Even if you periodically service your Ski-Doo, problems may still occur. It’s always a headache when a fault code appears on the dashboard, especially if you are in the mountains!
If your Ski-Doo has any issues, you can try troubleshooting it yourself. The first step in this process is reading the fault code.
We at PoweSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know about Ski-Doo fault codes, error messages, and beep codes.
Without further ado, let’s have a look at the Ski-Doo error message chart, which includes the most common error messages!
Ski-Doo Error Message List
| Pilot Lamp On | Beeper | Message Display | Description |
| Water temperature | 1 Long beep repeating | HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE | Engine is overheating / Critical overheat. Stop engine immediately and let engine cool down. |
| Water temperature | 1 Long beep repeating | MUFFLET OVERHEAT | Muffler is overheating / Critical overheat. Stop engine immediately and let engine cool down. |
| Water temperature | 1 Long beep repeating | ECM OVERHEAT | Critical overheat. Stop engine immediately and let engine cool down. |
| Battery | – | BATT VOLT | Low or high battery voltage. |
| Engine | 1 Long beep repeating | CHECK ENGINE | Engine fault. |
| Exclamation mark in a circle | – | – | Brake is on while the vehicle is moving. |
| – | Short beeps repeating rapidly | SHUTDOWN | Shutdown procedure in force (due to fuel pump problem or engine overheating) |
| DESS | – | – | Key is OK, the sled ready to operate. |
| DESS | – | WRONG KEY | Bad connection. Make sure the key is completely clean and correctly connected. |
| DESS | – | CHECK KEY | Wrong key or key not programmed. |
| Fuel lamp blinking | – | – | Fuel level sensor issue. |
Source: Official Ski-Doo Operator’s Guide. This list is for informational purposes only! If you see an error messager or fault code on your Ski-Doo’s display, always check the manual for further instructions!
Ski-Doo Fault Codes vs. Error Messages vs. Beep Codes
It’s very important that you distinguish between Ski-Doo fault codes, beep codes, and error messages.
If there is a problem with your sled, in most cases it’s just a simple problem like the engine overheating or a faulty DESS key connection. These simple issues are usually indicated by an error message, which is typically accompained by a beep code, plus a flashing pilot lamp to catch your attention.
Unlike error messages, fault codes indicate a bigger problem, which needs to be investigated as soon as possible. Keep in mind that operating the machine while a fault code is present may lead to more serious damage, and more costly repairs!
Do you want to know how to read and identify Ski-Doo fault codes? Keep reading!
What are the Ski-Doo Snowmobile Fault Codes?
Just like many other modern vehicles, a Ski-Doo has a computer (known as an ECU) and a lot of different sensors. These sensors check the pressure, ignition timing, temperature, fuel delivery, the composition of exhaust gases, and many other aspects of operation. If a sensor detects an issue, it generates a code that appears on the screen and is stored in the ECU as well.
Typically, these fault codes come with a beeping sound or flashing warning lights.
As the systems of the newest Ski-Doos become more complex, their problems and issues could be more difficult as well.
This is where the diagnostic codes and fault codes come in handy. They can help you figure out what the issue is with your Ski-Doo.
Moreover, you can find out what the remedy is for the malfunction in the manual based on these codes. Let’s move on to see how to read Ski-Doo fault codes!
How to Read Ski-Doo Fault Codes
If your Ski-Doo features a multifunction gauge, the fault codes appear in the center of the display. You can read the active fault codes on a Ski-Doo by pressing and holding down the M (Mode) button, and at the same time pressing the HI/LOW beam switch a few times. In the worst-case scenario, there is more than one fault code on the display! In this case, you can read the different codes by pressing the S (Set) or M (Mode) buttons to scroll.
You can exit this mode by pressing and holding the M (Mode) button.
Once you find the fault code, you probably want to know how to identify it. Let’s see your options:
Ski-Doo Code Readers and Diagnostic Tools
Ski-Doo code readers are often called ODB2-readers or diagnostic scanners. With these simple units you can read the fault codes on a Ski-Doo, as well as many other powersport vehicles.
These scanners are equipped with a special cable that can be connected to the vehicle’s diagnostic port. They also feature a small screen, which displays the fault codes.
Besides these code readers, other commonly-used tools are the BUDS and CandooPro. These are more complex diagnostic tools that can connect a regular PC to the Ski-Doo’s computer.
The main advantage of these tools is that you don’t have to investigate the cause of the issue on the sled. This is because these tools not only read but “translate” the codes as well. This means that their software can give you a description of the problem.
So finally, these units allow you to read or even delete the codes at home. You can save a lot of money, time and effort this way, as you don’t have to take your Ski-Doo to a dealer to read the codes.
Drawbacks?
On the one hand, snowmobile diagnostic tools are pretty expensive.
What’s more, identifying the issue is always just the first step to fixing the sled. If you can’t eliminate the problem, there may be no way to avoid transporting your Ski-Doo to the dealership!
Conclusion
If your Ski-Doo has a malfunction, you can expect to see error messages, beep codes, and fault codes as well on your screen.
Simple problems are usually indicated by error messages, which are accompanied by beep codes to warn you. In most cases, these are simple issues that can be easily eliminated. Unlike error messages, fault codes typically indicate major problems.
Ski-Doo fault codes are also called diagnostic codes or trouble codes. All of these terms mean the same thing and refer to the number displayed on the screen, which has been generated by one (or more) of the sensors. Error codes do not only appear on the LCD screen as they are also stored in the sled’s computer (ECU).
Fortunately, newer Ski-Doos already come with multifunction gauges that can display all of these codes for your convenience. To investigate the cause of the fault code, you will need a „code reader” or a diagnostic tool like a BUDS or CandooPro.
Your other option is to contact your dealer to discuss the next steps.
Unfortunately, in many cases you have to take the whole sled to the dealership, as new Ski-Doos are more and more difficult to work on.
Finally, if a fault code is displayed on your Ski-Doo, it’s highly recommended that you investigate the problem immediately. Keep in mind that overlooked malfunctions can lead to much bigger and more costly damage! After you’ve seen the fault code, read the manual to find out what the next steps are, or take your sled to an authorized dealer or repair person!
References:
http://knowhow.napaonline.com/understanding-snowmobile-diagnostics-3-easy-steps/
