ATV/UTV belt slipping under load

Applies to: All CVT machines (Polaris, Can-Am, Kawasaki), All years

Symptoms

  • Engine revs, machine barely moves
  • Burning smell from the clutch cover
  • Worse after water crossings or towing

Why it happens

Water in the CVT housing, a glazed or worn belt, or dirty sheaves. Pulling heavy loads in high range overheats the belt.

How to fix it

  1. Pull the CVT drain plug and let water out.
  2. Dry it out by running in neutral with light revs, per the manual.
  3. Inspect belt width and glazing; replace if worn.
  4. Clean the sheaves.
  5. Use low range for heavy loads and slow work.

Tools and parts

  • Drive belt
  • Brake cleaner
  • Calipers

What the factory service manual covers

CVT: drain plug, belt spec, clutch service. The full procedure, specs and wiring diagrams are in the factory service manual for your machine.

Get the factory service manual

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