A Polaris Ranger not shifting into neutral could be due to a transmission issue. Inspect the transmission mechanism, beginning with the transmission fluid, shift cable, lever, and neutral safety switch. It’s recommended to get this done by a certified mechanic.
A vehicle stuck in gear can cause severe damage not just to your vehicle but potentially to yourself and those around you. This article will help you understand why this occurs and how to fix it.
1. Check the Transmission Fluid
You’re probably frustrated if your Polaris Ranger won’t shift into neutral. It’s a simple problem to fix, but it can be challenging to diagnose without the proper knowledge.
Your transmission relies on specific fluid to do its job correctly. If you use the incorrect type of fluid or don’t change it regularly, you risk damaging your transmission and other parts of your vehicle. In this case, your car will likely grind when shifting gears and may not shift into neutral until you fix the problem (source).
Consider the transmission fluid as the lifeblood of your vehicle. It keeps all of your gears moving smoothly, but if you don’t keep up with its maintenance, it can cause severe damage to your car’s transmission.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Have a look at the transmission fluid. If it’s low, top up until it reaches the full mark on the dipstick (source).
- If there’s nothing wrong with the transmission fluid and your Ranger still won’t shift into neutral, you may need to flush the transmission fluid out and replace it with fresh juice (source). It’s best to get this done by a professional technician because they will have access to the right tools and know how to perform this repair properly.
2. Replace the Shift Cable
A shift cable is a small but essential part of the transmission system in a utility vehicle. The shift cable connects the transmission to the gear shifter on your utility vehicle, allowing you to change gears (source).
The shift cables are made up of several parts.
- The outer casing, which is made of rubber or plastic.
- The inner wire, which consists of metal. It connects with a metal connector on one end that attaches to the transmission while the other links to the gear selector lever.
When a shift cable wears out or breaks, a loose shifting lever, grinding, difficulty shifting into gears (including neutral), and even complete failure (source).
If your Polaris Ranger isn’t shifting into neutral correctly, it’s likely time for an inspection. You can check the shifter cable by pulling it out of its sheath.
You should replace your shift cable if you notice any fraying around the ends or if there’s excessive play in the ends while they’re in use (this can be felt as clunking or sloppiness).
Below is an excellent YouTube video to assist you if you’d prefer to perform this task on your own:
3. Repair the Shifting Lever
Polaris Rangers are known for their versatility and ease of use. The shifting mechanism is essential to any UTV, and it’s no different with a Polaris Ranger.
Your Polaris Ranger’s shifting mechanism comprises several components that all work as one to allow you to change into different gears and drive your vehicle forward or backward. One of these parts is a lever that connects to the shifting shaft and cable, allowing you to change gears.
The level is located inside your transmission, and it will affect your ability to shift into neutral when it becomes bent. If the lever is loose, it may indicate that the issue lies with your shifting cable.
The shifter needs to move freely to engage the correct gear. When the shifter is bent, it can cause the gears to not line up correctly, preventing the shifter from engaging the neutral gear.
In some cases, a bent shifter can also cause the gears to slip out of place, leading to dangerous situations on the road. This can happen when you drive through rough terrain and hit something hard enough to bend the lever. Alternatively, the lever can become subject to substantial wear and tear if you have had your vehicle for a number of years.
You can watch this video that shows how to fix a Polaris that’s stuck in gear:
After inspecting the shifting lever, if you notice that it’s bent or looking rough around the edges, it’s essential to repair it as soon as possible to avoid severe damage to your transmission.
Ultimately, finding the source of any transmission issue will require disassembly, which can be complicated and time-consuming. Therefore, it’s recommended to check your Polaris into a nearby service center and let a qualified mechanic deal with it.
4. Check the Neutral Safety Switch
The Ranger’s neutral safety switch is a small component that prevents the transmission from shifting out of park without the parking brake being applied.
A neutral safety switch is a feature that prevents you from accidentally starting your vehicle when it’s in gear. The switch is located near the transmission shifter and works by sensing whether the transmission lever is in the park or neutral. If the lever is in gear, the engine won’t start.
If the switch is faulty, it can cause the Ranger to shift into park when it should be in neutral, causing your Ranger to not start, and even encourage difficulty with shifting into gears, including neutral (source).
Polaris Ranger Neutral Safety Switch problems can be caused by faulty wiring or poor connections in any part of this system. The most common cause of failure is worn-out parts, such as switches or wires, which break down over time and lose their ability to transfer electricity properly (source).
Fixing this part yourself can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with automotive electronic repairs, so I recommend contacting a certified mechanic for inspection and repair immediately before further damage occurs.
If you drive a Polaris Ranger, you may have trouble with the rear axle. Read my guide to learn how to fix it.
Final Thoughts
The best way to diagnose a problem with your Polaris Ranger not shifting into neutral is to have the transmission fluid changed, and then inspect the transmission and its components for damage.
If you don’t have access to a service manual, take your Ranger to a professional mechanic or Polaris service center, where the problem can be diagnosed using factory diagnostic procedures.