What kind of problems does a Polaris Sportsman 570 normally have? In this blog, we’ve outlined all the most important things you should watch for when you’re in the market for a Polaris Sportsman 570. In the rest of the article, we’ll discuss every single problem in detail. Furthermore, we’ll tell you how to identify it, fix it and how much it costs to fix. Read on!
Also read: Are Polaris ATVs Reliable, Check Your Model Here!
Join our free Facebook group and ask your question there. We promise you, you’ll get an answer from one of our team members or group members. Join the group here!
1. Electrical Problems
The Sportsman 570 seems to have a range of electrical issues. Some issues are minor, while others can be challenging to identify and fix. For example, a customer says,
“I have a 2016 Polaris Sportsman, and I am experiencing some strange issues with it. The battery started going dead in the middle of December. I bought a new battery, hoping that it would solve the problem, but it died on the third night.”
Another customer reports that,
“I have what appears to be an electrical problem. The unit switches off randomly for no apparent cause, yet the cluster remains illuminated. All the data remains accessible. This occurs twice a day for an hour and a half of riding time.
There is a code of 1268, a big zero, and a small number three at the bottom of the diagnostic area. According to the service manual, the diagnosis code has something to do with the drive ignition coil shorting to the battery’s 12 volts. It happens without warning, and when I try to start it without cutting off the key, it only cranks. It starts again after I turned off the key.”
Sometimes the issue may be simple, like a low/defective battery, loose connection, bad ground, the kill switch, fuse, Ignition coil, or a starter with brushes going bad. But, occasionally, it can be an intermittent electrical problem, which can be one of the most difficult to resolve.
A customer lamented that
“It isn’t a battery issue, in my opinion. We have changed several batteries. We attempted to start it three or four times recently after 12:30 p.m.; won’t start. I returned home and gave it another shot, and it worked.
We took it to a dealer, and they said… these things happen. Umm. Another dealer found nothing wrong with it. They replaced a part here and there, but after we got it home, it’s no better. We have this brand-new machine that we’re paying for, but we can’t even use it.”
If you can’t identify and fix it yourself, look for a dealership that has a bunch of old guys who have worked on them for years. With this type of issue, you will need the help of an experienced, skilled mechanic.
2. Engine Problems
You may experience engine issues such as hard start, miss, backfire, power loss, engine running but will not idle or engine idling but will not rev up, or overheating.
For example, a customer complains that
“I went for a long ride today with my Sportsman 570, and after about 20 miles, it began to lose power and eventually backfire. I turned off the ignition and waited about 2 minutes before turning it back on. It ran nicely for another 2 miles or so before losing power and backfiring. This happened about four more times before I returned to my trailer. Is there anyone who knows what’s going on?”
- Is your battery good and charged?
The easiest fix for a starting problem is ensuring the battery is functional and charged. So, always ensure the battery reads 12,6 – 12,8V on a multimeter. Replace a defective battery.
- Is the spark powerful?
If the spark is lacking or weak, the engine will not start. Unscrew the spark plug from the cylinder head and replace it in the spark plug wire socket. Put the spark plug on something that will ground it, like the cylinder. Start the engine and check for the strength of the spark. If the spark is weak, replace the plug. Check and replace the coil if not working.
If there is no spark or the engine doesn’t crank when you try to start it, then check your ignition system. It includes the kill switch, primary fuse, the solenoid and connections, and the starter motor.
- Is the fuel pump good, is the engine getting fuel and air?
If the engine cranks and there is a powerful spark; check the fuel system. Ensure that the gas tank is full. Remove the fuel line and start the engine to see if gas flows. If it is not, check the fuel and intake systems, the fuel pump, and a clog in the fuel line or fuel and air filters. Change fuel over six months old because it causes corrosion in your fuel system. Check for water in the air filters. Clean and reinstall the air intake system.
A malfunctioning fuel pump causes hard starts, sputters, backfires, or even engine shuts down while driving. OEM fuel pump replacements cost approximately $179.99 and include color instructions. You can install the pump within 30 minutes with simple hand tools.
- Is the engine getting enough compression?
If your engine won’t be able to pull fuel into the cylinder and stay running without enough compression. Often, compression loss occurs due to a leaking or worn-out head gasket or a blown piston ring. You can use a compression tester kit for a leak-down test to check for compression.
Polaris OEM engine head gasket for Sportsman costs around US$ 52.00
3. Sportsman 570 Gear Shifter/Transmission Issues
A customer complains that “My Sportsman 570 is hard to shift, even when the engine is off.”
Another one says,
“I was quite pleased to get my first ATV home and play in the yard, but I soon ran into problems that dampened my enthusiasm. I had trouble getting the ATV into gear right away, and once I did, it would bounce ahead or backward when in reverse at idle. When I switch it off, I can shift without difficulty.”
If you cannot shift gears with the engine off, then the gear linkage is probably worn or out of adjustment. Gear shift problems that only occur when the engine is running are often due to a high idle or clutch- or belt-related. The common causes of the CVT not disengaging properly or engaging too soon include worn-out EBS washers, misaligned clutches, or an offset drive belt.
You will experience gear shift problems if the engine is idling too high, the clutch spring is getting weak, the clutches are dirty, or the belt is not loose enough due to the drive clutch. You will also have gear shifting issues due to worn or shredded drive belt, misaligned clutches, a bad or loose engine mount, or using an aftermarket drive belt. An OEM Polaris Sportsman CVT belt costs around $94.99.
Also read: 5 x Most Common Polaris Transmission Problems!
4. Power Steering Problems – Crash Hazard
A customer reported that,
“My power steering has stopped working on my new 2017 Sportsman 570. It appears to have a mind of its own. When it works, it’s great. The dealer claims there isn’t a remedy! I assumed it was just me, given that the machine was brand new and with only four hours on it. The dealer said the issue affects this model!”
Another customer inquired,
“My 2017 Sportsman 570 has a power steering problem. My dealer says that my machine is not among the recalls and that I take it for a checkup. Any suggestions?”
Polaris and the CPSC recalled close to 10,000 units of the 2017 Sportsman all-terrain vehicles due to a crash hazard. It is because of the electronic power steering unit malfunction. If your ATV is among the recalls, Polaris or your dealer should have contacted you to schedule a repair. If you experience a power steering problem, have it checked, even if your model is not among the recalls.
Also read: 6 x Most Common Polaris Steering Problems!
5. Fire Hazard
There have been numerous fire instances while using the Sportsman 570. Polaris and the CPSC issued a recalled notice for close to 25,600 units of the 2014 – 2017 Sportsman 570 All-Terrain Vehicles due to a fire hazard. The fire risk arises from the air intake duct contacting the fuel rail, leading to a fuel leak. The recall covered the Sportsman 570 Touring, X2 model, and 6×6 model ATVs.
If your ATV model falls within this timeframe, it is recommended to have it checked.
