A Beginner's Guide To UTV Troubleshooting

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Even the highest quality UTVs will eventually encounter maintenance issues. Time will take its toll and wear down the various parts. In some situations, it's an easy do-it-yourself fix. In others, a visit to the service department is in order. We've created the following UTV troubleshooting guide to help you navigate the most common maintenance situations.

For professional repair help or to shop side-by-sides for sale in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, contact Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road. Our dealership is based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and we proudly serve those in Pittsburgh and Washington as well.

Troubleshooting UTV Battery Issues

The Starter Does Not Work Properly

This is commonly caused by one of three issues:

The side-by-side battery is dead. Typically, the solution is to replace the battery.
The battery is not charged enough. Simply charge it on a tender.
There is a poor terminal connection. Clean, tighten, and lubricate the terminals, then apply an anti-corrosive product.

The Side-By-Side Battery Won't Recharge

This tends to happen when the battery is at the end of its life or has been run down until it dies. Either way, a replacement will be needed.

The Electrolyte Levels Drop Rapidly

This can be caused by a hole or crack in the electrolyte cell. Usually, a battery replacement is needed.

Troubleshooting UTV Engine Issues

The Side-By-Side Engine Power Is Insufficient

This can be caused by:

A clogged injector that can be replaced.
An empty fuel tank that should be refilled.
A broken spark plug needing replacement.
A dirty spark plug that should be cleaned.
A ruined ignition coil that should be replaced.
A wrecked crankshaft position sensor needing replacement.

The UTV Engine Overheats

This can be the result of:

Low coolant levels that need topping off.
A loose radiator cap that can be tightened.
A broken radiator cap that should be replaced.
A motor-driven fan that isn't turning because of a broken fuse (which needs replacement) or corroded coolant flow path (which needs to be flushed).

The Side-By-Side Engine Struggles To Start

Take a minute to check the fuel tank, filter, electric fuel pump, and injector. See if there are any signs of an insufficient or nonexistent fuel flow.

There could also be water in the fuel system, which can happen when the fuel tank cover gets loose. If that's the case, you will need to drain the fuel and refill it with fresh fuel.

Want more UTV troubleshooting advice? Ready to shop side-by-sides for sale in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Whatever you need, the experts at Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road are here to help. Reach out or visit our dealership in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. We also proudly serve those in Pittsburgh and Washington, Pennsylvania.