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

Engine Oil

Always check and change the oil at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Always use the recommended engine oil. Always change the oil filter whenever changing oil.
Pay special attention to the oil level. A rise in oil level during cold weather can indicate contaminants collecting in the oil sump or crankcase. Change oil immediately if the oil level begins to rise. Monitor the oil level, and if it continues to rise, discontinue use and determine the cause. Your dealer can assist.
WARNING
Vehicle operation with insufficient, deteriorated, or contaminated engine oil will cause accelerated wear and may result in engine seizure, accident and injury. Always perform the maintenance procedures as outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart.

Oil Recommendations

POLARIS recommends the use of POLARIS PS-4 5W-50 4-Cycle Oil or a similar oil. Refer to the Specifications section for capacities.
Oil may need to be changed more frequently if POLARIS PS-4 engine oil is not used. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for ambient temperature operation. See the Polaris Products section for part numbers.
NOTICE
Mixing brands or using a non-recommended oil may cause serious engine damage. Always use the recommended oil. Never substitute or mix oil brands.

Oil Check

Always check the oil when the engine is cold. If the engine is hot when the oil is checked, the level will appear to be overfull.
caution
Always remove all cargo from the cargo box before lifting the box to access engine components.
Access the oil fill cap, dipstick and filter under the cargo box.

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  1. Remove all cargo from the cargo box. See Dumping the Cargo Box.
  2. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
  3. Place the transmission in PARK.
  4. Stop the engine.
  5. Stand clear and pull up on the cargo box release lever. Lift the front of the cargo box.
  6. Remove the dipstick. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
  7. Reinstall the dipstick completely. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level.
  8. Remove the oil fill cap to add the recommended oil as needed. Maintain the oil level between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
  9. Reinstall the fill cap . Reinstall the dipstick.
  10. Lower the cargo box and push down securely to latch.

Oil and Filter Change

Always change the oil and filters at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart section. Always change the oil filter whenever changing oil.
The crankcase drain plug is located on the bottom of the crankcase. Access the drain plug through the access hole in the skid plate under the crankcase (see next page).
caution
Always remove all cargo from the cargo box before lifting the box to access engine components.
Access the oil fill cap, dipstick and filter under the cargo box.
  1. Remove all cargo from the cargo box. See Dumping the Cargo Box.
  2. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
  3. Place the transmission in PARK.
  4. Stand clear and pull up on the cargo box release lever. Lift the front of the cargo box.
  5. For maximum clearance in the engine compartment, detach the cargo box shock from the base of the box.
  6. Carefully detach the fuel line and spark plug wires from their retaining clips on the outlet hose, then loosen the outlet hose clamp and remove the hose from the clutch cover.
    caution
    Do not allow debris or other objects to enter the clutch cover.
  7. Locate the crankcase drain plug access hole in the skid plate.
  8. Clean the area around the crankcase drain plug.
    caution
    Hot oil can cause burns to skin. Do not allow hot oil to contact skin.
  9. Place a drain pan under the engine crankcase and remove the drain plug. Allow the oil to drain completely.
  10. Using an oil filter wrench, turn the filter counter-clockwise to remove it.
  11. Using a clean dry cloth, clean the filter sealing surface on the crankcase.
  12. Lubricate the o-ring on the new filter with a film of fresh engine oil. Check to make sure the o-ring is in good condition.
  13. Install the new filter and turn by hand until the filter gasket contacts the sealing surface, then turn an additional 3/4 turn.
  14. Reinstall the drain plug. Torque the drain plug to 12 ft-lbs (16 Nm).
  15. Remove the oil fill cap and add 2.5 quarts (2.4 l) of recommended oil. Reinstall the fill cap.
  16. Start the engine and check for leaks.
  17. Stop the engine and wait 15 seconds before removing the dipstick.
  18. Remove the dipstick. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
  19. Reinstall the dipstick completely. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level.
  20. Remove the oil fill cap and add oil as needed to bring the level to the upper mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
  21. Reinstall the fill cap. Reinstall the dipstick.
  22. Reinstall the outlet hose to the clutch box, routing the hose under the fuel line and spark plug wires. Make sure the clutch cover rib aligns in the notch at the end of the outlet hose. Tighten the clamp.
  23. Reinstall the fuel line and spark plug wires to the retaining clips on the outlet hose.
  24. Lower the cargo box and push down securely to latch.
  25. Dispose of used filter and oil properly.

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