to diagnose the root cause like a seasoned pro.
This guide will walk you through testing your battery, checking your ATV’s charging system, and hunting down those sneaky power vampires that drain your battery while it sits. Let’s get your hands dirty and get that Sportsman reliable again.
First Things First: Is Your Battery Actually Bad?
Before we dive into the complex stuff, we have to rule out the most obvious culprit: the battery itself. A battery can fail prematurely due to internal shorts, sulfation, or simple old age. Just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s good.
The Simple Visual Inspection
Start with your eyes. Pop the seat or access panel and take a good look at the battery. Are the terminals clean and tight? Look for fuzzy, greenish-white corrosion (sulfation) on the posts. This stuff is like cholesterol for your electrical system, blocking the flow of power.
Also, check the battery case for any swelling, cracking, or leaking. A swollen battery is a sign of overcharging or internal failure and is a major safety hazard. If you see any of these signs, stop right there. You need a new battery, and you should handle the old one with care.
Checking Voltage with a Multimeter (The Right Way)
A visual check isn’t enough. You need to know the numbers. Grab a decent digital multimeter; it’s one of the most valuable tools in a DIYer’s arsenal.
- Set your multimeter to DC Volts (the symbol is a V with a straight line and dots).
- With the ATV turned completely off, touch the red probe to the positive (+) terminal and the black probe to the negative (-) terminal.
- A fully charged, healthy 12-volt battery should read between 12.6V and 12.8V.
- If your reading is below 12.4V, the battery is significantly discharged. A reading below 12.0V often indicates a battery that may be permanently damaged and unable to hold a full charge.
Load Testing: The True Test of Battery Health
Voltage tells you the battery’s state of charge, but a load test tells you if it can still deliver power when needed. A battery can show 12.6V but collapse under the strain of starting the engine.
You can buy a simple handheld automotive battery load tester online or from any auto parts store. Follow the instructions carefully—it involves connecting the tester and applying a load for about 10 seconds. The tester will tell you if the battery is good, weak, or bad. Most auto parts stores will also perform this test for free if you bring the battery to them.
Why Your Polaris Sportsman 570 Battery Keeps Dying: The Charging System
If your battery checks out okay (or you replaced it and the new one died), the next suspect is the charging system. Your Sportsman doesn’t just run off the battery; it has a mini power plant that recharges the battery and powers the electronics while the engine is running. This system has two main components: the stator and the voltage regulator/rectifier.
Understanding the Key Players: Stator and Regulator
Think of it like this: The stator is the generator. It’s a set of wire coils that sits inside your engine’s flywheel, and as the engine spins, magnets on the flywheel create AC voltage in those coils.
The voltage regulator/rectifier is the brain. It does two jobs: it converts the stator’s AC power to DC power your battery can use (rectifying), and it prevents the system from overcharging the battery by capping the voltage (regulating). A failure in either part means your battery isn’t getting the juice it needs.
Testing the Charging System Output
This is a simple but crucial test. With your multimeter still set to DC Volts, start your Sportsman’s engine. Let it idle for a minute.
Reconnect your multimeter probes to the battery terminals just like you did before. With the engine running at a fast idle (around 3,000 RPM), you should see a voltage reading between 13.5V and 14.5V.
- If the voltage is below 13.0V: Your charging system is not working correctly. The battery is being drained even while the engine is running. This points to a bad stator or regulator.
- If the voltage is above 14.8V: The regulator has likely failed, and it’s overcharging your battery. This can “cook” the battery, causing it to swell and fail prematurely.
- If the voltage is in the healthy range (13.5V – 14.5V): Your charging system is likely working fine. The problem is happening when the ATV is turned off.
The Silent Killer: Hunting Down Parasitic Drains
If the battery is good and the charging system works, you’re likely dealing with a parasitic drain. This is something that draws a small amount of power from the battery even when the key is off. It’s the most common reason a polaris sportsman 570 battery keeps dying when the machine sits for a few days.
What is a Parasitic Drain?
A small drain for the clock or computer memory is normal (typically under 30 milliamps). A problem occurs when a faulty component—like a stuck relay, a bad switch, or poorly installed aftermarket accessory—draws significantly more power, draining the battery overnight or over a few days.
How to Find a Parasitic Drain (The Pro Method)
This test requires patience but is the definitive way to find the culprit. Safety first: this involves disconnecting the battery, so ensure the key is off and out of the ignition.
- Set your multimeter to measure DC Amps (or milliamps, mA). You may need to move your red probe to a different port on the multimeter labeled “A” or “mA”.
- Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery terminal.
- Connect one multimeter probe to the disconnected negative battery cable.
- Connect the other multimeter probe to the negative (-) battery post you just removed the cable from.
You have now placed the multimeter “in series” with the circuit. It will measure all the electricity flowing out of the battery. With everything off, you should see a very small reading. If you see a draw of 50mA (0.05A) or more, you have a problem.
To find the source, go to the fuse box. Pull one fuse at a time and watch the multimeter. When you pull a fuse and the amp reading drops to near zero, you’ve found the circuit with the drain! From there, you can investigate what components are on that circuit (e.g., lights, winch, accessory port) to find the faulty part.
Common Problems and Best Practices for Battery Health
Sometimes the issue isn’t a single failed part but a combination of factors. This is a crucial part of our polaris sportsman 570 battery keeps dying guide, focusing on prevention.
Infrequent Use and Short Trips
Starting an engine uses a huge amount of battery power. If you only ride for 15-20 minutes, the charging system doesn’t have enough time to fully replenish the battery. If you do this repeatedly, you’re slowly killing it.
The solution is a battery tender or smart charger. This is not a “trickle charger.” A tender monitors the battery’s voltage and only applies a charge when needed, keeping it perfectly topped off without overcharging. It’s the single best investment you can make for battery longevity.
Aftermarket Accessories Gone Wrong
That new light bar, winch, or sound system could be your problem. If they are wired directly to the battery instead of through a relay that is triggered by the ignition, they can draw power even when off. Always wire accessories to a switched power source so they can only operate when the key is on.
Choosing the Right Battery
When it’s time for a replacement, don’t just grab the cheapest option. Most Sportsman 570s come with an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery. These are sealed, vibration-resistant, and excellent for off-road use. Sticking with a quality AGM battery is a smart choice. For riders with heavy accessory loads (like a big winch or lots of lights), upgrading to a Lithium (LiFePO4) battery can offer more power and a longer life, though at a higher initial cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Polaris Sportsman 570 Battery That Keeps Dying
How long should a Polaris Sportsman 570 battery last?
With proper care and regular use, a quality AGM battery should last 3 to 5 years. Factors like extreme temperatures, deep discharges, and excessive vibration can shorten its lifespan. Using a battery tender during periods of inactivity is the best way to maximize its life.
Can I just keep jump-starting my ATV?
You can, but you shouldn’t. Every time you deeply discharge a lead-acid battery, it causes permanent damage (sulfation) and reduces its ability to hold a charge. Continual jump-starting is just a temporary fix for a problem that is actively destroying your battery and potentially straining your charging system.
What tools do I need to diagnose a dead battery issue?
At a minimum, you’ll need a good quality digital multimeter. To be fully equipped, we recommend a basic socket set, wire brushes for cleaning terminals, and a dedicated battery load tester. These tools will allow you to perform every test mentioned in this guide.
Will a bigger battery solve my problem?
No. Installing a battery with a higher capacity (more Amp Hours) will only make it take longer to die. It doesn’t fix the underlying issue, whether it’s a faulty charging system or a parasitic drain. You must fix the root cause first.
Get Back on the Trail with Confidence
A dead battery can sideline your adventure, but it doesn’t have to be a recurring nightmare. By following this diagnostic guide, you can move beyond the frustration and pinpoint the real reason your polaris sportsman 570 battery keeps dying.
Remember the logical flow: test the battery first, then verify the charging system, and finally, hunt for parasitic drains. Armed with a multimeter and a little patience, you have the power to solve this problem yourself.
Proper maintenance, using a battery tender, and addressing issues promptly are the cornerstones of a reliable machine. Now get out there, stay safe, and enjoy the ride!
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