When you head out to start your Polaris RZR and it doesn’t crank, there are several reasons this might be happening. The most common cause is a low or dead battery. It can be incredibly frustrating when the battery keeps dying right after you charge it.
The Polaris RZR battery is dead when you go to start it and nothing happens. Among the possible causes can be that the battery is old and needs a replacement, the vehicle has been idle for too long, the battery cables are loose, or the freezing weather has run down the battery charge.
Part of ongoing maintenance for your Polaris RZR is to check the battery charge. Keep reading to learn why your battery could be dead and solutions to jumpstart the battery so you can get outside to ride. When all else fails, you might have to replace the battery.
1. The Polaris RZR Battery Is Old
When you experience ongoing problems with your Polaris RZR battery dying, it could simply be worn out. Maintained properly, the battery should last between three and five years. You can check the battery to see if it no longer holds a charge and needs replacement (source).
An old or defective battery won’t hold a charge. There are a couple of ways to test the battery charging status. You will need a multimeter to assess the battery charge and locate the battery beneath the driver’s seat.
A multimeter is a handy tool to measure the Polaris battery and other automotive batteries. The Schumacher Handheld Digital Battery Tester (link to Amazon) works with a wide range of vehicle batteries and has an easy-to-read digital display. You can check the voltage of a battery, gather information about the starting system, and identify a problem with the starter.
Many multimeters will power up in the auto range mode that selects a voltage range for you.
- Connect the red lead first and then connect the black lead. A healthy battery will read between twelve and twelve and one-half volts with the engine off.
- Test the battery with the engine running. The battery should register between thirteen and fourteen volts with the engine running. If the battery measures in the same range as the static measurement, it is not receiving the correct charge. This indicates the problem lies in the charging system (source).
2. The Polaris RZR Has a Loose Battery Cable(s)
Riding in the Polaris RZR gets rough at times, jarring the battery cable loose. A loose battery cable won’t charge the battery fully, leaving you with a partial charge. Another cause of loose battery cables can be corrosion build-up on the battery cables.
If your battery has corrosion, cleaning it should solve the charging problem.
- Disconnect the battery cables from the battery.
- Remove the corrosion from the battery cable and terminals with a stiff wire brush.
- Wash away the residue with one tablespoon (14.4 g) of baking soda mixed with one cup (236.6 ml) of water.
- Clean with the wire brush if there is still corrosion.
- Repeat the washing process.
- Rinse well with a hose and water.
- Dry with a clean towel.
- Apply petroleum jelly or dielectric grease to the terminals.
- Reattach the battery cables.
- Ensure the battery cables are secure and tight.
3. The Polaris Has Been Idle for a Long Period
If your Polaris RZR is idle for a long time, the battery might not work. Remaining stagnant for too long can cause the battery charge to fall from no use. You can use the multimeter to check the battery charge.
Here is how to jump the Polaris battery:
- Use a jump box to start the Polaris. A jump box is a self-contained jumper cable kit that provides more safety precautions for jump-starting the Polaris than connecting to a vehicle, which can fry the Polaris battery. AVAPOW Car Jump Starter (link to Amazon) has excellent reviews and an affordable price.
- Use a trickle charger to keep the Polaris battery charged during long stretches of non-use. This charges the battery slowly and maintains a constant charge, so the vehicle will start even when you have not used it for a while.
4. Freezing Weather Will Cause the Polaris RZR Battery To Die
Avoid short trips on the Polaris in freezing weather as low temperatures are tough on batteries. A poorly maintained battery will deteriorate rapidly and have a shorter life. Because battery range decreases rapidly in very cold temperatures, it is crucial to keep the battery on a charger to prevent freezing.
5. Replace the Polaris RZR Battery
Sometimes, a battery is defective and won’t hold a charge. Hopefully, the battery will still be under warranty, and the manufacturer will replace it at no charge. Otherwise, you should know there are two battery types in the Polaris RZR.
Conventional Polaris RZR Battery
The conventional Polaris battery has a vent plug on the side and removable cap plugs on top. Removing the conventional battery requires wearing nitrile gloves and safety glasses since this type has electrolytes that can spill. Remove the battery in the following way:
- Park the Polaris on a flat, paved surface.
- Remove the key and place it in a safe location.
- Pull the seat latch lever beneath the driver’s seat.
- Remove the seat from the Polaris.
- Remove the battery tube.
- Disconnect the black cable first.
- Disconnect the red cable last.
- Remove the hold-down strap.
- Remove the battery from the vehicle, and do not tilt.
- Replace with a new battery.
- Reconnect the battery and replace the seat (source).
Low-Maintenance Polaris RZR Battery
The low-maintenance Polaris RZR battery has non-removable caps on top and is filled with either Absorbed Glass Mat or Lead Acid. They are sealed permanently and should remain fully charged all the time. Polaris recommends recharging the low-maintenance battery every thirty to sixty days.
If you do not plan to drive the Polaris RZR for more than one month, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry area. Otherwise, use a trickle charger to keep the battery fully charged.
Want to change your Polaris RZR fuel filter too? Read my step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Final Thoughts
You should plan to keep the battery charged on your Polaris RZR when you are not riding in it. You can charge the battery with a plug-in charger to keep it ready for use. If you don’t plan to use the machine for a month or more, the best plan is to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place to preserve the charge.
