temp light coming on when it shouldn't?

[seanpistol]

I have spent a lot of time on my 2000 rmk 800- enough to have a good idea of when it is getting hot and when it is probably not. The last couple times I took it out- the temp light keeps flashing on me, then eventually staying on until I shut it off for a while. before the light is solid, it seems to go away when I am riding at higher rpms, then seems to flicker more consistently when i'm at lower rpms.

Today I was riding when it was about 30 degrees out and in a foot of fresh Utah snow. Plenty of snow all over the place to keep it cool. On the way out I stopped about 3 or 4 times to let it cool on the way to my usual "spot". I normally go all the way without seeing a temp light. On the way back the temp light was flickering and I ignored it, made it back to the truck without a problem. Full of oil and coolant by the way. Could this be a sensor sending a false message to the light on the hood? Anything you guys would recommend I should check? Like I said, I really don't think the sled is getting as hot as the temp light indicates.

thanks for the replies.

 

[Pol600]

Temp light

Sean,

No doubt you have checked the waterpump belt? They are supposed to be changed every 1500 miles on the big block Polaris twins.

 

[seanpistol]

nope, but i'll look into it before I ride again. sounds about right.

 

[Andreas83]

I have seen the problem you are describing on some sleds.
-Check waterpump belt
-Check if wireing and connector to temp sensor is ok. Have seen damaged cables rubbing against ground causing flickering temp light.
-Might be a faulty sensor as well.

I doubt that the belt is broken, it would have started boiling on your way back to the truck.

 

[theultrarider]

The temp sensor in the head on these things are notorious for going bad. Slp even offers a by-pass "test plug" that many carry so you cn get out of the mtns without being stuck in limp mode. The new ones from polaris are not too expensive. Start by replacing the temp sensor and your issue will most likely go away. I always had an extra in the trailer.