There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gearing up for a fresh powder day. You pull the cord or turn the key on your 2013 Polaris 800, the engine rumbles to life, but then… your heart sinks. The dreaded check engine light flashes, and the display blinks a code: 108. Your perfect ride just hit a major roadblock before it even left the garage.
If you’ve found yourself staring at this frustrating number, you’re not alone. This is a common hiccup for these otherwise bulletproof sleds, but don’t call the dealer just yet.
We promise this guide will demystify the 2013 Polaris 800 snowmobile 108 code. We’ll break down exactly what it means, show you the common causes, and give you a step-by-step, garage-friendly plan to diagnose and fix it yourself. We’re about to turn that frustration into the satisfaction of a job well done, getting you back on the snow where you belong.
What a 108 Code on Your Polaris 800 Actually Means
First things first, let’s translate that code from computer-speak to plain English. The 108 code on your Polaris sled points directly to a problem with the Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor circuit.
Specifically, the sled’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) has detected that the EGT sensor circuit is either open (a break in the wire) or shorted to ground (a wire is touching the chassis or engine block).
Think of the EGT sensor as your engine’s silent guardian. It sits in the exhaust pipe, constantly measuring the temperature of the gasses leaving the engine. This data is critical for the ECU to adjust fuel delivery and timing, protecting your engine from a catastrophic lean-burn condition that can melt pistons. When the ECU can’t get a proper signal from this sensor, it throws the 108 code and often puts the sled into a protective “limp mode” to prevent damage.
Common Culprits: Why Your Sled is Throwing Code 108
Before you start throwing parts at the problem, it’s crucial to understand the potential causes. More often than not, the issue is simpler (and cheaper) than you think. This is one of the most important 2013 polaris 800 snowmobile 108 code tips we can offer: diagnose first, buy parts later.
The EGT Sensor Itself
Like any electronic component, the EGT sensor can simply fail over time due to the extreme heat cycles it endures. The internal element can break, causing an open circuit and triggering the code.
Damaged Wiring or Connections
This is the most common cause. The EGT sensor wire runs very close to the hot exhaust pipe. Vibration, rubbing against the frame, or improper routing can easily cause the wire’s insulation to melt or fray, leading to a short circuit or a complete break.
A Corroded Harness Plug
Snow, ice, and moisture are part of the game. The electrical connector where the EGT sensor plugs into the main wiring harness is a prime spot for water to get in and cause corrosion. This green, crusty buildup can block the electrical signal, fooling the ECU into thinking there’s a problem.
The Rare (But Possible) ECU Fault
In very rare cases, the problem can be internal to the ECU itself. This should always be your last resort after you have exhaustively ruled out any issues with the sensor and the wiring harness.
Tools of the Trade: Gearing Up for the Diagnosis
You don’t need a full professional workshop to tackle this job. With a few basic tools, you can perform all the necessary checks right in your own garage. This 2013 polaris 800 snowmobile 108 code guide is designed for the DIYer.
- Basic Hand Tools: A good socket set, wrenches, and a set of pliers will be needed to remove side panels and access components.
- Digital Multimeter: This is your most important diagnostic tool. You don’t need an expensive one, but a basic multimeter that can measure resistance (Ohms) and continuity is essential.
- Electrical Contact Cleaner: A spray can of this is perfect for cleaning up dirty or corroded connectors without leaving a residue.
- Zip Ties and Electrical Tape: For securing wires after your repair and ensuring they stay clear of hot or moving parts.
- Dielectric Grease: A small tube of this will help protect your electrical connections from future moisture and corrosion.
- Service Manual: While not strictly required, having a service manual for your specific model is one of the 2013 polaris 800 snowmobile 108 code best practices. It will provide exact wiring diagrams and resistance specifications.
Your Step-by-Step 2013 Polaris 800 Snowmobile 108 Code Diagnostic Guide
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. Follow these steps in order. Don’t skip ahead, as the simplest fix is often found in the earliest steps. Safety first: ensure the snowmobile is off and the key is removed before you begin.
Step 1: The Visual Inspection (The Easiest First Step)
Start by removing the right-side panel of your sled to get a clear view of the exhaust pipe (the Y-pipe). The EGT sensor is the small probe screwed into the pipe with a wire coming out of it.
Follow that wire from the sensor all the way to its connector. Look for anything that seems out of place. Check for:
- Melted or burned insulation where the wire is too close to the pipe.
- Frayed or broken wires from rubbing against the chassis.
- Sharp bends or kinks in the wire.
- Loose or improperly secured wiring.
Many common problems with 2013 polaris 800 snowmobile 108 code are found right here. If you find a damaged wire, you’ve likely found your culprit.
Step 2: Check and Clean the Connections
If the visual inspection looks good, the next step is to check the electrical plugs. Unplug the EGT sensor from the main wiring harness. Look closely at the metal pins and sockets inside both ends of the connector.
Do you see any white or green crusty buildup? That’s corrosion. Spray both sides of the connector generously with electrical contact cleaner and use a small brush (an old toothbrush works great) to gently scrub it away. Let it dry completely before reconnecting.
Step 3: Testing the EGT Sensor with a Multimeter
Here’s where your multimeter comes into play. Set it to measure resistance, often marked with the omega symbol (Ω). A typical setting is 2kΩ.
Take the two probes from your multimeter and touch them to the two pins on the sensor side of the connector you just unplugged. The polarity doesn’t matter.
A healthy EGT sensor on a Polaris 800 should read approximately 215-220 Ohms at room temperature (around 70°F / 21°C). If you see a reading in this ballpark, your sensor is likely good. If your multimeter reads “OL” (Over Limit or Open Loop) or 0.0, the sensor is bad and needs to be replaced.
Step 4: Testing the Wiring Harness
If the sensor tested good, the problem lies in the wiring between the connector and the ECU. This step checks for breaks or shorts in that section of the harness.
First, check for continuity. You’ll need to locate the main ECU plug (check your manual for its location) and find the two pins that correspond to the EGT sensor. With the harness unplugged from both the sensor and the ECU, use your multimeter (set to continuity or Ohms) to check that there is an unbroken connection from each pin at the sensor plug to its corresponding pin at the ECU plug.
Next, check for a short to ground. Leave the harness unplugged. Set your multimeter to continuity. Touch one probe to one of the EGT sensor wires at the plug, and the other probe to a clean, bare metal spot on the chassis or engine. The multimeter should remain silent. If it beeps, that wire is shorted to ground and you’ll need to find where it’s touching the frame.
Step 5: Repair, Reassemble, and Clear the Code
Once you’ve found the issue—be it a bad sensor, a broken wire, or a corroded plug—it’s time for the fix. Replace the faulty sensor, repair the damaged wire using quality butt connectors and heat shrink, or clean/replace the corroded plug.
After the repair, securely reconnect everything. A dab of dielectric grease inside the connector is a great pro tip for preventing future moisture issues. Once the issue is resolved, the code will typically clear itself after a few key cycles. Start the sled, let it run for 30 seconds, shut it off, and repeat 2-3 times.
Best Practices for a Code-Free Future
Fixing the problem is great, but preventing it from happening again is even better. Adopting a few best practices into your routine can save you a lot of headaches down the trail. This is your long-term 2013 polaris 800 snowmobile 108 code care guide.
Proper Wire Routing and Protection
When you’re working on your sled, always pay attention to wire routing. Use zip ties to secure the EGT sensor wire and other harnesses away from the hot exhaust pipe and any sharp edges on the frame. If the factory wire loom is damaged, replace it.
Regular Connector Maintenance
At the beginning of each season, make it a habit to disconnect critical sensors like the EGT, inspect the plugs for corrosion, and apply a small amount of dielectric grease. This simple step is one of the best ways to ensure reliable performance all winter long.
The Eco-Friendly Benefit of a Healthy Engine
Thinking about a sustainable 2013 polaris 800 snowmobile 108 code solution might seem odd, but it’s directly related. A properly functioning EGT sensor allows your ECU to manage fuel delivery perfectly. This means your engine runs more efficiently, burns less fuel, and produces fewer emissions. Keeping your sled in top electronic health is not just good for performance—it’s a more eco-friendly way to enjoy the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Polaris 108 Code
Can I still ride my snowmobile with a 108 code?
It is strongly not recommended. When the ECU throws a 108 code, it loses its ability to monitor exhaust temperatures. To protect the engine, it will default to a rich fuel map and limit RPMs (limp mode). Continuing to ride could, in a worst-case scenario, lead to severe engine damage if another issue arises that the sensor would have normally detected.
How much does it cost to fix a 108 code?
The cost can vary dramatically. If it’s a simple corroded connector or a frayed wire you can repair yourself, your cost could be just a few dollars for contact cleaner and electrical tape. If you need to replace the EGT sensor itself, expect the part to cost between $100 and $150. A professional diagnosis and repair at a dealership could run several hundred dollars.
Is the EGT sensor the same on all 2013 Polaris 800 models?
For the most part, the sensors used across the 2013 Polaris 800 lineup (like the Pro-RMK, Switchback, Rush) are the same or very similar. However, you should always verify the correct part number for your snowmobile’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to ensure you get the right component.
Tackling an engine code can feel intimidating, but the 108 code is one you can absolutely conquer with a little patience and the right approach. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to read the problem, diagnose the cause, and perform the repair like a pro. You’ve saved yourself time, money, and the frustration of a missed day on the snow.
Now, get that sled buttoned up, clear that code, and get back out there. Stay safe, ride hard, and enjoy the powder! That’s the FatBoysOffroad way.
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