RTV900 Engine Temperature Gauge

[crazyangel]

The engine temperature gauge on my RTV900 is not working. I have done a basic check of the wires to make sure everything is plugged in and that there is no visible damage on the wires. How can I test whether the problem lies with the sensing element in the engine or at the gauge itself?

 

[plykins]

I am having the same problem, but mine will work some of the time. Still under warranty so may end up going back to dealer.

 

[texasjohn]

Another TBN member had over heaqting problem, gauge not working...here is what he found:

So my problem turns out to be the temp sensor that screws into thermostat housing. Its what tells the relay to kick fan on. my fan should kick on right at the halfway mark and if i barely tap it it the fan will kick on, as long as guage is above that. Dealer is sending me one under warranty but I'm looking for one in stock so I have it before the long holiday weekend. part number 1g910-83040. Nobody has this item in stock.

see this thread http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/atvs-utility-vehicles/263117-rtv-1100-overheating-problem.html

Plykins, is your dealer the one in Temple, or in Austin, or?

 

[whistlepig]

I installed one of these on my Polaris Sportsman 4 years ago. It's deadly accurate. The electric fan kicks on the same temp this gauge registers it to do so. Been trouble free for 4 years now even when soaked with water.

Polaris ATV Temp Gauge Kit Coolant Switch Illuminated System Quad

 

[crazyangel]

I am having the same problem, but mine will work some of the time. Still under warranty so may end up going back to dealer.

I have this info to help you diagnose:

Your sensing element that is screwed into the engine is a variable resistor, it is changed by heat.

Take the wire off the temp sensor and short it to the engine block, that should indicate hot on the gauge... if it has not then the wiring, gauge or power to the gauge is the problem... if it moves the gauge then the sensor is bad...

Please let me know how your fix turns out.

 

[plykins]

Another TBN member had over heaqting problem, gauge not working...here is what he found:

So my problem turns out to be the temp sensor that screws into thermostat housing. Its what tells the relay to kick fan on. my fan should kick on right at the halfway mark and if i barely tap it it the fan will kick on, as long as guage is above that. Dealer is sending me one under warranty but I'm looking for one in stock so I have it before the long holiday weekend. part number 1g910-83040. Nobody has this item in stock.

see this thread http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/atvs-utility-vehicles/263117-rtv-1100-overheating-problem.html

Plykins, is your dealer the one in Temple, or in Austin, or?

John, I bought it in Taylor, but the guys in Temple said they would have no problems doing warranty work on it.

 

[plykins]

I have this info to help you diagnose:



Please let me know how your fix turns out.

crazyangel, Ill check it out today and let you know.

 

[plykins]

I have this info to help you diagnose:



Please let me know how your fix turns out.

crazyangel, checked it out and no reading on gauge. I also had noticed when it is working, the needle on the gauge will move slightly when you turn the key on. when it is not working the needle does not move. So it must be the gauge, or wiring to it. Will let the dealer figure it out. Thanks for the info!!

 

[crazyangel]

My problem turned out to be the sensor. When I removed the wire and made contact to ground the needle on the gauge shot up to hot. New sensor is less than $25. I love it when a fix is that simple. :thumbsup:

Thanks again for your advice KennyV!

 

[Old Coot]

I bypassed the temp switch with a rocker switch so I can turn it on or off as needed. The only time mine gets hot is plowing snow. So I just switch it on when I start and off when done. Cost of switch $1.89.

 

[texasjohn]

Plykins, did you get it fixed, what was the fix?

 

[plykins]

Plykins, did you get it fixed, what was the fix?

Not yet, been so busy with the holidays. It seems to be working now, but it was before too. Will take it to the dealer next time it acts up. Putting on the signal and flasher kit today. Oh I picked up the SR9c Friday. Hadn't had time to shoot it yet. Will let you know on it too.

 

[plykins]

Well, gauge quit working again. Took it to local Kubota dealer and they replaced the thermostat. Working just fine now.

 

[texasjohn]

Glad it's fixed, apparently under warranty and with reasonable quickness when you got it to them. Am still confused. Replacement was thermostat...am assuming this part gave the apparent bad gauge readings, but in reality, the gauge itself was OK?

 

[plykins]

They said it was ok. I guess the thermostat was wide open and the engine would run cold all the time. Come to think of it, when it did work, it was on warm days and would just run a little warm. It was all covered by warranty and took about 3 days. Really fast considering i didn't buy it there(Mitchell Equipment). They were real nice and I wouldn't hesitate to go back for more service covered or not.

 

[texasjohn]

That's where I got my RTV. Took my tractor to them for AC work this summer...they were in process of looking for an additional mechanic, left tractor there 3 weeks then picked it up unfixed, found someone else to work on it, installed 2 fans in cab and got back in the seat. Agree, nice people and I think they do their best...I kinda would have them find/employ good mechanics rather than just anybody because work is backed up. I've gotten filters, etc. from them as well when doing my own maintenance.