Content Source: 2020 GENERAL 1000 Owner’s Manual (9929901 R01) > Maintenance Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Cooling System

The engine coolant level is controlled or maintained by the recovery system. The recovery system components are the overflow bottle, radiator filler neck, radiator pressure cap and connecting hose.
As coolant operating temperature increases, the expanding (heated) excess coolant is forced out of the radiator, past the pressure cap, and into the overflow bottle. As engine coolant temperature decreases, the contracting (cooled) coolant is drawn back up from the tank, past the pressure cap, and into the radiator.
Some coolant level drop on new vehicles is normal as the system is purging itself of trapped air. Observe coolant levels and maintain as recommended by adding coolant to the overflow bottle.

Adding or Changing Coolant

POLARIS recommends the use of POLARIS Antifreeze 50/50 Premix. This antifreeze is already premixed and ready to use. Do not dilute with water.
To ensure that the coolant maintains its ability to protect the engine, we recommend that the system be completely drained every five (5) years and fresh Antifreeze 50/50 Premix added.
Any time the cooling system has been drained for maintenance or repair, replace the coolant with fresh Antifreeze 50/50 Premix. If the recovery bottle has run dry, the level in the radiator should be inspected. Add coolant as needed.

Radiator and Cooling Fan

Always check and clean the screen and radiator fins at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Do not obstruct or deflect air flow through the radiator by installing unauthorized accessories in front of the radiator or behind the cooling fan. Interference with the radiator air flow can lead to overheating and consequent engine damage.
NOTICE
Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure hose could damage the radiator fins and impair the radiator's effectiveness. Using a high-pressure system is not recommended.

Overflow Bottle Coolant Level

Always check and change the coolant at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Maintain the coolant level between the minimum and maximum marks on the bottle (when the fluid is cool).
  1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
  2. Place the transmission in PARK.
  3. Remove the hood. See Hood.
  4. View the coolant level in the overflow bottle.
  5. If the coolant level is below the safe operating range, make sure the pressure cap is securely installed before adding coolant to the overflow bottle.
    NOTE
    Always add coolant through the bottle filler opening, not through the radiator pressure cap opening.
  6. Reinstall the coolant bottle cap.
TIP
If coolant must be added often, or if the overflow bottle runs completely dry, there may be a leak in the system. Your POLARIS dealer, or other qualified person, can inspect the cooling system.

Radiator Coolant Level

Check the radiator coolant level ONLY if the overflow bottle is dry. If the overflow bottle contains fluid, the radiator level should NOT be inspected.
TIP
If the overflow bottle runs completely dry, there may be a leak in the system. Your POLARIS dealer, or other authorized, can inspect the cooling system.
  1. Remove the hood. See Hood.
    caution
    Escaping steam can cause burns. Never remove the pressure cap while the engine is warm or hot. Always allow the engine to cool before removing the pressure cap.
  2. If the overflow bottle is dry, slowly remove the radiator pressure cap.
  3. View the coolant level through the opening.
  4. Use a funnel and slowly add coolant as needed.
  5. Reinstall the pressure cap securely. Use of a non-standard pressure cap will not allow the recovery system to function properly. Your POLARIS dealer, or other qualified person, can provide the correct replacement part.
  6. With the pressure cap securely installed, add coolant to the overflow bottle to the recommended level. Reinstall the coolant bottle cap.

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