If you own a Tracker 800 SX, a popular all-terrain vehicle, this could be the guide for you. Best known for being rugged and having an engine that packs a punch, it has proven its worth as one of the best on the market today. However, like any other ATV, it can experience its issues. This guide will discuss the common problems a Tracker 800 SX will face.
We will review the issues and show you how to troubleshoot them quickly. You don't have to be mechanically inclined to perform all these tasks. Even better, we'll provide you with suggestions on how to solve the problem quickly. Let's get started with what you need to know.
A Pound of Prevention Is an Ounce of Cure
Before we move forward, let's look at a tip that will save you a lot of time and money with the Tracker 800 SX problems you face. If you still need to do so, consider creating a regular maintenance plan for this vehicle. It should include, but not be limited to, inspecting the necessary parts such as your tires, spark plugs, and other critical parts.
Be sure to consult the owner's manual for an idea of how often you need to perform maintenance. In addition, you want to make sure that there is a time period you need to follow when certain parts need to be replaced. By performing regular maintenance, you will catch these problems early and address them accordingly. Ignoring these problems will cause more significant pain, not to mention a higher repair bill.
If you really want to check on your ATV, then be sure to perform regular checks after you have done some writing around. Especially the kind of writing sessions where you go off-road and handle some pretty tough terrain. The reason for this is the terrain may be so rocky, that it could lead to plenty of shock and vibrations, which can lead to bolts and fasteners loosening on the accessories that you have installed.
The 3 Common Tracker 800 SX Problems To Know About
Now that we've got that bit out of the way, we'll look at the following three Tracker 800 SX problems. It is essential that you carefully read through these and be able to know what the standard troubleshooting Solutions are. You might be facing one of these problems or a whole host of them. But have patience; we will be able to help you throughout this entire guide. Let's take a look now at the following problems and their troubleshooting tips:
Starting and power issues
Attempting to start your tracker 800 SX repeatedly can be frustrating. It may not want to start or even crank over. In this event, looking at the following starting and power issues and troubleshooting tips is essential. These include but are not limited to the following:
If the engine doesn't turn over:
- Dead battery: One of the most common reasons an engine won't turn over is that the battery could die. To ensure this is the case, use a voltmeter to ensure the battery is discharged. You can try recharging the battery, but don't eliminate the idea of replacing it entirely.
- Loose battery connection: The connections might be loose. Be sure to check the cables connected to the proper terminals and inspect the terminals to see if there's any corrosion present. If there is, then this could be a good reason why there is no good contact.
- Starter motor failure: The power could reach the starter but won't crank the engine. If this is the case, then you'll need to replace the starter as soon as possible.
The engine turns over but doesn't start:
- Fuel systems issue: You want to check the fuel to see if it reaches the engine. You'll need to inspect the fuel line and the pump to do this. What you're going to be looking for is any clogs or damages. If there are any present, you must replace the fuel filters entirely.
- Ignition system problems: if you believe the ignition may be the source of the problem, then you'll want to remove and inspect the spark plugs. You'll be looking for any signs of fouling or damage here. If any are present, then you'll want to find new spark plug wires or ignition coils.
Engine Performance Problems
Just because your tracker 800sx can start up without issue doesn't mean you may be out of the woods yet. Your engine could also be still facing problems. It may lack power or have acceleration issues, or the idling may be rough or stall altogether. This can be a sign of one of the following issues:
Lack of power or acceleration:
- Clogged air filter: If it appears clogged, it must be replaced. The engine needs air to function and not overheat, and if the air filter is clogged, it will cut off the oxygen supply to the engine.
- Sensor issue: You could be dealing with faulty manifold absolute pressure, or the oxygen sensors may also have problems. Or it could be both. Either way, you must inspect these thoroughly and replace them if needed.
- Fuel injector issues: Fuel injectors can be clogged or stuck open or closed. This may happen from time to time. You can clean the injectors regularly or replace them. Remember, if the fuel injectors are badly damaged and unable to function, then replacing them will make a lot more sense.
Rough idling/stalling
- Vacuum leaks: Inspect all the vacuum hoses and components. Specifically, look for any signs of cracks, dry rot, or broken clamps, which can all cause a leak.
- Idle air control valve issues: carbon buildup can be the biggest culprit for a valve that could get stuck. If you perform regular maintenance, you'll have the opportunity to clean the valve. Otherwise, if the valve issue is too significant, it would be a good idea to replace it as soon as possible.
- Clogged fuel injectors: A dirty injector may cause improper fuel atomization, which is required for smooth idling. Be sure to clear the fuel injectors of any clogs or outright replace them.
Electrical System Problems
Another common Tracker 800 SX problem could be the electrical system. Common issues include a battery that may die too quickly or your accessories or lights may need to be fixed. So, here are some of the things that may be to blame:
Battery keeps dying:
- Parasitic battery drain: Use a multimeter to check for parasitic drain on
- your battery. This could be from an accessory that is drawing power from the battery even when the ATV is shut off.
- Alternator not charging: You need enough battery voltage to recharge. However, if the alternator is not performing its usual recharging duties, it may need to be replaced.
Dim lights/accessories not working:
- Bad grounds: Ground wires or connections May be corroded or loose. This may prevent the proper flow of power to these accessories, including the lights. In this case, you want to clean the wires and retighten them accordingly.
- Wiring issues: Inspect the wiring harnesses thoroughly. Look for any phrases, damage, or shorts that may exist. If the wires are badly damaged, you must replace them accordingly. Failure to do this may not only cause electrical issues but also lead to fires.
- Fuse/relay problems: If you have a faulty fuse or relay, you'll want to test and replace them accordingly.
What Are Some of the Other Common Issues?
We have looked at three major problems regarding your Tracker 800 SX; we should also know some common issues. Let's take a look at what they are so you need to know ahead of time:
Transmission Issues
Some transmission issues can include but are not limited to, gears slipping out of place, a whining sound from the transmission, or even hard shifting. In addition, you may be dealing with fluids that are either low or contaminated. Be sure to inspect the transmission system for any internal damage. If any is spotted, it needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
Overheating Issues
Your thermostat, radiator fans, and water pumps may be components that overheat. If any of these fail, the likelihood of overheating will increase. For this reason, inspect your cooling system accordingly and replace any critical parts to its operation.Like regular vehicles, one of the leading causes of death of an engine is overheating.
Suspension/Steering Problems
The most common issues related to your suspension or steering include the tie rods, ball joints, or even other steering or suspension components. These can cause death wobble and even loose or wobbling steering. Be sure to fix these issues accordingly, especially when they could pose a safety issue for you and your riders.
Brake Problems
If you experience brake fluid leaks, worn shoes or pads, damaged brake lines, or sticking-out calipers, this can lead to poor performance. In addition, be sure that your brakes are inspected regularly, performed regular maintenance, and replaced per the recommendations provided by the owner's manual.
Your brakes are one of the most critical parts on any ATV you own. You need to have the ability to stop even if it is all of a sudden when something jumps out in front of you. Or you might be looking to slow down to go around some obstacles that may otherwise cause your ATV to flip over even if you are going the speed limit. Please make sure that your brakes are always in working order so you can be able to stop just in time.
Final Thoughts
Your Tracker 800 SX should be rideable for the long term. However, the common problems we have looked at above could hinder the experience. If you are experiencing one of these problems, you must follow the troubleshooting steps outlined. Please note that you should replace any parts if they are beyond repair.
Once again, we suggest you perform regular maintenance to catch any of these issues as early as possible. When you do, you can quickly repair the problem instead of replacing the affected parts. If you need accessories for your Tracker 800 SX, check out what Thumper Fab offers today.
