a couple of times recently this light has come on after 30 minutes in low.
the fan is coming on - seems normal
Also it never happened before the first powerwash ?

I have been in lots of deep water and lots of mud -

what should my first step be?

Thanks

 

make sure your rad is clean and that you did not bend over the fins with the washer

 

check the coolant levels while you are at it...

 

The coolant level is fine. I powerwashed the front through the screen but I will remove and inspect the fins.
Any other things to check?

 

http://www.checca.net/atvFAQ.htm

See number six.

 

I had a problem with my 06 sportsman 500 EFIwhere the hot light would flash ans the fan would run for about 5 seconds and then the fan and the hot light would go off again. is your wheeler an 06 500 efi? if so there is a resistor that needs to be replaced on some 06 500 EFI sportsmans call your dealer it should be a free fix! hope this helps you!

 

Thanks - I will take off the cover and see what happens. I am also going to get a temp guage installed.

 

After riding in the mud the only way I have found to get the radiator clean is to remove the front storage rack, then the fan and the fan shroud. You will be suprised at the amount of dirt behind the shroud. I use a very small pressure washer with the widest spray pattern, flush it several times, leaving it sit 5 - 10 minutes in between. Continue until all washings produce clear water out the other side.
It sound like a lot of work but after doing it once it's not bad.

 

would there be anyway to clean the area w/out removing the fan shroud and all the other stuff in the front? that does seem like a lot of work especially if you are talking about the whole front storage area...brushguard and all?

 

Not really, I've made up all kinds of attachments to reach in to get the outer edges of the radiator from the outside, but when I thought I was all done I took it apart and there was still pounds of dirt left.
Also make sure your not just washing the outer surface, you have to get water going all the way through.