The Polaris General is a powerful and versatile UTV that can be used for work or recreation.
However, like any other vehicle, it is not immune to mechanical issues and can suffer from various problems.
Common Polaris General issues include overheating, transmission problems, power steering failure, and belt problems.
In this article, we will look at some of the most common Polaris General problems encountered by owners and how they can be fixed.
Polaris General Problems
1. Transmission Problem
One of the most common problems reported by the Polaris General owners is a transmission problem. A transmission problem can be a frustration for Polaris General owners.
If you find yourself in this situation, the first thing you should check is the shift cable.
It connects the transmission to the instrument console, which lets you move through all gears.
To access the shift cable, you will need to start by removing the clip and then disengage the shift cable from its arm. You’ll need pliers or an adjustable wrench to make sure that you have enough leverage to move through each gear.
If they all move properly, then it’s likely that your issue is with the shift cable – though there may also be other causes.
It’s important to take your time and go to the dealer to fix this problem. Maybe they can fix it for free if your UTV is under warranty.
2. Clutch Problem
Polaris General owners have reported problems with the clutches, particularly in regard to their durability and performance.
The primary reasons for this are due to inadequate clutch components and an unsuitable design that does not meet the needs of off-roading or rock crawling.
The clutch issues can cause riders to struggle with maneuvering the vehicle, as well as putting them in dangerous situations when trying to get out of a sticky situation.
Also, slippage often occurs at higher RPMs, resulting in a lack of acceleration even when the engine is running at full power. This can be extremely frustrating for drivers and limit their ability to use this UTV.
To fix the clutch problem you will need to replace the clutch.
The DuraClutch is a great upgrade option for those looking to maximize their UTV’s performance in off-road conditions.
It is designed with metal components that are much more durable than those used in stock clutches; they also feature improved torque capacity as well as enhanced heat transfer capabilities which protect against overheating.
As such, it offers better reliability and stability than its stock counterpart.
3. Power Steering Problem
The power steering problem is another major issue for owners of Polaris General UTVs. Some owners have said that their UTV power steering is hard to turn, especially when navigating bumpy trails.
In some cases, the power steering may even fail completely while riding.
The major cause of this issue is often traced back to the incorrect installation of the bushing behind the steering wheel.
If not properly fitted, it can cause misalignment in the steering mechanism which makes it difficult to turn. It can also cause the power steering system to temporarily shut down due to pressure from sudden impacts or jolts from obstacles such as rocks or tree logs.
The first step is to check and make sure that the bushing is correctly installed and properly aligned with the rest of the steering.
If it appears crooked or out of place, it should be adjusted and re-installed until all parts fit snugly together.
Also, if power steering fails during operation, simply shutting off the engine and restarting should resolve the issue temporarily until more permanent fixes can be made.
4. Turf Mode Problem
Turf Mode Problem is one of the common problems encountered by Polaris General owners.
This issue was known to have been fixed in 2019 and newer models, however, older models may still experience this issue.
The cause of this problem is typically a failed inner CV joint.
When inspected manually, it may give the illusion that it’s tightened and functioning properly; however, once driven it will result in a clunking sound from the passenger side as well as a feeling of looseness on that side.
If this is the case, then replacing the CV joint should be enough to fix the issue.
5. Belt Problem
A common problem with the Polaris General UTV is that its belt can become damaged over time. This can lead to decreased performance, increased and engine noise.
The main reason for this issue is that the belt is subject to extreme temperatures and strain.
The belt helps control the UTV’s engine speed and power output, so it has to be able to withstand a lot of force while remaining flexible and durable.
Over time, exposure to hot and cold weather can cause the belt to wear out and break down.
Another issue is improper maintenance. Many drivers don’t realize how important it is to maintain their UTV belts properly.
If you don’t replace an old or damaged belt, it will eventually fail, causing damage to other parts of the vehicle as well.
The best way to prevent this problem is by following all recommended maintenance guidelines for your Polaris General UTV.
6. Overheating Problem
If you’re the owner of a Polaris General UTV, you should be aware of overheating problems.
This is a common problem that can arise when the electric fans don’t turn on in time or at all. Without the fans running, the coolant level drops and the normal operating temperature can rise beyond 200°F, leading to an overheating engine.
The causes for this issue are faulty sensors, a clogged radiator, or a malfunctioning fan relay.
If your UTV is running fine at home and on nearby trails but starts to overheat during long drives or when using higher speeds, then one of these issues may be present.
In order to prevent your machine from overheating, you should check both its coolant and radiator levels regularly.
You should also make sure that the radiator fins are clean and unclogged by dirt or debris.
Also if you have the budget, installing an aftermarket cooling system can help reduce temperatures even further.
7. Starting Problem
Starting problems can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re trying to get out on the trails and enjoy a day of outdoor fun. However, most starting issues are relatively easy to fix.
Common reasons why your Polaris General may be having trouble starting are a faulty spark plug, weak fuel pump, dirty fuel sock, clogged air filter, or faulty brake sensor.
The first thing you should check is the spark plug. Over time it will wear down and become less effective at providing the necessary spark to ignite the engine.
If you have not changed the spark plugs recently then this could be the problem.
The next step would be to check the fuel pump as it can weaken over time or its sock can become dirty leading to a failure in supplying enough fuel for ignition.
A clogged air filter can also make it difficult for enough oxygen for combustion to flow through which could lead to difficulty in starting as well.
Lastly, but perhaps one of the more common reasons for difficulty in starting is a faulty brake sensor.
This device senses when your foot is on the brake before allowing start-up so if it isn’t operational correctly it could be preventing your Polaris from starting.
How Good is the Polaris General?
The Polaris General is an incredibly versatile side-by-side that combines comfort, performance, and style. It can tackle any terrain you throw at it with its 4WD capability and suspension system.
The powerful 100-horsepower engine gives the Polaris General plenty of acceleration and power to conquer even the toughest terrains.
Also, the interior is designed for optimal comfort and storage while giving you all the features you need to stay connected on long rides.
So, we can say Polaris General is a really good UTV.
What Users Say About Polaris General?
Users generally have positive opinions about Polaris General.
Many users praise this UTV for its comfort, power, and versatility. They find it to be great for tackling difficult terrain, as well as everyday uses like hauling cargo or running errands.
The four-wheel drive also helps make it more capable on off-road trails and in inclement weather.
Also, many owners appreciate the quality construction and plenty of storage compartments that come standard with the machine.
User reviews indicate that the Polaris General is an excellent combination of speed and power for both recreational activities and work-related tasks.
These are the few reviews of users who had used this UTV for quite some time. (Source of reviews Polaris)
“The best Polaris I have ever owned. There is nothing I can’t do, it is all I will own from now on and I have owned over 20 off road machines over 40 years. I traded a 2022 North Star for this rig and glad I did.” Lasten
“Fun ride everyone gives compliments on looks. I loved the smooth ride when I hit all the bumps while trying to test it and I even took it through water.” Tustin
“Excellent machine. Smooth riding and feels extremely stable. Quality is excellent and the seats are really comfortable. Lots of power to hill climb. The overall look of the General is awesome. Definitely worth the wait after ordering and no regrets whatsoever over the price” Moose19sixty8
Conclusion
Polaris General is a powerful and reliable machine, but like any UTV it can experience technical issues.
In this article, I have provided some helpful tips on common Polaris General problems.
If you’re an experienced Polaris General user, please share your tips, tricks, and experiences in the comments section below.
Please include detailed information on what worked and what didn’t work to improve so that I can add it to my article.
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I’m Harvey, and I know everything there is to know about offroad vehicles. I’ve been driving them since I was a kid, and I love nothing more than exploring the great outdoors in my Jeep, ATV or UTV. I grew up in a small town in Idaho, and that’s where my love for offroad vehicles started. There were no paved roads where I lived, so we had to drive on dirt trails to get around. And that’s when I fell in love with the thrill of being able to go anywhere I wanted, no matter how rough the terrain was. LinkedIn | Instagram
