Polaris Starter Problems
- Thread starter heitz66
- Start date
firefighter1
Member
I just sold a 2012 Polaris Rush and over the last few years I had the same issue. Did you keep the battery on a tender this summer? They need a really good battery to spin the bendix fast enough to make contact with the ring gear.
One season into a new battery and I had the same problem, looked for any other reason for this to happen, in the end I replaced the battery under warranty fortunately and it started right up. Maybe got a bad battery who knows.
One season into a new battery and I had the same problem, looked for any other reason for this to happen, in the end I replaced the battery under warranty fortunately and it started right up. Maybe got a bad battery who knows.
toddspolaris
Member
Probably should have the battery load tested, sure didn't hook it up backwards by chance? I'v seen it done and the starter actually spins backwards and bendix wont throw out
Have you looked at the flywheel? Polaris used the wrong loctite for a time and those little bolts that hold the flywheel on would come loose. Ask me how I know.... 15 hours into the Valentine 500
Finished the ride but I don't know how that didn't destroy the wiring harness when it let go...
Finished the ride but I don't know how that didn't destroy the wiring harness when it let go...
firefighter1
Member
I guess I would start by load testing the battery as stated above first, then check voltage coming from the key. Next check voltage across the solenoid from battery and also to the starter and make sure it is working correctly.
I also had the first battery charging all summer long but on a smart charger, seemed it cooked the battery. The next season I bought another battery tender and when I put the battery back in the sled about a month ago it fired right up, maybe the same thing happened to yours. Just a thought.
You can also test the starter to make sure that’s not the issue as well, not may parts that can cause the issue, a little patience and testing will reveal the problem. You have to have 12 volts from the key, the solenoid has to be working correctly and the starter has to work as well then as long as the battery is good it should start.
A lot of very smart people on the board that I’m sure will chime in soon on how to go about all the testing, I can do it but I’m not very good at explaining how to do it. Good luck and keep us informed.
I also had the first battery charging all summer long but on a smart charger, seemed it cooked the battery. The next season I bought another battery tender and when I put the battery back in the sled about a month ago it fired right up, maybe the same thing happened to yours. Just a thought.
You can also test the starter to make sure that’s not the issue as well, not may parts that can cause the issue, a little patience and testing will reveal the problem. You have to have 12 volts from the key, the solenoid has to be working correctly and the starter has to work as well then as long as the battery is good it should start.
A lot of very smart people on the board that I’m sure will chime in soon on how to go about all the testing, I can do it but I’m not very good at explaining how to do it. Good luck and keep us informed.
I found on mine, where the gear on the end of the cable wasn’t moving towards the ring gear on the clutch to engage it. Get your hands down in there and manually spin/move that little gear to see it protrudes towards the ring gear. Mine was sticking until I moved it by hand, then you can put a little silicone spray in there to lubricate it so it moves on its own when you hit the starter. Don’t put much as it will collect belt dust, but just enough so it slides. In the 6000+ miles I put on, I think I did that twice last year.
firefighter1
Member
I ended up replacing the whole starter bendix which is a pain to get to. I had to remove the y-pipe to gain access. Bought one from Dennis Kirk which broke when it got cold last season. With my son riding it burned up a piston, pulled the engine to fix it and replaced bendix with oem while the engine was out. You really can’t make up the issues I had with that starter system. I really think the whole problem is the flex shaft, poor design in my opinion. Also why do they sound like a bucket of bolts when starting, I was watching YouTube with one of the Lester’s starting a 2020 Polaris and it had the same grinding sound and he made the same comment.
Ever listen to Polaris Dan start his 800, whew..maybe the same issue..sounds like bolts in a blender.
By the way, P.D.where you at?
Bear
the last 2 years Ive put in new batteries thinking that was the problem,(2017 SB 800) after a bunch of thread searching online, I found this guy thats always rambling and usually not making much sense, he posted, "you gotta kick it in the area of your right knee, thats where a ground is that usually gets crappy over the years" so first trip of the year last year, kicked the sled about 2 times and its started ever since.... I know this isnt the same issue, but I will never forget that crazy dude's suggestion. Im getting ready to take it apart and try to fix it the correct way.
firefighter1
Member
Glad you figured it out. Usually is a bad battery. Have a great winter.