Hisun Sector 550 Problems

The Hisun Sector 550 side-by-side offers an affordable entry point into the world of UTVs, promising utility and off-road fun. However, like any machine, it’s not without its quirks. Understanding the common issues owners face can help you make an informed purchase decision or troubleshoot problems with your existing Sector 550, ultimately saving you time, money, and frustration. Let's dive into some of the recurring challenges and potential solutions.

So, What Are the Biggest Gripes with the Hisun Sector 550?

While the Sector 550 boasts a competitive price, that affordability sometimes comes with compromises. Owners often report issues relating to reliability, component quality, and overall durability. Let's break down some of the most frequently encountered problems.

Electrical Gremlins: This is a common complaint across many budget-friendly UTVs, and the Sector 550 is no exception. Electrical problems can manifest in various ways:

Battery Drain: A persistent issue is the battery draining even when the machine is not in use. This could be due to a parasitic draw from accessories, a faulty charging system, or simply a weak battery.
- Troubleshooting: Start by checking the battery's health. A load test can determine if it's holding a charge. Next, disconnect any aftermarket accessories to see if the drain stops. Use a multimeter to check for parasitic draw – a small current is normal, but anything significant indicates a problem. Finally, inspect the charging system (alternator/stator) to ensure it's producing the correct voltage.
Faulty Wiring: Hisun's wiring harnesses have been criticized for using lower-quality connectors and wiring. These can corrode or come loose, leading to intermittent electrical problems.
- Troubleshooting: Visually inspect the wiring harness for damaged wires, loose connections, and corrosion. Use dielectric grease on all connections to prevent future corrosion. Consider upgrading to higher-quality connectors and wiring in areas prone to failure.
Starter Issues: Problems with the starter motor or solenoid are also relatively common. This can result in difficulty starting the engine or a complete failure to start.
- Troubleshooting: Check the starter solenoid for proper operation. You should hear a click when the ignition key is turned. If not, the solenoid may be faulty. Test the starter motor directly by applying power to it. If it doesn't spin, the starter motor is likely the problem.

Engine Performance Woes: While the 550cc engine is generally adequate for light utility and recreational use, some owners report issues with its performance and reliability.

Hard Starting: Cold starting can be particularly challenging for some Sector 550s. This can be due to a lean fuel mixture, a faulty choke, or a weak battery.
- Troubleshooting: Ensure the choke is functioning correctly. Consider adjusting the carburetor (if equipped) to richen the fuel mixture. A higher-quality battery can also help.
Lack of Power: Some owners feel the engine lacks sufficient power, especially when carrying heavy loads or climbing steep hills.
- Troubleshooting: Check the air filter to ensure it's clean. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and reduce engine power. Ensure the spark plug is in good condition and properly gapped. Consider a performance exhaust system or a fuel controller to improve engine performance (though this may void the warranty).
Overheating: Overheating can occur, particularly during demanding use in hot weather. This can be caused by a clogged radiator, a faulty thermostat, or low coolant levels.
- Troubleshooting: Regularly check the coolant level and ensure the radiator is free of debris. Inspect the thermostat to ensure it's opening and closing properly. Consider upgrading to a higher-capacity radiator or adding an auxiliary cooling fan for improved cooling performance.

Suspension and Steering Shortcomings: The suspension and steering components are often considered weak points on the Sector 550.

Rough Ride: The stock suspension is known for providing a stiff and uncomfortable ride, especially on rough terrain.
- Troubleshooting: Consider upgrading to aftermarket shocks and springs for a smoother ride. Adjusting the preload on the stock shocks can also help, but the improvement may be limited.
Steering Slop: Some owners report excessive play or "slop" in the steering, which can make the machine feel unstable and difficult to control.
- Troubleshooting: Check the tie rod ends, ball joints, and steering rack for wear or damage. Replace any worn components. Ensure all steering components are properly lubricated.
Broken Components: The suspension and steering components, particularly the A-arms and tie rod ends, are prone to breakage under heavy use.
- Troubleshooting: Reinforce or replace weak components with stronger aftermarket parts. Avoid aggressive driving on rough terrain. Regularly inspect the suspension and steering components for signs of wear or damage.

Braking Bummers: Issues with the braking system can compromise safety and require prompt attention.

Weak Brakes: The brakes on the Sector 550 are often described as weak and lacking stopping power.
- Troubleshooting: Ensure the brake pads are in good condition and properly bedded in. Bleed the brakes to remove any air from the system. Consider upgrading to higher-performance brake pads or rotors.
Brake Fade: Brake fade, a reduction in braking power due to overheating, can occur during prolonged use, especially on downhill runs.
- Troubleshooting: Avoid riding the brakes excessively. Use engine braking to control speed on downhill runs. Consider upgrading to brake lines with better heat dissipation.
Noisy Brakes: Squealing or grinding noises from the brakes can indicate worn brake pads, contaminated rotors, or other problems.
- Troubleshooting: Inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear or damage. Clean the rotors with brake cleaner. Replace any worn or damaged components.

Fit and Finish Flaws: While purely cosmetic, these issues can be frustrating for owners who expect a certain level of quality.

Poor Paint Quality: The paint on the Sector 550 is often criticized for being thin and easily scratched.
- Troubleshooting: Consider applying a protective coating, such as a clear coat or bed liner, to protect the paint. Touch up scratches promptly to prevent rust.
Rattling Plastics: The plastic body panels can rattle and vibrate excessively, especially on rough terrain.
- Troubleshooting: Tighten all bolts and fasteners. Use foam or rubber padding to dampen vibrations between the body panels and the frame.
Rust Issues: Rust can be a problem, especially in areas exposed to moisture and salt.
- Troubleshooting: Regularly wash and wax the machine. Apply rust inhibitor to exposed metal surfaces. Store the machine in a dry place.

Making the Most of Your Hisun Sector 550: Preventative Maintenance is Key!

Many of the problems mentioned above can be mitigated or prevented through diligent preventative maintenance. Here's a checklist of essential maintenance tasks:

Regular Oil Changes: Change the engine oil and filter at the recommended intervals (or more frequently if used in demanding conditions).
Air Filter Cleaning: Clean or replace the air filter regularly to ensure proper airflow.
Coolant Checks: Check the coolant level and condition regularly. Flush and replace the coolant every two years.
Brake Inspections: Inspect the brake pads, rotors, and brake lines regularly. Bleed the brakes as needed.
Suspension Lubrication: Lubricate the suspension components regularly to prevent wear and corrosion.
Battery Maintenance: Keep the battery terminals clean and corrosion-free. Use a battery tender to maintain the battery's charge during periods of inactivity.
Wiring Inspection: Regularly inspect the wiring harness for damage and loose connections. Apply dielectric grease to all connections.
General Cleaning: Keep the machine clean to prevent corrosion and make it easier to spot potential problems.

Upgrades That Can Make a Big Difference

While preventative maintenance is crucial, some upgrades can significantly improve the reliability and performance of your Hisun Sector 550.

Battery Upgrade: A higher-quality battery with more cold-cranking amps (CCA) can improve starting performance, especially in cold weather.
Wiring Harness Upgrade: Replacing the stock wiring harness with a higher-quality aftermarket harness can eliminate many electrical problems.
Suspension Upgrade: Upgrading to aftermarket shocks and springs can dramatically improve the ride quality and handling.
Brake Upgrade: Upgrading to higher-performance brake pads and rotors can improve braking performance and reduce brake fade.
Cooling System Upgrade: Upgrading to a higher-capacity radiator or adding an auxiliary cooling fan can improve cooling performance and prevent overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Hisun Sector 550 battery keep dying? Possible causes include a parasitic draw, a faulty charging system, or a weak battery. Disconnect accessories and test the charging system.
My Sector 550 is hard to start. What could be wrong? A lean fuel mixture, a faulty choke, or a weak battery are common culprits. Adjust the carburetor or replace the battery.
The ride is so rough! Can I improve it? Upgrading to aftermarket shocks and springs will significantly improve ride quality. Adjusting the preload can also help a little.
What's the best way to prevent rust on my Sector 550? Regularly wash and wax the machine, apply rust inhibitor, and store it in a dry place.
Where can I find parts for my Hisun Sector 550? Online retailers specializing in UTV parts and accessories, as well as Hisun dealerships, are good sources.

The Bottom Line

The Hisun Sector 550 offers an affordable entry into the UTV market, but it's essential to be aware of its potential weaknesses. By understanding the common problems, performing regular preventative maintenance, and considering strategic upgrades, you can maximize the reliability and enjoyment of your machine. With proper care, the Sector 550 can be a valuable and fun addition to your recreational or work life.