2017 Polaris Ranger Ev Fault Code 520606 31

There’s nothing quite like the silent, torquey power of your Polaris Ranger EV. But when you hop in, turn the key, and are greeted by a flashing check engine light and a dead accelerator pedal, that silence becomes frustrating. You check the diagnostic screen and see it: the dreaded 2017 polaris ranger ev fault code 520606 31.

I know that feeling. Your workhorse is suddenly a garage ornament, and your day just came to a grinding halt. You need clear answers, not confusing technical jargon.

I promise this guide will walk you through exactly what this code means, the common causes, and a step-by-step process you can follow to diagnose and fix it yourself. We’ll cover everything from simple visual checks to testing components with a multimeter, empowering you to get your Ranger EV back in action.

What Does Fault Code 520606 31 Actually Mean on Your Ranger EV?

Think of a fault code as a message from your machine’s brain, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or in this case, the vehicle controller. It’s pointing you to a specific area of concern. The code 520606 31 isn’t just a random string of numbers; it’s a specific language.

Let’s break it down:

SPN 520606: This stands for Suspect Parameter Number. SPN 520606 specifically points to the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 1 (APPS1). This is the sensor that tells the controller how far you’re pushing the “gas” pedal.
FMI 31: This is the Failure Mode Identifier. FMI 31 generally means “Condition Exists” or “Not Available.” Essentially, the controller is saying it’s either not getting a signal from the pedal sensor at all, or the signal it’s getting is so illogical or out of range that it can’t be trusted.

In simple terms, your Ranger’s controller has lost communication with, or is receiving a nonsensical signal from, the accelerator pedal. As a safety measure, it disables the throttle to prevent unintended acceleration. This is why the machine won’t move, or may be stuck in a severe “limp mode.”

Safety First: Essential Precautions Before You Start Wrenching

Before you grab a single tool, let’s set ourselves up for success and safety. Working on any vehicle, especially an electric one, requires respect for the machine. These simple steps are non-negotiable.

Turn the Machine Off: Make sure the key is in the OFF position and removed from the ignition.
Engage the Parking Brake: Ensure the Ranger is on a level, stable surface and won’t roll away.
Disconnect the Power: Your Ranger EV has a main power disconnect switch. Turn it to the OFF position. This is the most crucial step for safely working on the electrical system. If you can’t locate it, disconnecting the main negative battery terminal will also work.
Gather Your Tools: You won’t need a massive toolbox. Have a basic socket/wrench set, some zip ties for tidiness, a flashlight, and most importantly, a decent multimeter. You can’t properly diagnose this issue without one.
Wear Your Gear: At a minimum, wear safety glasses. Gloves are also a great idea to keep your hands clean and protected.

The Complete Guide to Diagnosing 2017 Polaris Ranger EV Fault Code 520606 31

Alright, with safety covered, it’s time to play detective. We’ll follow a logical path from the easiest checks to the more involved tests. This comprehensive 2017 polaris ranger ev fault code 520606 31 guide will help you pinpoint the exact problem.

Step 1: The Visual Inspection – Your Most Powerful First Step

Never underestimate what your eyes can tell you. A huge percentage of electrical gremlins are found right here. Get your flashlight and get comfortable.

Start at the accelerator pedal itself. Look for anything that could physically obstruct its movement—a stray rock, a buildup of mud, or a floor mat bunched up underneath it. Depress the pedal by hand and feel for any grinding, sticking, or roughness.

Next, trace the wiring harness coming off the back of the pedal assembly. Follow it as far as you can, looking for obvious signs of damage. Check for:

Chafing: Places where the wire has rubbed against the frame or another component.
Cuts or Pinches: Damage from trail debris or improper routing.
Corrosion: Look for green or white powder on connectors, especially if you ride in wet or muddy conditions.

Pay close attention to the main electrical connector at the pedal. Unplug it and inspect the pins and sockets. Are any of them bent, pushed back, or corroded? A poor connection here is a very common cause of this fault.

Step 2: Testing the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS)

If the visual inspection doesn’t reveal an obvious culprit, it’s time to break out the multimeter. The APPS works by sending a variable voltage signal to the controller. As you press the pedal, the voltage should increase smoothly.

The connector on your pedal assembly will likely have three wires. You’ll need to identify the signal wire, the power (usually 5V), and the ground. A wiring diagram for your specific model is invaluable here, but we can often test without one.

Here’s a general procedure:

With the main power disconnect ON and the key ON (but the machine not in gear), carefully back-probe the connector while it’s still plugged into the pedal.
Set your multimeter to DC Volts. Place the black probe on a known good ground (a clean spot on the frame).
With the red probe, test each of the three pins. You should find one with a steady 5 volts (power), one with close to 0 volts (ground), and one with a low voltage (the signal wire, often around 0.5V-1.0V at rest).
Once you’ve identified the signal wire, keep your multimeter connected to it. Slowly and smoothly press the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor.
You should see the voltage on your multimeter climb steadily, without any jumps or dropouts, to a higher value (typically around 3.5V-4.5V). If the voltage jumps around erratically or drops to zero at any point, you’ve found your problem: a faulty APPS.

This test is one of the most important 2017 polaris ranger ev fault code 520606 31 tips we can offer. It definitively tells you if the pedal sensor itself is functioning correctly.

Step 3: Inspecting the Controller and Grounds

If the pedal tests fine, the problem lies somewhere between the pedal and the controller, or with the vehicle’s grounding system. Trace the harness from the pedal all the way to the main vehicle controller. Check its main connector just as you did the pedal’s—look for corrosion, moisture, or backed-out pins.

Also, locate the main ground strap from the battery pack to the vehicle’s frame. Ensure this connection is clean, tight, and free of corrosion. A bad ground can cause all sorts of bizarre electrical issues, including phantom fault codes.

Common Problems with 2017 Polaris Ranger EV Fault Code 520606 31 and How to Fix Them

After your diagnosis, you’ve likely narrowed it down to one of a few common culprits. Here’s how to tackle them.

Culprit #1: A Damaged or Corroded Wiring Harness

This is extremely common on off-road machines. If you found a chafed or broken wire, the fix is straightforward. For a clean repair, use a weatherproof butt connector with heat-shrink tubing or solder the wires and cover them with marine-grade heat shrink.

If a connector is corroded, clean it carefully with a small brush and some electrical contact cleaner. Once it’s clean and dry, apply a small amount of dielectric grease before reconnecting it. This grease helps seal out moisture and prevent future corrosion.

Culprit #2: A Faulty Accelerator Pedal Assembly

If your multimeter test showed a bad sensor, the solution is to replace the entire accelerator pedal assembly. The sensor is typically integrated and not sold separately. This is usually a simple bolt-in replacement. Order the correct part for your VIN, unbolt the old one, plug in the new one, and you’re good to go.

Culprit #3: Low System Voltage

An EV is only as good as its batteries. If your battery pack’s overall voltage is low, it can cause the controller to act erratically and throw codes. Ensure your batteries are fully charged and in good health. Check all main battery terminals for clean, tight connections.

Best Practices for Your Ranger EV Electrical System Care Guide

Preventing this issue is better than fixing it. Following this simple 2017 polaris ranger ev fault code 520606 31 care guide can save you a lot of headaches.

Regular Inspections: After every few rides, especially after a muddy or wet one, take a minute to visually inspect the wiring harness around the pedal and other key areas.
Keep it Clean: Don’t let mud and debris cake up around the pedal assembly or on major electrical connectors.
Use Dielectric Grease: When performing any maintenance, it’s a great practice to put a dab of dielectric grease on any electrical connectors you have apart.
Maintain Battery Health: Follow proper charging procedures for your lead-acid or lithium batteries. A healthy battery pack is the foundation of a reliable electrical system. This is a key part of a sustainable 2017 polaris ranger ev fault code 520606 31 ownership experience, as it maximizes the life of your components.

When to Call in a Professional Mechanic

There’s no shame in knowing your limits. DIY is great, but sometimes you need to call for backup. Consider taking your Ranger EV to a qualified dealer or mechanic if:

You’re not comfortable using a multimeter or working with electrical systems.
You have performed all the tests above, and the pedal and wiring check out perfectly. The issue could be an internal fault in the vehicle controller, which requires specialized diagnostic tools.
The fault is intermittent and you can’t seem to replicate it during testing.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Polaris Ranger EV Fault Code 520606 31

Can I clear the code by disconnecting the battery?

Sometimes, disconnecting the power can clear a “soft” code caused by a temporary glitch. However, for a “hard” fault like FMI 31 (Condition Exists), the code will almost certainly return immediately once power is restored if the underlying problem isn’t fixed.

Is it safe to drive my Ranger EV with this code active?

No. In most cases, the vehicle won’t move at all, which is a built-in safety feature. If it does move in a limited limp mode, you have no reliable throttle control, which is extremely dangerous. You should diagnose and repair the issue before operating the vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix fault code 520606 31?

The cost can vary dramatically. If it’s a simple broken wire or corroded connection that you fix yourself, the cost could be just a few dollars for supplies. If you need to replace the entire accelerator pedal assembly, the part can cost anywhere from $150 to $300, plus labor if you have a shop do the work.

Could water damage cause this fault code?

Absolutely. Water intrusion into the pedal sensor itself or any of the wiring harness connectors is a primary cause of this fault. This is why cleaning and using dielectric grease after riding in deep water or mud is so important.

Tackling an electrical fault code can seem intimidating, but by following a logical process of inspecting, testing, and repairing, you can solve the 2017 polaris ranger ev fault code 520606 31 issue yourself. You’ll not only save money but also gain a deeper understanding of how your machine works.

Take your time, prioritize safety, and trust the process. You’ll have that silent workhorse back on the trail or the job site in no time.

Get back out there and ride safe!

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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.