Polaris Ranger 700 XP Common Problems: Diagnosis and Fixes

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The Polaris Ranger 700 XP is a powerful vehicle for every outdoorsy person.

This side-by-side is popular thanks to its liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 683 cc engine that produces 40 horsepower. Despite the powerful engine, the Ranger 700 XP is susceptible to some issues. Polaris Ranger 700 XP common problems are low fuel pressure, throttle position sensor (TPS) issues, clogged air/fuel filters, and starter problems. These issues arise primarily due to maintenance or manufacturing defects.

Polaris Ranger problems come with a few distinct symptoms. Knowing them can help you troubleshoot your UTV much faster. Here is a detailed Polaris Ranger 700 XP troubleshooting guide.

Low Fuel Pressure

Most Polaris Ranger 700 XP users have experienced issues with low fuel pressure. When this problem occurs, the engine receives insufficient fuel, therefore, cannot operate normally. When not resolved, fuel starvation to the engine can cause engine failure.

You’ll know you’re dealing with a low fuel pressure problem if you notice the following symptoms:

  • Difficulties starting the engine
  • Inconsistent engine performance
  • The engine stalls
  • Black smoke from the exhaust
  • Engine backfiring

Since low fuel pressure is one of the Polaris Ranger 700 XP common problems, you should be ready to deal with it if it occurs.

You may experience problems with fuel pressure due to a damaged fuel pressure regulator, leaking fuel lines, or a faulty fuel pump.

The fuel pressure regulator controls how much fuel flows into the engine. When damaged or defective, it cannot regulate the pressure or flow of fuel into the engine, resulting in inefficient engine performance. Replacing the regulator should restore the fuel pressure to normal.

A malfunctioning fuel pump could also affect the fuel pressure. Fuel pumps in UTVs malfunction due to a clogged screen filter, low voltage from the battery, or defective fuel pump components.

The solution, in this case, depends on the underlying cause. If it’s due to low voltage, charge or replace the battery. Consider cleaning or replacing a clogged screen filter. It’s also advisable to replace a damaged fuel pump.

Low fuel pressure issues could arise due to problems in the fuel lines, such as clogging, leaks, or insufficient fuel. Since insufficient fuel is the easiest to diagnose, check the fuel tank and refill as necessary with the recommended fuel.

Next, check the fuel lines for any signs of damage and leaks. If you find any, replace the fuel line. Lastly, check for signs of blockages in the fuel lines and clear them by blowing compressed air into the fuel lines.

TPS Sensor Problems

The throttle position sensor (TPS) communicates the position of the throttle, allowing for the fuel and ignition systems to work synchronously. When there are problems with the throttle, you may encounter one of the following Polaris Ranger 700 XP common problems.

  • Erratic engine idling
  • Stalling engine
  • Lack of power during acceleration
  • Problems starting the engine

Problems with the TPS sensor can occur due to several reasons. First, improper installation and calibration of the TPS sensor could result in improper function. Proper reinstallation of the TPS should fix the issue. You should also take the vehicle to a dealer for TPS calibration.

Another cause of TPS sensor issues is a faulty sensor. When damaged or dead, the sensor cannot perform as expected unless you replace it with the recommended Polaris Ranger 700 XP parts.

The TPS sensor might also malfunction if there’s dirt or debris on the throttle body. The debris accumulation eventually interferes with the function of the TPS, but cleaning it should restore proper function.

Clogged Air and Fuel Filters

Clogged air and fuel filters are among the problems in Polaris Ranger 700 XP UTVs that occur when you neglect maintenance.

The air filter removes debris and dirt from the air before the air gets to the engine. Over time, your UTV’s air filter becomes clogged. Therefore, it cannot allow air to pass through. When this happens, you’ll notice the following symptoms:

  • Engine stalling
  • Hard starts
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Strange engine noises
  • Black smoke from the exhaust

Regularly changing or cleaning the air filter should help avoid the issue in the first place. The cleaning or changing frequency depends on how often and the environment in which you ride the UTV. If you use it in rough terrain with a lot of debris, you’ll change the filter more frequently.

Fuel filters could also cause issues when clogged. The signs of clogged fuel filters include:

  • The engine hesitates when accelerating
  • Reduced engine power
  • Stalling
  • The engine won’t start
  • The engine misfires

Your Polaris Ranger 700 UTVs fuel filters could become clogged due to poor maintenance, defective fuel pump, using old or the wrong type of fuel, dirty fuel, or water in the fuel. Contaminants in the fuel, like water and dirt, can clog the fuel filter, preventing it from working effectively. In this case, you must drain and replace the fuel with clean fuel.

Old fuel can also clog the filter due to the sticky substances formed when fuel breaks down. When this happens, you must remove the old fuel and clean the fuel tank and filter to restore normal function.

It’s also possible for the fuel filters to clog due to poor maintenance. When you neglect to clean or change the fuel filter, it accumulates too much debris that fuel cannot flow through. Maintaining a regular maintenance schedule should help you avoid these issues.

Starter Problems

Starter issues are common in the Polaris Ranger 700 XP. Starter issues have the following symptoms:

  • Clicking sounds when you start the engine
  • No sound when you turn the key
  • Grinding noises
  • Slow cranking

One of the reasons you’re having starter issues is a dead battery. The starter does not receive the required power to turn the engine over when the battery dies. Replacing the dead battery should fix the problem. If the battery is not dead, check for loose connections or corroded terminals and fix the issue.

Starter problems could also occur due to a faulty solenoid. When the solenoid has issues, it cannot engage the starter motor; thus, the engine won’t start. Take the solenoid to a qualified mechanic for repair or replacement.

Starter problems can also arise due to a faulty ignition switch. A defective ignition switch won’t signal the starter to start the engine, or it can cause the UTV to stall while the engine is still operating. You must replace the ignition switch to fix the issue.

So, Is the Polaris Ranger 700 XP Prone to Issues?

Polaris Ranger 700 XP common problems include low pressure, TPS sensor issues, clogged fuel and air filters, and starter problems. Some of these problems require the help of a mechanic, but others are easy to diagnose and fix at home. Regular maintenance should also help you avoid issues such as clogged air or fuel filters.