RZR POWER STEERING PROBLEMS

RZR POWER STEERING PROBLEMS

Dear Sarge,

I have a 2017 Polaris RZR S 900 EPS that has a weird problem. I have power steering, but only until the radiator cooling fan comes on, then the power steering fails and the failure light comes on. As soon as the radiator fan apparently cools the radiator down and the fan turns off, I get my power steering back! I have read the owner’s manual and the service manual, and I can’t find anything detailing RZR power steering problems or why the radiator cooling fan would shut down the power steering motor.

Rich Knight

American Fork, Utah

Private Knight Rider, I am going to make several assumptions about your failure to solve your RZR power steering problems. Stop me if I am wrong. Your Zooter’s battery is original or several years old. You may very well have the factory original voltage regulator. You scanned the factory service manual for a connection between the radiator cooling fan and your electronic power steering (EPS). And, since you couldn’t find a connection, you contacted Sarge. How am I doing so far, Boot? So, as batteries age, they retain less energy, and that means a lower voltage. Your Zooter’s alternator is supposed to keep the battery at about 14 volts DC (Direct Current) when the engine is running. You could not find a connection between the radiator cooling fan and the EPS, because there is none, boot! Your battery voltage is dropping below 11 VDC so your EPS shuts down and you get a warning light. You should also get a low-voltage light that you failed to mention to Sarge. Low voltage means a bad battery, bad voltage regulator or a bad alternator. When the cooling fan stops running, the battery voltage rises above 11 VDC, and your EPS magically starts again! Not! So, your task, Boot, because you have the factory service manual, is to start troubleshooting your electrical system. Use a VOM (Volt Ohm Meter) and follow the steps outlined in your service manual—but only after you complete that 10-mile night march where you will not need power steering! Dismissed!

13 MILES!

Dear Sarge,

After much deliberation, we decided to purchase a 2021 American Landmaster L7. Two reasons really. One is “made in the USA,” and Polaris quoted a six-to-eight-week delay, and Honda was so far back that they couldn’t even give a time quote! So, we went with the L7. What could go wrong? When we got it home, we loaded it up and headed out unto the local trails for an afternoon picnic. Well, we only got about 13 miles and the engine started pinging and overheating! I let it cool down thinking it was because the engine was new. The picnic was canceled, and just before we got home, it started pinging again. Back it went to the dealer. However, after several tries, they were unable to troubleshoot this overheating problem. Do you have any idea what is causing this overheating situation, or should I just cut my losses?

Dennis and Sandy Clairmont

Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania

Being a new Zooter, Boots, the usual suspects should not be in play. However, it would not hurt to check the engine’s oil level, change out the spark plug, and check the air filter for any obstruction. My guess is the O2 sensor voltage is indicating to the ECU that the engine is at the wrong temperature, thus forcing the ECU to lean the mixture under load, which would overheat the engine causing your pinging. Or, the ECU is faulty given the correct inputs from its sensors. Boot, I am not sure why your dealer could not troubleshoot this problem. Kohler provides extensive troubleshooting help for their engines, and American Landmaster should provide this information to their dealers. Here is a source for Kohler service manuals, so you will have your own troubleshooting tool: www.kohler-engine-parts.opeengines.com/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&products_id=34596. If your dealer’s motor pool can’t determine the problem, then I would strongly request a replacement motor—that is if you are happy with the L7’s running gear. Boot, you need to stand up for yourself and get your deserved warranty. If you are not capable, then I suggest you turn your Bootette loose, because I am sure she will get the job done! Dismissed!

WHERE DID MY POWER GO?

Dear Sarge,

I have a 2015 Polaris Ranger 900 Crew. We were driving and lost all electrical power. It just stopped in the middle of a field, and I had to be towed back to the farm. Nothing happens when I turn the key. I have replaced the battery and then the red positive battery cable. Still nothing. I next removed and checked every fuse. Again, nothing. Sarge, I am out of ideas and hope that you can provide guidance as to what to check next.

Terry Labeau

Keithville, Louisiana

Private Labrador, sounds more like a relay failure than a fuse. Try replacing the chassis relay with the fan relay. That may restore your power, Boot, if that chassis relay is faulty. You know where that is from your service manual, don’t you, Boot? No service manual, Boot? Here is yours: www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/281169434-2015-2017-polaris-ranger-xp-crew-570-900. If the relay doesn’t solve your problem, there is a gang ground near the battery that contains a number of brown wires connected to a single ground lug. Possibly one or more brown ground wires are ether loose or broken. Beyond that, Boot, my crystal ball is in the shop! On your face and count off 50, Boot, for not having a service manual with the wiring diagram and component locations. Dismissed! 

See UTV Action’s full test on the new electric Polaris Ranger Kinetic here: POLARIS RANGER XP KINETIC – UTV Action Magazine

You might also like

Comments are closed.

edit