2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 Diagnostic Codes

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hitting the trail on your 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570. But there’s also nothing that kills the vibe faster than that dreaded check engine light blinking to life on your dash, especially when you’re miles from anywhere.

You’ve been there, right? That little amber light pops on, and your mind starts racing. Is it serious? Can I keep riding? How much is this going to cost me? It’s a frustrating moment for any rider.

I promise you, this guide will turn that frustration into confidence. We’re going to demystify those cryptic numbers flashing on your screen. You’ll learn exactly how to access the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 diagnostic codes, understand what they mean, and get actionable steps to fix the most common issues yourself.

In this article, we’ll walk through the entire process, from pulling the codes without any special tools to a detailed guide on what the most common codes signify. We’ll cover basic troubleshooting you can do in your own garage and give you the best practices to keep that check engine light off for good.

What Are Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Why Do They Matter?

Think of your Sportsman’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) as its brain. It’s constantly monitoring a network of sensors that report on everything from engine temperature and throttle position to wheel speed and fuel mixture.

When one of these sensors sends a signal that’s outside its normal operating range, the ECU flags it. It then triggers the check engine light and stores a specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its memory.

Understanding these codes is a huge benefit. Instead of guessing what’s wrong, the DTC gives you a starting point. It’s your ATV’s way of telling you, “Hey, check out the oxygen sensor circuit!” This saves you time, money, and the headache of replacing parts that aren’t broken. This is the first step in a proper 2017 polaris sportsman 570 diagnostic codes guide.

How to Access Your 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 Diagnostic Codes (No Special Tools Needed!)

One of the best things about these machines is that Polaris built in a simple way to check the codes right from the instrument cluster. You don’t need a fancy OBD-II scanner like you would for your truck. This is the foundation of how to 2017 polaris sportsman 570 diagnostic codes are retrieved.

Here’s the step-by-step process. Follow it carefully.

Find a Safe, Level Spot: Park your Sportsman on level ground and turn it off. Make sure the transmission is in Park. Safety first, always.
Turn the Key to ON: Insert the key and turn it one click to the ON position. Do not start the engine.
Wait for the System Check: Watch the gauge cluster. It will cycle through its normal startup sequence. Wait for this to complete.
Press and Hold the Mode/Override Button: On your left handlebar control pod, find the yellow Mode/Override button. Press and hold it down.
Cycle Through the Menu: While still holding the button, use the up/down arrow keys on the same control pod to toggle through the display options. You’ll see things like trip meter, odometer, and engine hours.
Find the “Check Engine” or “Codes” Screen: Keep toggling until you see the diagnostic code screen. It may be labeled as “CK ENG” or something similar.
Read the Codes: If any codes are stored, they will appear on the screen. There will be two numbers: the Failure Mode Indicator (FMI) and the Suspect Parameter Number (SPN). Write these down exactly as they appear. If there are multiple codes, it will cycle through them.

Once you have your codes, you can turn the key off. Now, let’s figure out what those numbers mean.

Cracking the Code: A Common 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 Diagnostic Codes Guide

The codes on your Sportsman are presented in two parts: an SPN and an FMI. The SPN tells you what system is having a problem (e.g., Throttle Position Sensor), and the FMI tells you the nature of the problem (e.g., Voltage Too High).

Below is a breakdown of some of the most common problems with 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 diagnostic codes. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it covers what we see most often at the shop.

Engine and Fuel System Codes

These are often related to sensors that manage how your engine runs. Ignoring them can lead to poor performance, bad fuel economy, and potentially engine damage.

SPN 102, FMI 3, 4 (Manifold Absolute Pressure – MAP Sensor): This points to an issue with your MAP sensor, which measures engine load. An FMI of 3 means voltage is too high; 4 means too low. Check the wiring harness for damage, especially where it routes around the engine. A loose or cracked vacuum hose can also trigger this.
SPN 94, FMI 3, 4 (Fuel Pressure): A common culprit for poor starting or bogging down. This code means the fuel pressure is out of spec. It could be a clogged fuel filter, a weak fuel pump, or a faulty fuel pressure regulator.
SPN 22, FMI 0, 1, 3, 4 (Throttle Position Sensor – TPS): The TPS tells the ECU how much you’re pressing the throttle. A fault here can cause erratic idle or poor throttle response. Often, the issue is a bad connection or a misadjusted sensor. This is a critical one to address for safe riding.
SPN 110, FMI 3, 4, 16 (Engine Coolant Temperature – ECT Sensor): This sensor monitors engine temp. A high reading (FMI 16) means you’re overheating—stop immediately! Low or high voltage readings (FMI 3, 4) usually point to a bad sensor or wiring.

Chassis and Drivetrain Codes

These codes relate to the all-wheel drive (AWD) system, power steering (if equipped), and speed sensors.

SPN 84, FMI 0-4, 19 (Wheel Speed Sensor): This is vital for your speedometer and the AWD system. The sensor is located at the wheel hub and can get caked with mud or damaged by debris. First, clean the sensor and check the wiring. An FMI of 19 (Data Error) often indicates an issue with the magnetic ring on the hub itself.
SPN 520207, FMI 5 (AWD Control Circuit): If your AWD isn’t engaging, this code is your first clue. It indicates an open circuit or a short in the front differential coil. Check the wiring leading to the front diff for any breaks, corrosion, or pinches.

Electrical System Codes

Electrical gremlins can be frustrating, but these codes help narrow down the search.

SPN 168, FMI 3, 4 (System Voltage): This is a big one. FMI 3 means voltage is too high (over 16V), and FMI 4 means it’s too low (under 9V). A low voltage code could be a weak battery or a failing stator. A high voltage code almost always points to a faulty voltage regulator, a common failure point on these machines. Replace it before it fries your ECU.

From Code to Fix: Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Okay, you’ve got your code. Don’t just run out and buy a new sensor. A code indicates a problem in a circuit, not necessarily a bad part. Here are some basic diagnostic tips.

Inspect the Wiring: The number one cause of sensor codes on an off-road vehicle is a damaged wire. Look for chafing, pinching, or corrosion on the connectors related to your code. Follow the wire from the sensor back as far as you can.
Check Connections: Unplug the sensor connector in question. 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 prevents future moisture issues.
Check Your Battery: A weak or failing battery can cause a cascade of strange electrical codes. Make sure your battery is fully charged and the terminals are clean and tight. A simple voltage check should show above 12.5V with the engine off.
Clear the Code and Test: After you’ve performed an inspection or a fix, you’ll need to see if it worked. Some codes will clear themselves after a few successful ride cycles. You can also clear them by disconnecting the battery for about 10-15 minutes, but be aware this resets your clock and trip meter.

Best Practices for Maintaining a Code-Free Ride

The best way to deal with diagnostic codes is to prevent them from happening in the first place. This is where a good 2017 polaris sportsman 570 diagnostic codes care guide comes in handy.

Regular Washing: Keeping your machine clean isn’t just for looks. It prevents mud and debris from building up around sensitive sensors and wiring harnesses, reducing the chance of damage.
Dielectric Grease is Your Friend: Whenever you have an electrical connector apart, put a dab of dielectric grease on the seal. This is one of the most important 2017 polaris sportsman 570 diagnostic codes best practices for preventing water-related electrical issues.
Inspect Your Wiring Harness: After every few rides, take a flashlight and visually inspect the main wiring harnesses for signs of rubbing or damage, especially around the steering stem and suspension components.
Mind Your Emissions: Following an eco-friendly 2017 polaris sportsman 570 diagnostic codes approach means addressing fuel and air sensor issues promptly. A well-running engine burns cleaner, uses less fuel, and is better for the trails we all love. Proper maintenance is the most sustainable practice there is.

When to Call in the Pros: Knowing Your Limits

Look, we’re all for DIY here at FatBoysOffroad. But there are times when you need to put down the wrenches and call a professional mechanic.

If you’re dealing with intermittent codes that you can’t trace, complex internal engine or transmission codes, or if you simply don’t have the tools (like a good multimeter) or confidence to dive into electrical diagnostics, it’s time to get help. A good technician can diagnose the problem faster and prevent you from spending money on parts you don’t need.

There’s no shame in it. Knowing your limits is the smartest thing a mechanic can do.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 Diagnostic Codes

How do I clear the check engine light on my 2017 Sportsman 570?

Once you’ve fixed the underlying issue, the code will often clear itself after three consecutive “good” ride cycles (starting, running to operating temp, and shutting down without the fault reoccurring). For an immediate reset, you can disconnect the negative battery terminal for 10-15 minutes.

Can I still ride my Sportsman 570 with the check engine light on?

It depends on the code. If the machine is running fine and it’s a minor sensor code, you can likely limp it back to the truck or home. However, if you have a code for overheating (SPN 110, FMI 16) or low oil pressure, or if the machine is running poorly, you should stop immediately to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

My Sportsman 570 is flashing a code but the check engine light isn’t on. What does that mean?

This usually indicates an “inactive” or “historic” code. The fault occurred in the past but is not currently present. It’s a good idea to write it down and clear it. If it comes back, you have an intermittent issue that needs to be investigated.

Tackling your own diagnostics is one of the most empowering things you can do as a rider. It connects you to your machine on a deeper level and builds the confidence to venture further down the trail. By using the 2017 polaris sportsman 570 diagnostic codes as your guide, you’re not just fixing a problem—you’re learning the language of your ATV.

So next time that light comes on, don’t panic. Grab your notes, follow the steps, and work the problem methodically. You’ve got this.

Stay safe out there, and keep the rubber side down!

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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.