Even if you take meticulous care of your sled, malfunctions may still occur. When fault codes appear it’s always a huge hassle, especially if you are in the middle of nowhere!
If your Polaris snowmobile won’t start, you can try fixing it yourself. To do this, your first step is to always read the fault code.
For your convenience, we at PoweSportsGuide have compiled a list of the official fault codes into this post. Without further ado, let’s start with the Polaris snowmobile fault code list!
Polaris Snowmobile Fault Code List
| P-CODE | SPN | FMI | CHECK ENGINE LIGHT | TROUBLE CODE |
| P0123 | 51 | 3 | ON | Throttle Position Sensor 1 |
| P0122 | 51 | 4 | ON | Throttle Position Sensor 1 |
| P0120 | 51 | 10 | ON | Throttle Position Sensor 1 |
| P0503 | 84 | 2 | ON | Vehicle Speed Signal |
| P250F | 98 | 17 | OFF | Engine Oil Level Sensor / Switch |
| P0113 | 105 | 3 | ON | Intake Air Temperature Sensor |
| P0112 | 105 | 4 | ON | Intake Air Temperature Sensor |
| P0114 | 105 | 10 | ON | Intake Air Temperature Sensor |
| P2229 | 108 | 3 | ON | Barometric Pressure Sensor |
| P2228 | 108 | 4 | ON | Barometric Pressure Sensor |
| P2230 | 108 | 10 | ON | Barometric Pressure Sensor |
| P0118 | 110 | 3 | ON | Engine Temperature Sensor |
| P0117 | 110 | 4 | ON | Engine Temperature Sensor |
| P1217 | 110 | 0 | OFF | Engine Temperature Sensor |
| P0217 | 110 | 16 | OFF | Engine Temperature Sensor |
| P1116 | 110 | 15 | OFF | Engine Temperature Sensor |
| P1569 | 167 | 3 | ON | DC Chassis Voltage |
| P1568 | 167 | 4 | ON | DC Chassis Voltage |
| P0546 | 173 | 3 | ON | Exhaust Temperature Sensor |
| P0545 | 173 | 4 | ON | Exhaust Temperature Sensor |
| P1517 | 173 | 0 | ON | Exhaust Temperature Sensor |
| P1546 | 173 | 10 | ON | Exhaust Temperature Sensor |
| P0601 | 628 | 13 | OFF | ECU Memory Checksum Error |
| P0335 | 636 | 2 | OFF | Crankshaft Sensor Signal Fault |
| P0336 | 636 | 8 | OFF | Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Fault |
| P0261 | 651 | 5 | ON | Fuel Injector (MAG) |
| P0262 | 651 | 3 | ON | Fuel Injector (MAG) |
| P0264 | 652 | 5 | ON | Fuel Injector (PTO) |
| P0265 | 652 | 3 | ON | Fuel Injector (PTO) |
| P0327 | 731 | 4 | ON | Knock Sensor |
| P0325 | 731 | 2 | ON | Knock Sensor |
| P1351 | 1268 | 5 | ON | Ignition Coil Primary Driver (MAG) |
| P0230 | 1347 | 5 | ON | Fuel Pump Driver Circuit |
| P1336 | 1352 | 0 | ON | Knock (DET) Level (MAG) |
| P2336 | 1352 | 16 | ON | Knock (DET) Level (MAG) |
| P1337 | 1353 | 0 | ON | Knock (DET) Level (PTO) |
| P2337 | 1353 | 16 | ON | Knock (DET) Level (PTO) |
| P06B1 | 3509 | 4 | ON | Sensor Supply Voltage 1 (TPS / TMAP) |
| P06B4 | 3510 | 4 | OFF | Sensor Supply Voltage 2 (Speed Sensor) |
| P16BA | 3589 | 5 | ON | Electronic Oil Pump |
| P16BC | 3589 | 12 | ON | Electronic Oil Pump |
| P16A9 | 3598 | 3 | ON | ECU Output Supply Voltage |
| P16A8 | 3598 | 4 | ON | Fuel Injector Power (16V) |
| P17AA | 3599 | 3 | ON | ECU Output Supply Voltage |
| P17AB | 3599 | 4 | ON | Ground Speed Sensor (5V) |
| P1555 | 520194 | 3 | ON | Throttle Release Signal |
| P1554 | 520194 | 4 | ON | Throttle Release Signal |
| P1552 | 520194 | 7 | ON | Throttle Release Signal |
| P1477 | 520215 | 5 | ON | Exhaust Valve Solenoid (600 Only) |
| P1479 | 520215 | 3 | ON | Exhaust Valve Solenoid (600 Only) |
| P1646 | 520219 | 5 | ON | Load Shed Relay |
| P1647 | 520219 | 3 | ON | Load Shed Relay |
| P163C | 520220 | 5 | ON | Battery Charge Relay (Battery-Equipped Models Only) |
| P163D | 520220 | 3 | ON | Battery Charge Relay (Battery-Equipped Models Only) |
| P1278 | 520241 | 13 | ON | Oil Pump or Fuel Injector Settings Not Programmed |
| P1279 | 520242 | 13 | ON | Ground Speed Pulses per Mile Not Programmed |
| P1400 | 520324 | 3 | ON | Exhaust Valve Actuator (800 HO Only) |
| P1401 | 520324 | 5 | ON | Exhaust Valve Actuator (800 HO Only) |
| P1402 | 520324 | 13 | ON | Exhaust Valve Actuator (800 HO Only) |
| P1403 | 520324 | 12 | ON | Exhaust Valve Actuator (800 HO Only) |
| P1404 | 520324 | 7 | ON | Exhaust Valve Actuator (800 HO Only) |
| P1405 | 520324 | 2 | ON | Exhaust Valve Actuator (800 HO Only) |
| P1406 | 520335 | 3 | ON | Exhaust Valve Actuator (800 HO Only) |
| P1407 | 520335 | 5 | ON | Exhaust Valve Actuator (800 HO Only) |
| P1408 | 520335 | 10 | ON | Exhaust Valve Actuator (800 HO Only) |
| P1409 | 520334 | 31 | ON | EV Actuator Overheat Condition (800 HO Only) |
| P1410 | 520337 | 31 | ON | EV Actuator Learning Default Position (800 HO Only) |
| P140A | 520325 | 31 | ON | Exhaust Valve Position Out of Range (OPEN) (800 HO Only) |
| P140B | 520326 | 31 | ON | Exhaust Valve Position Out of Range (MID) (800 HO Only) |
| P140C | 520327 | 31 | ON | Exhaust Valve Position Out of Range (CLOSED) (800 HO Only) |
| P140D | 520328 | 5 | ON | EV Actuator / Gauge Relay |
| P140E | 520328 | 3 | ON | EV Actuator / Gauge Relay |
| C2418 | 520555 | 31 | ON | Riding With Brakes on Moderately Severe |
| C2419 | 520556 | 31 | ON | Riding With Brakes on Most Severe |
This list is for informational purposes only! Source: Polarisportal.com. Keep in mind this list contains the diagnostic codes of Polaris 600/800 snowmobiles. Although diagnostic codes for other models may differ, this list can be used for many different Polaris snowmobiles. But keep in mind that best practice is to check your sled’s manual as well!
What are the Polaris Snowmobile Fault Codes?
Just like cars, modern Polaris snowmobiles feature a bunch of sensors. These measure temperature, pressure, ignition timing, fuel delivery, exhaust gas composition, and so on. If a problem is detected by a sensor, it generates a fault code, which is stored in the memory of the computer (known as ECU).
In most cases, this code is accompanied by a warning light on the screen to warn you of the issue.
As snowmobiles feature more and more complex systems, the potential malfunctions become more difficult as well. Thus, it’s safe to say that these diagnostics are indispensable in figuring out what the problem is.
Let’s move on and see how the Polaris diagnostic system works, and how to read the fault codes!
How to Read Polaris Snowmobile Error Codes
If there is an issue with your sled, the fault code is typically displayed on the screen. If you can only see a “CK ENG” message, don’t worry. You can read the Polaris snowmobile fault codes if you press and hold the “MENU” button. This way you can enter the diagnostic menu, where you will see three numbers.
The official Polaris error code chart lists three types of error codes. Let’s take a closer look at the fault code terminology!
P-Code: Simply put, the Polaris P-Code always identifies a specific issue.
SPN-Code: The SPN stands for “Suspect Parameter Number,” which identifies the suspected area of the problem. The SPN code on Polaris snowmobiles is 2-6 digits long and is located on the top right of the display.
FMI-Code: The “Failure Mode Indicator” code identifies the fault mode. It’s 1-2 digits in length and is typically located on the bottom right.
Number of Fault Codes: If besides the SPN and FMI codes there is a large number (ranging from 0-9) located on the left, it usually refers to the total number of fault codes. Yes, this means that in the worst cases more than one fault code presents on your display. You can read the other fault codes by pressing the MODE button.
If you want to exit the diagnostic mode, just turn the key off or press and hold the MODE button.
If an error code appears on your screen, it’s highly recommended that you immediately check it in your owner’s manual. You can not only learn more about the specific problem, but manuals often offer a remedy as well.
If you can’t fix the problem yourself, you may want to take your sled to a dealer or a service shop. They can attach a PC or a diagnostic tool to the sled to investigate the issue. However, you can also purchase these tools if you want to be able to read the codes yourself.
Would you like to learn more about these diagnostic tools? Keep reading!
Polaris Code Readers
Polaris code readers are also known as diagnostic scanners or OBD2 readers. They are designed to read the fault codes on Polaris snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs. They come with a diagnostic cable that can be plugged into the sled’s diagnostic port and a small screen will display the codes. They help you read, troubleshoot or even clear the fault codes yourself.
Before purchasing a Polaris code scanner, make sure that it’s compatible with your sled!
Beyond OBD2 readers, another great tool to read diagnostic codes is the CandooPro. Simply put, this is a universal diagnostic tool that can connect the ECU to a regular PC. The kit includes a diagnostic box, the diagnostic cables, and the software.
With this tool, you can learn much more about the current as well as the historical fault codes.
The main advantage of these diagnostic tools is that they “translate” the fault codes for you. So, you don’t have to investigate what the numbers mean, as the software gives you a detailed description of the problem.
Another good point is that you can read and delete the fault codes without taking the sled to a dealer. It can save you a lot of hassle and expense in the long run.
Drawbacks?
Unfortunately, these diagnostic tools are not cheap. Another concern is that investigating the problem is still just the first step of the troubleshooting process. If you can’t fix the sled yourself, you will probably have to take it to the dealer in the end.
Polaris Snowmobile Check Engine Codes
Reading fault codes on new Polaris sleds is very easy as you can check them on the display. But unlike the newer models, vintage Polaris snowmobiles feature only analog gauges.
If your sled doesn’t feature an LCD screen don’t worry, as you can still read the code by checking the engine light.
Simply put, you need to count how many times the check engine light flashes, and it will refer to the specific issue. As a rule of thumb, you can expect 1-8 blinks, which indicate the following errors.
Polaris Snowmobile Check Engine Codes
| Flashes | Description |
| 1 | Throttle position sensor (TPS) |
| 2 | Water temp. sensor (Coolant temp. sensor) |
| 3 | Intake temp. sensor |
| 4 | Barometric pressure sensor |
| 5 | Exhaust temp. sensor (EGT) |
| 6 | Detonation sensor |
| 7 | PTO, MAG, Fuel injector voltage (not used on some sleds) |
| 8 | Exhaust valve solenoid (EV) |
Even if this list applies to many vintage Polaris snowmobiles, it’s recommended that you check your sled’s manual as well. Besides a more precise description of the issue you can find tips on how to eliminate it.
If you want to learn more about Polaris snowmobile check engine codes (“flash codes”) don’t miss this informative video:
Polaris Snowmobile Limp Mode
Limp mode on a Polaris snowmobile means that the sled limits its engine speed to a certain RMP (typically 6500-7000 RPM). The limp mode can be eliminated in many cases by restarting the engine. But a returning limp mode indicates there is an issue with the sled that should be investigated!
If one of the systems has a serious issue, you probably won’t be able to cancel the limp mode. In the worst cases, you won’t be able to restart the engine, as the newest systems try to protect them from more serious damage in this way.
Even if it’s a great safety feature, it can be a hassle if you can’t start your sled in the middle of nowhere!
Conclusion
Polaris snowmobile trouble codes are also known by many other names, such as diagnostic codes, error codes, or check engine codes. In fact, all of these terms refer to the same fault codes that are generated by sensors. If a sensor detects an issue, it generates a fault code that appears on the display. In addition, it’s stored in the computer (ECU) of the sled.
Newer sleds feature large screens that display the detailed fault codes. In contrast, vintage sleds have just simple check engine lights. On these models the number of light blinks can determine a specific issue.
If you want to learn more about these fault codes, you can attach a Polaris diagnostic tool or another code reader to the sled. Your other option is to take the snowmobile to a dealer who can not only read or delete the code but can fix the problems as well.
As the final word, if you can see a fault code on your screen, it’s very important that you investigate the issue as soon as possible. Overlooked fault codes can lead to major damage in the long run! Once you have read the code, check the owner’s manual for a remedy or take the sled to an authorized Polaris dealership.
References:
https://snowmobiles.polaris.com/
http://knowhow.napaonline.com/understanding-snowmobile-diagnostics-3-easy-steps/
