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Your Guide to UTV Troubleshooting

Jan. 13 2021 Maintenance By Altus Motorsports

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Like any car or truck, a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) requires regular maintenance and upkeep to keep it in good working condition. However, sometimes your best efforts can’t control your vehicle from malfunctioning. For this reason, we’ve created a helpful guide with easy troubleshooting methods for getting your rig back to working order! There are a lot of quick fixes that won’t require you to take in your rig to the mechanic. Keep reading to learn more. When you’re ready to check out some UTVs for sale, give us a call at Altus Motorsports in Altus, Oklahoma. We are proud to serve Amarillo, Texas too. We’ve got you and all your powersports needs covered!

Battery Issues

The first kind of UTV troubleshooting problem you may encounter is a battery issue. Your vehicle’s battery can malfunction for a variety of reasons, just like a car or truck. Here are a few common battery issues you can troubleshoot:

  • The starter doesn’t function properly: this could be because of a dead battery which will need replacing. It could also be due to the UTV battery not being charged up enough which will require charging it on a tender. There may also be a poor terminal connection which you can address by applying grease to the terminals and treating them with an anti-corrosive after tightening the terminals.
  • The battery fails to recharge: this may mean your battery’s life has expired or the battery itself has been run down and has died. There’s no fix for this beyond buying a new battery.
  • The terminals are corroded: this signifies a poor terminal connection. You can fix this by cleaning, tightening, and lubricating the terminals.
  • The electrolyte levels drop rapidly on a refillable battery: this represents a hole or crack in the electrolyte cell. The only fix is a complete replacement. 

Engine Trouble

Another common UTV troubleshooting issue relates to engine trouble. Here are some common engine problems you may encounter:

  • The engine power is insufficient: this may be caused by a clogged injector, an empty fuel tank, a dirty or broken spark plug, a damaged ignition coil, or a busted crankshaft position sensor. The best fixes for most of these problems is replacing the damaged part.
  • The engine overheats: this may be due to low coolant levels, a loose or damaged radiator cap, or a motor-driven fan that isn’t turning. You can top off your coolant levels, tighten or replace the radiator cap, or flush your cooling system.
  • The engine may struggle to start: this may signal that the fuel flow is not sufficient. Check the fuel tank, filter, injector, and electric fuel pump. You may also need to check the fuel system for water. You may need to drain the fuel and refill it with fresh fuel. You can also check your battery to see if it needs charging.

General Problems

There are also some general problems that you can fix with some UTV troubleshooting. These may include:

  • The brakes are grinding or failing: This means there is not enough brake oil or there is air in the braking system. It could also mean the disc brake’s plate or clippers is loose and needs tightening.
  • The transmission is making noise: This usually means replacing the gears.
  • There’s insufficient vehicle power: this could mean the CVT transmission is sliding and you need to replace the transmission belt or clutch. It could also signal that the parking brake is malfunctioning.

These are just some of the UTV troubleshooting methods you can use to get your vehicle running again. Remember that you can also contact a service department or mechanic for problems that you are not able to troubleshoot. It’s a good idea to have your UTV services once a year anyway.

Are you ready to check out some UTVs for sale? We are here to help! Give us a call at Altus Motorsports in Altus, Oklahoma. We also serve Amarillo, Texas. When you need a powersports vehicle, we’re your dealer!