cold start up question

[JCLND]

my 25 acts like an old cold blooded carbureted motor when it’s cold and i first start it. even transmission is slow to engage at first shift. Anyone else ??

 

[Mr.C]

I have experienced and asked on the slow to start or intermittent sputter when it’s cold. I’ve always ran zero ethanol/clear gas in my small engines, machines, saws, etc without issue. But even with my 2020 XP 1000 northstar, when it was cold and sat for even a day, it would sputter and would be slow to react to the throttle. When I bought my XD and the same situation happened, my dealer told me to not use non ethanol/clear gas. And that these machines want/need to see the ethanol. Not sure if that’s really true. I filled a couple of jugs with normal pump gas, but then chickened out into using it in the machine. Just my $0.02

 

[Clubin]

my 25 acts like an old cold blooded carbureted motor when it’s cold and i first start it. even transmission is slow to engage at first shift. Anyone else ??

Cold start at what temp? Mine is normally inside but if we are out and about I’ve started it at -25c with no issues. Regular octane fuel is the secret. The lower the octane the better.

 

[Big Red]

We had a rather long discussion here about fuel quite a while back with differences in opinion on ethanol vs regular and 87 octane vs premium 91-93 octane. I think the truth is it should run just fine on any of them so I think it's more of a personal choice. I would suggest trying something different than what you are currently using to see if you think it makes a difference.

 

[JCLND]

I have experienced and asked on the slow to start or intermittent sputter when it’s cold. I’ve always ran zero ethanol/clear gas in my small engines, machines, saws, etc without issue. But even with my 2020 XP 1000 northstar, when it was cold and sat for even a day, it would sputter and would be slow to react to the throttle. When I bought my XD and the same situation happened, my dealer told me to not use non ethanol/clear gas. And that these machines want/need to see the ethanol. Not sure if that’s really true. I filled a couple of jugs with normal pump gas, but then chickened out into using it in the machine. Just my $0.02

Appreciate the input I experienced very hard starting in my 22 xp in the winter. had some guys tell me to not run premium. fixed that issue so i started using in my xd. I’m taking to dealer to reflash my ecm and will keep you guys updated. according to my dealer Polaris has issued updates to ecm because of the starting issue and he thought possibly it may address the cold starts.

 

[Mr.C]

I have heard that there’s new ECM and TCM updates recently. I just need to find the time to get mine in.

 

[JHammer]

My 2024 did the exact same thing. just got a new 2026 Mountaineer edition and it does not have this issue at all

 

[Tylenol]

My Dealer (Bob's Cycle) in Sidney, Ohio said Rec Gas was not required and that 87-92 octane works fine. I run Rec Gas in all my equipment (Weed Trimmer, Chain Saw, Lawn Mower, Riding Mower, Golf Cart, etc..) I never have start issues in cold weather with Chain Saw or Golf Cart. I have noticed sputtering starts on my 2026 1500XD. I really don't want to change gas types now, but its not getting any warmer in northern Michigan, so I might switch over and give the 87 octane a try, and then switch back in the Spring....just my $0.02.

 

[JHammer]

I spoke with Polaris directly on this with my 2024 and they were very to the point their machines are designed to ONLY run on 87

 

[Tylenol]

I spoke with Polaris directly on this with my 2024 and they were very to the point their machines are designed to ONLY run on 87

JHammer.....Thank you for the in-site, I think I will give 87 a try, cheaper too. We're at $2.50 a gallon verses $4.09 for Rec Gas.

 

[oneal]

I recently had some none ethanol in mine caused the same symptoms. After that 5 gallon was used went back to corn fuel, popping stopped and started better

 

[Captain Bob]

2025 Ranger 1500 (Wisconsin), I had the spit & sputtering as well, my dealer recently updated the ECU and he said one of the updates was specifically for the cold weather starts, it is much better now, but I do have more slow transmission starts since that update, feels like it is slipping, but just for 1-2 seconds and just the first time move forward and then ok the rest of the day. He also replaced my spark plugs.

 

[JCLND]

I have the same transmission issue identical to what you describe. mine is at the dealer now and i will update you all on what i find out. been told by two dealers Polaris issued ECM reflash should fix the starts and the sporadic power steering loss. Will update you all when i can