The Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 is a robust side-by-side vehicle excellent for off-roading. It comes with a 914 four-stroke twin-cylinder engine that can generate up to 95 HP. Equipped with a 2WD/4WD electric front differential lock, the Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 is a great off-highway vehicle designed to handle any terrain.
However, despite the quality of parts and engineering, the side-by-side vehicle is prone to various issues. Want to know the most common Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 problems?
Keep reading!
Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 Problems
The following are the most common Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 problems.
Engine Fails to Start
Several Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 owners have reported experiencing their engines failing to start. Well, several issues may cause this.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are vital components in any engine. They produce a bolt electricity that ignites the fuel-air mixture needed to start your engine. Without the pistons getting in motion, your ATV will not run.
This usually occurs when foreign contaminants such as dirt, dust, oil, fuel or even coolants coat the spark plug. To rule out spark plugs as the problem, simply locate them on your engine and inspect their color. If the tips do not look normal or appear burnt, then it means they’re fouled. The only solution for this is to replace them with high-quality iridium spark plugs.
Starter Solenoid Issue
When you attempt to start your engine and you hear a clicking sound instead of the engine firing, then the issue could be the starter solenoid. What you ought to do is check all the connections on the solenoid to find out if it’s loose.
If not loose, we recommend loosening them and retightening them to see if this works. If the clicking continues, test the solenoid by using a screwdriver. Simply lay the screwdriver across the lugs and attempt to start the engine. If it fires up, then that means the starter solenoid is bad. So, have it replaced.
Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 Battery
Besides the spark plugs, check the battery. While it may be of decent quality, batteries tend to drain quickly. To ensure no battery drain or battery draw, test the battery with a multimeter. If the voltage is 12+ volts, then it’s okay.
Don’t forget to inspect the cables and terminals. Make sure the terminals are free of corrosion and debris. Even if they appear clean, we recommend that you give them a good cleaning and then apply petroleum jelly or dielectric grease. This will prolong their lifespan.
Steering Issues
The steering issue is common in the 2011 to 2015 Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 variants. Basically, the steering slider gets a gap which causes the steering rod not to respond or function as required.
The problem could be worn-out bushings and by replacing them, you should fix the issue. But this will not eliminate the problem as they will wear out later. What you ought to do is rebuild the slider along with its pad and rod. Or simply replace the steering system.
However, you should only replace the steering wheel system if you keep getting the same issue again and again.
Engine Misfire
The engine may misfire as a result of a vacuum leak, issues with the ignition coil and timing problems. When the engine misfires, you should hear knocking sounds. To confirm this as the issue, simply carry out a visual inspection.
Besides a visual inspection, several DTC codes can help you identify the issue. For example, if you receive the P0304 code, then that means the issue is with cylinder #4.
What you also need to know is that replacing a vacuum, leakage in a gasket or a spark plug could also cause your engine to misfire. Use an OBD 2 scanner to fix the problem(s).
Fuel Pump Issues
Most people may choose to install a damaged and used oil filter to save costs. Well, if the filer is excessively damaged and used, then it won’t be able to filter particles and debris present in the fuel.
The fuel quality matters not only to the engine and the vehicle but also to the fuel pump. If you’re not using a high-quality, damage-free filter, then the chances of fuel pump issues are high. Don’t wait until it reaches a point where you have to incur the high cost of replacing the fuel pump. Instead of using an expired filter, buy a high-quality filter instead.
Shifting Problem
The shifting problem is likely the wear and tear to components such as the seals, bushings and bearings. When these components wear out, they may cause misalignments which results in the shifting problem.
Another cause for the shifting issue is the failure to maintain the transmission fluid properly. It’s important to regularly check the transmission fluid and change it if necessary. This should prevent the problem and ensure better-shifting performance.
Electrical Problems
Many Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 owners have reported that their ATVs suddenly stop running or the electrical system fails. Well, this could be a result of faulty wiring, a blown fuse, a damaged relay or incorrect connections.
When troubleshooting electrical problems, we recommend that you check the components above. Alternatively, you can take your ATV to an experienced mechanic who will help you diagnose and fix the electrical issues.
Final Thoughts
The Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 is an excellent side-by-side vehicle capable of reaching speeds of up to 75 MPH. Equipped with a powerful engine and a lightweight body, the ATV is perfect for navigating tight trails. In fact, you can explore trails on your farm or even public land as you ride through the woods.
However, like any other machine, it’s prone to issues such as engine misfiring, engine stalling, electrical issues, shifting problems and many more. Most of these problems can be prevented by regularly inspecting the parts. If damaged or worn out, replace them with manufacturer-recommended parts. This will alleviate the issue and prolong the lifespan of your Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000.
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