2017 Polaris Ranger Error Codes 746 - Your Complete DIY Diagnostic

You’re geared up, the cooler is packed, and the trail is calling. You turn the key in your 2017 Polaris Ranger, and just as the engine rumbles to life, a dreaded check engine light pops up on the dash. Your heart sinks as you see it: error code 746. It’s a frustrating moment that can stop a great day of work or play right in its tracks. You’re probably thinking, “What does that even mean? Is this a simple fix or a trip-ending disaster?”

We’ve all been there. A cryptic code is the last thing you want to see when you rely on your machine. But don’t throw in the towel just yet. We promise this guide will demystify the problem and give you the confidence to tackle it yourself.

This article will walk you through exactly what the 2017 polaris ranger error codes 746 mean, the tools you’ll need, a step-by-step diagnostic process to pinpoint the culprit, and the most common fixes. Let’s get your Ranger back in action.

What Does Error Code 746 Actually Mean?

First things first, let’s translate that code from computer-speak to plain English. On a Polaris, the error code 746 points directly to an issue with the fuel injector circuit for cylinder #1. Your engine’s computer, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit), has detected an electrical problem with the component that sprays fuel into that cylinder.

This isn’t a vague “check engine” light; it’s a specific clue. The ECU is constantly monitoring the electrical signals going to and from critical components. When a signal is out of the expected range for the cylinder #1 injector, it throws the 746 code.

You might also see a secondary number, called the FMI (Failure Mode Identifier). This gives you an even bigger clue:

FMI 3: Voltage Above Normal or Shorted to High Source. This often means a wire is shorted to a power source.
FMI 4: Voltage Below Normal or Shorted to Low Source. This could indicate a short to ground.
FMI 5: Current Below Normal or Open Circuit. This is the most common and usually points to a broken wire, a loose connection, or a failed injector coil.

Understanding these sub-codes can significantly speed up your diagnosis. For this guide, we’ll focus on the general steps that cover all these possibilities, with a special focus on the common problems with 2017 polaris ranger error codes 746.

Essential Tools and Safety First!

Before you start tearing into your machine, let’s get our ducks in a row. A little preparation makes the job smoother and, more importantly, safer. You don’t need a professional shop, but a few key tools are essential.

Your Diagnostic Toolkit:

Digital Multimeter: This is non-negotiable. You’ll need it to test for continuity, resistance, and voltage. A basic one will do just fine.
Basic Socket and Wrench Set: To remove any panels or components blocking your access.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Good lighting is your best friend when tracing wires in tight spaces.
Contact Cleaner: For cleaning up grimy electrical connectors.
Dielectric Grease: A must-have for protecting electrical connections from moisture and corrosion after you’re done.
Your Ranger’s Service Manual: While this guide is comprehensive, your specific model’s manual is the ultimate source of truth for wiring diagrams and component locations.

Safety Is Paramount:

Always put safety first. It’s easy to get focused on the problem and forget the basics.

Disconnect the Battery: Before unplugging any electrical connectors, disconnect the negative battery terminal. This prevents accidental shorts that could damage your ECU.
Work in a Ventilated Area: You’re dealing with the fuel system, so ensure you have good airflow.
Let it Cool Down: If you’ve been running the engine, give it plenty of time to cool off to avoid burns.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Diagnosing 2017 Polaris Ranger Error Codes 746

Alright, tools ready? Let’s play detective. We’ll follow a logical path from the easiest, most common fixes to the more complex ones. This process will help you find the root cause efficiently. Here is how to 2017 polaris ranger error codes 746 diagnostics should be performed.

Step 1: Visual Inspection – The Low-Hanging Fruit

Before you grab your multimeter, use your eyes. A surprising number of electrical issues are caused by obvious physical damage. Start at the cylinder #1 fuel injector (on most Ranger models, this is the cylinder closest to the front of the vehicle) and trace its wiring harness back toward the ECU.

Look for:

Frayed or Pinched Wires: Has the harness rubbed against the frame or a hot part of the engine?
Obvious Breaks: Did a stick or rock get kicked up and sever a wire?
Melted Insulation: Check for signs of contact with the exhaust manifold.
Critter Damage: Mice and other rodents love to chew on wiring. Look for tell-tale teeth marks.

If you find any damaged wires, you’ve likely found your culprit. Repairing the wire with a quality butt connector and heat shrink tubing is a great, sustainable 2017 polaris ranger error codes 746 solution that avoids replacing an entire harness.

Step 2: Checking the Injector Connector

The connection point is the most common failure point. Unplug the electrical connector from the cylinder #1 fuel injector. It might have a small clip you need to depress.

Inspect both the harness side and the injector side of the plug for:

Corrosion: Any green or white crusty buildup can interrupt the electrical signal.
Bent or Pushed-Out Pins: Ensure the metal pins inside are straight and fully seated.
Moisture or Debris: A bit of mud or water can wreak havoc.

If you find any issues, clean the connector thoroughly with contact cleaner and a small brush. Let it dry completely, apply a small dab of dielectric grease to the seal, and plug it back in firmly. You should hear and feel a solid “click.” Clear the codes and see if the problem returns. Often, this simple step is the fix.

Step 3: Testing the Injector and Circuit with a Multimeter

If the visual inspection didn’t reveal the problem, it’s time for the multimeter. This test will tell you if the injector itself has failed or if the problem is in the wiring.

Testing the Injector Resistance:

Set your multimeter to the Ohms (Ω) setting, usually the 200 Ohm range.
With the injector unplugged, touch one probe to each of the two metal pins on the fuel injector itself.
A good fuel injector should have a resistance reading somewhere between 11 and 16 Ohms.
If you get a reading of “OL” (Open Loop) or 0.0, the coil inside the injector is broken, and the injector needs to be replaced.

Testing the Wiring Harness (Continuity):

This test confirms the wires between the ECU and the injector are intact. You’ll need to locate the ECU connector (consult your service manual). With the battery and ECU disconnected, use your multimeter on the continuity setting (it usually beeps).

Test each of the two wires for the cylinder #1 injector one at a time. Touch one probe to the pin at the injector connector and the other probe to the corresponding pin at the ECU connector. You should get a beep or a reading of near-zero Ohms. If you get “OL,” that specific wire has a break somewhere in the harness.

Common Problems Causing the 746 Code (And How to Fix Them)

Based on our experience in the shop and on the trail, the 746 code is almost always caused by one of a few culprits. This 2017 polaris ranger error codes 746 guide breaks them down from most to least likely.

A Loose or Corroded Connector

This is, by far, the number one cause. Off-roading involves vibrations, mud, and water—the perfect recipe for bad connections. The fix is simple: clean, secure, and protect with dielectric grease. This is one of the best 2017 polaris ranger error codes 746 tips we can offer.

Damaged Wiring Harness

The second most common issue is a compromised wire. A wire can get pinched during reassembly of a part, rub through on the frame over time, or get snagged by debris on the trail. A careful visual inspection and the continuity test are your best tools for finding this.

A Failed Fuel Injector

While less common than wiring issues, fuel injectors can and do fail electrically. The internal coil can break, causing an open circuit (FMI 5). The resistance test we covered is the definitive way to confirm a bad injector. If it fails the test, replacement is the only option.

The ECU Itself (The Last Resort)

This is extremely rare. The ECU is a robust component. Before you even consider a faulty ECU, you must be 100% certain that the injector and the entire wiring harness between the injector and the ECU are in perfect condition. If you’ve exhausted all other possibilities, it’s time to consult a professional dealer for advanced diagnostics.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Polaris Ranger Error Codes 746

Can I still drive my Ranger with a 746 error code?

It’s highly discouraged. When the cylinder #1 injector isn’t working, your engine is essentially running on one less cylinder. This will cause a rough idle, poor performance, reduced power, and can lead to unburnt fuel washing oil from the cylinder walls, potentially causing long-term engine damage.

How much does it cost to fix a 746 error code?

The cost can vary dramatically. If it’s a loose or dirty connection, the fix might only cost you a can of contact cleaner and a tube of dielectric grease. If a wire is broken, a simple repair is very cheap. A new fuel injector can cost between $70 and $150, while a new ECU would be several hundred dollars. The good news is that the most common fixes are also the cheapest.

What is the difference between FMI 3, 4, and 5 for code 746?

Think of them as more specific clues. FMI 3 (Voltage High) and FMI 4 (Voltage Low) usually point to a wire that has rubbed through and is touching another wire (a short). FMI 5 (Open Circuit) is the most common and typically means a wire is completely broken or a connector is unplugged, preventing any electrical signal from getting through.

Where is the cylinder 1 fuel injector located on a 2017 Ranger?

On most Polaris Ranger parallel-twin engines, cylinder #1 is the one closest to the front of the vehicle (the clutch side). It’s located on the cylinder head where the intake manifold meets the engine. Always consult your service manual for a precise diagram to be certain.

Troubleshooting an error code can feel daunting, but with a systematic approach and the right information, you can solve it. The benefits of 2017 polaris ranger error codes 746 diagnostics by yourself are huge—you save money, learn more about your machine, and gain the satisfaction of fixing it with your own two hands.

Remember the process: inspect the simple stuff first, test components methodically, and be patient. You’ve got this. Now, get those tools out, get that code cleared, and get back on the trail.

Happy wrenching from your friends at FatBoysOffroad!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.