How to Jump Start Polaris Sportsman 570: Essential Steps You Need to Know Now!

The Polaris Sportsman 570 is a popular ATV known for its reliability and performance. However, like any vehicle, it can experience battery issues, leaving you stranded in the middle of your adventure. Knowing how to jump start your Polaris Sportsman 570 can be a lifesaver, ensuring you get back on the trail quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have the knowledge to handle this situation with confidence.

Gather Your Supplies: What You’ll Need to Jump Start Your Polaris Sportsman 570

Before you start, make sure you have the following items:

• A working vehicle with a good battery: This will be your “donor” vehicle.
• Jumper cables: Make sure they are in good condition and long enough to reach both vehicles.
• Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from accidental splashes of battery acid.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from potential battery acid contact.

Safety First: Essential Precautions for Jump Starting

Jumping a battery can be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Here’s how to ensure your safety:

• Never smoke or allow open flames near the battery: Battery fumes are flammable.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from battery acid.
• Avoid touching the battery terminals while the engine is running: This can cause a severe electrical shock.
• Always connect the jumper cables in the correct order: Connecting them incorrectly can damage your vehicles’ electrical systems.

The Jump Start Process: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your supplies and understand the safety precautions, let’s jump start your Polaris Sportsman 570:

1. Park the donor vehicle near the ATV: Make sure the vehicles are close enough for the jumper cables to reach.
2. Turn off both vehicles: Ensure the ignition is off and the key is removed from both vehicles.
3. Locate the battery terminals: The battery on your Polaris Sportsman 570 is located under the seat. Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
4. Connect the positive cables: Connect the red (positive) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery on your ATV. Then, connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the good battery in the donor vehicle.
5. Connect the negative cables: Connect the black (negative) cable to the negative terminal of the good battery in the donor vehicle. Then, connect the other end of the black cable to a metal grounding point on the ATV’s frame, away from the battery. **Never connect the negative cable directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery.** This can create a spark and potentially cause an explosion.
6. Start the donor vehicle: Let the donor vehicle run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
7. Attempt to start the ATV: Turn the key and try to start your Polaris Sportsman 570. If it doesn’t start immediately, try again after letting the donor vehicle run for a few more minutes.
8. Disconnect the jumper cables: Once your ATV starts, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order you connected them. Start with the negative cables, then the positive cables.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your Polaris Sportsman 570 Won’t Start

If your ATV doesn‘t start after jumping it, there are a few things you can check:

• Battery connection: Ensure all connections are secure and free of corrosion.
• Battery age: If the battery is old, it might need to be replaced.
• Starter motor: The starter motor might be faulty and need to be repaired or replaced.
• Fuel system: Ensure the fuel tank is full and the fuel lines are clear.
• Spark plugs: Check the spark plugs for wear or damage.

Maintaining Your Battery: Preventing Future Jump Starts

To avoid future jump starts, it’s essential to maintain your battery. Here are some tips:

• Regularly check the battery terminals: Clean them with a wire brush to remove corrosion.
• Charge the battery regularly: If you don’t use your ATV frequently, charge the battery every few weeks.
• Use a battery tender: A battery tender will keep your battery fully charged when not in use.
• Replace the battery when necessary: A battery’s lifespan is typically 3-5 years.

Beyond the Jump Start: When to Seek Professional Help

While jumping your ATV is a useful skill, it’s not always the solution. If you’ve tried to jump start your Polaris Sportsman 570 and it still won’t start, or if you notice any other issues with the electrical system, it’s best to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Jump Starting

Knowing how to jump start your Polaris Sportsman 570 is a valuable skill for any ATV enthusiast. By following these steps and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can confidently handle this situation and get back on the trail quickly. Remember to maintain your battery regularly to prevent future jump starts and ensure your ATV is always ready for your next adventure.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I use a car battery to jump start my Polaris Sportsman 570?

Yes, you can use a car battery to jump start your ATV, as long as the car battery has enough power. However, it’s important to use the correct jumper cables and connect them in the correct order to avoid damaging the electrical systems of either vehicle.

2. How long should I let the donor vehicle run before trying to start the ATV?

It’s recommended to let the donor vehicle run for at least 5 minutes before attempting to start the ATV. This will give the dead battery enough time to charge.

3. What if the ATV starts but dies immediately?

If the ATV starts but dies immediately, this could indicate a problem with the battery, starter motor, or fuel system. It’s best to have the ATV inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue.

4. Can I jump start my ATV if the battery is completely dead?

Yes, you can jump start your ATV even if the battery is completely dead. However, it may take longer for the battery to charge enough to start the ATV.

5. What are some common signs that my ATV battery needs to be replaced?

Some common signs that your ATV battery needs to be replaced include:

• Slow cranking: The engine takes longer to start than usual.
• Dim headlights: The headlights are dimmer than usual.
• Battery fluid levels: The battery fluid level is low or the battery is bulging.
• Battery age: The battery is over 3-5 years old.