Polaris UTV Stator Testing Q&A

Do different machine stators put out less AC volts while running? This question was asked as it relates to testing the stator on a Polaris Ranger side-by-side, during this edition of Partzilla Live Q&A.

Our resident Polaris expert John Talley goes live on our YouTube channel every Friday at 3pm Eastern, and in this edition, John answers a question about AC volts put out for different machines while doing stator tests.

Polaris Side by Side Stator Testing

I replaced the stator on a 2012 Polaris Ranger 4x4 and did the AC test on the stator while running like your videos have shown. It shows 9.8 volts on all phases. Do different machine stators put out less AC volts while running? 

John Talley: You’re going to see a pretty wide range, but 9.8 volts if you’re doing it in AC is way too low. Because on an alternating current cycle, to actually develop a 12-volt DC charge, you would need at least 24 volts. There’s just no way because they have to rectify it and then flatten it out, so to speak. So when you’ve got plus and minus going, they flip it up and cut it in half like it’s almost flat, then they use a capacitor of some type to get a steady state of DC voltage, so 9 is way too low. That would give you less than 5 volts of DC charge. 

Not all stators are created equal. The testing process can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. In the video below, John shows you how to test different manufacturer's stators, including a unit made by Polaris.

Watch the video above to see how to test a Polaris stator.

Got charging system problems with your Polaris side-by-side? In the video below, John walks you through several charging system tests to run on a Polaris UTV, including testing the stator.

Watch the video above to see how to test the charging system of a Polaris side-by-side.

If your Polaris side-by-side is not starting, the problem may lie in the battery itself. In the video below, John walks you through the process of testing and charging the battery on a Polaris Ranger.

Watch the video above to see how to troubleshoot starting problems with a Polaris UTV.

Want to see more live repair questions answered? See more motorcycle, ATV and UTV questions answered here.