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Warning: 'Stop immediately' riding Polaris ATVs that are being recalled

Nearly 100,000 Polaris all-terrain vehicles are being subjected to a voluntary recall because of electronic control modules on some models of its ATVs that can overheat and risk starting a fire and burning riders, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said today.

February 15, 2008 at 5:40AM
Polaris ATV
One of the Polaris ATVs included in a recall. One of the components could overheat and catch on fire or burn a rider, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says. (John McIntyre/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Nearly 100,000 Polaris all-terrain vehicles are being subjected to a voluntary recall because of electronic control modules on some models of its ATVs that can overheat and risk starting a fire and burning riders, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said today.

Consumers should "stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed," the commission said in a notice issued today.

The recall has the cooperation of Polaris Industries Inc., based in Medina, the commission said.

The electronic control module controls the ignition and fuel injection.

A similar recall was issued in 2005, covering 45,000 of the ATVs. Since that recall, Polaris has received 372 additional reports of smoking and/or melted modules on the recalled ATVs, and 20 reports of fires, nine of which involved property damage beyond the ATV. No injuries have been reported.

According to the commission:

The recall involves select 2005 and 2006 model Polaris Sportsman and Scrambler 500 ATVs. The model and serial numbers are printed on a decal attached to the front of the radiator (Sportsman) or the top of the front cab cover (Scrambler 500). Serial numbers are permanently stamped into the left frame rail behind the left front wheel.

Polaris dealers nationwide have sold them from mid-2004 through last month for between $3,800 and $7,900.

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The commission advises consumers to disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery when the ATV is not in use and then contact a Polaris dealer for a free repair. Registered owners received direct mail notification of this recall.

For more information, call Polaris at 1-888-704-5290 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Standard Time Monday through Friday, or visit www.polarisindustries.com.

Polaris has been making snowmobiles since 1954. Its all-terrain vehicles followed in 1985.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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about the writer

Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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