You’re out on the trail, miles from the truck, when it happens. That dreaded amber glow of the check engine light (CEL) flickers to life on your 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570’s dash. Your heart sinks a little. Is it something serious? Is your ride over? We’ve all been there, and that feeling of uncertainty is the worst.
I promise you, that little light isn’t a death sentence for your ATV. It’s your Sportsman’s way of talking to you, pointing you directly to a problem. You don’t need to be a master mechanic with a garage full of expensive scanners to understand what it’s saying.
In this complete guide, we’ll show you exactly how to retrieve your 2015 polaris sportsman 570 codes using a simple trick, what the most common codes mean in plain English, and how to start troubleshooting them yourself. Let’s turn that frustration into confidence and get you back on the trail.
What Are Polaris Fault Codes and Why Do They Matter?
Think of your Sportsman’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Engine Control Module (ECM) as its brain. This little computer constantly monitors dozens of sensors all over your machine—from the throttle position to the engine temperature and wheel speed.
When the ECU detects a reading from a sensor that’s outside of its normal range, it does two things: it stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), also known as a fault code, and it turns on the check engine light to get your attention.
Understanding the benefits of 2015 polaris sportsman 570 codes is key. They aren’t just random numbers; they are a roadmap to the problem. Instead of guessing what’s wrong, the code tells you exactly where to start looking, saving you a ton of time, money, and diagnostic headaches.
How to Access Your 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 Codes (No Special Tools Needed!)
Here’s the best part: Polaris built a simple diagnostic mode right into your ATV’s instrument cluster. You don’t need a fancy OBD-II scanner like you would for your truck. All you need is the ignition key and a moment of your time.
Follow this procedure carefully. This is the definitive answer for how to 2015 polaris sportsman 570 codes are accessed.
Sit on the ATV. Make sure the machine is in Park and on a level surface.
Cycle the Ignition Key. Turn the key from the OFF position to the ON position three times, relatively quickly. Do it like this: ON… OFF… ON… OFF… ON. Leave it in the ON position after the third time.
Wait and Watch. The gauge cluster will enter its diagnostic mode. The check engine light will start to flash in a sequence. You may also see the code numbers appear on the digital display where your mileage usually is.
Read the Codes. The display will cycle through any active fault codes. Each code consists of a main number and sometimes a secondary number (FMI). For example, you might see “22 2”. The first number is the SPN (Suspect Parameter Number) and the second is the FMI (Failure Mode Identifier). Write down every number you see.
Check for “End”. Once all the codes have been displayed, the system will usually show “End” or a similar message, letting you know the sequence is complete.
Pro Tip: Take a video of the dashboard with your phone as you do this. It’s much easier to pause and rewind a video to get the numbers right than trying to scribble them down as they flash by.
The Most Common 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 Codes and What They Mean
Once you have your codes, it’s time to play detective. Below is a breakdown of some of the most common problems with 2015 polaris sportsman 570 codes. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it covers the issues we see most often here at the shop.
Fuel System & Misfire Codes
These codes often point to issues with how your engine is getting air and fuel, which can cause poor running, stalling, or a no-start condition.
Code 22: Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Circuit High/Low. This is a very common one. It means the ECU is getting a weird voltage reading from the sensor that tells it how much you’re pressing the throttle. Symptoms: Erratic idle, poor throttle response, stalling. What to Check: The wiring and connector at the TPS on the throttle body. Sometimes, the sensor itself fails.
Code 41: Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High/Low. This sensor tells the ECU how dense the incoming air is. Symptoms: Hard starting when cold or hot, poor fuel economy. What to Check: The sensor connector and wiring. It’s often located on the airbox.
Code 45: Barometric Pressure Sensor. Similar to the IAT, this helps the ECU adjust for altitude. Symptoms: Poor performance, especially at changing elevations. What to Check: Sensor connection. It’s often part of the T-MAP sensor on the throttle body.
Sensor & Electrical Codes
Your Sportsman is loaded with sensors that can cause issues. The good news is that many are simple connection problems.
Code 26 & 27: Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). This sensor tells the ECU how fast you’re going, which affects power steering and AWD engagement. Symptoms: Loss of power steering, AWD not working, speedometer at zero. What to Check: Look for damaged wires leading to the sensor on the transmission. Debris can often sever these wires.
Code 51: Fuel Injector Circuit Open/Shorted. This means there’s an electrical problem with the fuel injector. Symptoms: Engine won’t start, or it misfires badly on one cylinder. What to Check: The electrical connector on the fuel injector. Make sure it’s clean and seated firmly.
Power Steering (EPS) Codes
If your model has Electronic Power Steering (EPS), you might see these codes when the steering feels heavy or a steering wheel icon appears on the dash.
Code 61 / 84: These are general EPS fault codes. They often appear along with other codes, like a VSS failure (Code 26/27), because the EPS needs a speed signal to work correctly. Symptoms: No power steering assist. What to Check: Always check your battery voltage first! Low voltage is the #1 cause of EPS faults. Also, check the main EPS connections for corrosion.
Your Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide After Finding a Code
Okay, you have the code. Now what? Don’t just run out and buy a new sensor. Follow this 2015 polaris sportsman 570 codes guide for the best practices in troubleshooting.
Step 1: Document and Research
Write down the code and its meaning. A quick search for your specific code will often lead to forums and videos of others who have fixed the exact same problem.
Step 2: Perform a Visual Inspection
Put your eyes on the area related to the code. Look for the simple stuff first. Are there any unplugged connectors? Wires that are chafed, chewed by a mouse, or melted on the exhaust? A cracked vacuum line? You’d be amazed what you can find with a good flashlight.
Step 3: Check the Foundation – Battery and Fuses
Before you dive deep, check the basics. A weak or dying battery can cause a cascade of random, nonsensical fault codes. Ensure your battery terminals are clean and tight. Use a multimeter to check the voltage; it should be above 12.4 volts at rest. Pull the cover off the fuse box and check for any blown fuses.
Step 4: Address the Specific Component
If the basics check out, focus on the sensor or circuit from the code. Disconnect its electrical plug. Is it full of mud or water? Clean it out with electrical contact cleaner and apply a small amount of dielectric grease before reconnecting. This is one of the most valuable 2015 polaris sportsman 570 codes tips we can offer.
How to Clear Codes on Your Sportsman 570
Once you believe you’ve fixed the problem, you’ll want to clear the code. There are two primary ways to do this.
The “Self-Heal” Method: The best way is to simply fix the underlying issue. After a few successful start-and-run cycles where the ECU no longer detects the fault, it will turn off the check engine light and clear the code on its own.
The Battery Disconnect Method: You can disconnect the negative battery terminal for about 10-15 minutes. This will reset the ECU and clear all codes. Warning: This also clears any learned memory, so the machine might run a little rough for the first few minutes as the ECU re-calibrates.
Pro Tips for Preventing Future Fault Codes
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Following a good 2015 polaris sportsman 570 codes care guide can save you future headaches.
Practicing sustainable 2015 polaris sportsman 570 codes prevention is all about machine longevity. By taking care of your ATV, you reduce waste and the need for replacement parts, which is an eco-friendly approach to ownership.
Connector Care: Whenever you’re working on your machine, take a moment to put dielectric grease on any electrical connectors you see. This keeps out moisture and prevents the corrosion that causes so many electrical gremlins.
Battery Health: Use a battery tender if your Sportsman sits for long periods. Modern machines are very sensitive to voltage, and a healthy battery is your first line of defense against phantom codes.
Keep it Clean: A clean machine is easier to inspect. After a muddy ride, a good wash-down can reveal a damaged wire or loose connector you’d otherwise miss.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 Codes
Can I ride my Sportsman with the check engine light on?
It depends. If the machine is running fine and the light is steady, it’s likely a minor sensor issue. You can probably finish your ride and diagnose it later. If the light is flashing or the ATV is running very poorly, it’s best to stop and investigate to avoid causing more serious engine damage.
What tools do I need to check my codes?
Absolutely none! That’s the beauty of the Polaris system. All you need is your ignition key. For troubleshooting, however, a basic tool kit, a multimeter, and some electrical contact cleaner are highly recommended.
Does a fault code always mean a part is bad?
No, and this is a critical point. A code for a “Throttle Position Sensor Circuit” doesn’t automatically mean the sensor is junk. It means the circuit has a problem. This could be a bad wire, a corroded connector, or the sensor itself. Always check the wiring and connections before replacing parts.
Tackling your own diagnostics is one of the most rewarding parts of being a DIYer. Understanding the language of your machine gives you the power to fix problems, save money, and ride with more confidence. So next time that light comes on, don’t panic. Grab your notes, follow these steps, and show your Sportsman who’s boss.
Stay safe out there, and happy wrenching!
- 2018 Honda Accord Tire Size – The Ultimate Guide To Perfect Fit, - December 18, 2025
- 2012 Honda Accord Fuse Box Diagram – Your Ultimate Guide To DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2013 Honda Accord Fuse Box Diagram – Your Essential Guide To - December 18, 2025
