Nothing kills a day on the trails faster than a check engine light. You glance down at your dash, see the dreaded 746 4 Polaris code glaring back, and suddenly your powerful RZR or Ranger feels sluggish and unresponsive. Your heart sinks, thinking about a costly trip to the dealership.
I’ve been there, and I know that frustration. But what if I told you this is one of the most common and solvable codes you can encounter?
Promise yourself this: you can tackle this. This comprehensive guide from FatBoysOffroad will break down exactly what this code means, why it’s happening, and give you a step-by-step, easy-to-follow plan to diagnose and fix it yourself. We’ll cover the common problems, the tools you’ll need, and the pro tips that will save you time and money, getting your machine back to peak performance.
What Does the 746 4 Polaris Code Actually Mean?
When your Polaris throws a code, it’s speaking a specific language. The 746 4 Polaris code translates to: “Intercooler Cooling Fan Circuit: Current Below Normal / Open Circuit.”
Let’s break that down into plain English. Your machine’s brain, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), is trying to turn on the fan that cools your intercooler. However, it’s not detecting the proper electrical current it expects to see when that fan is running. It’s like flipping a light switch and the bulb not turning on—the ECU knows something is broken in the circuit.
This is especially critical on turbocharged models like the RZR Turbo or Turbo S. The intercooler’s job is to cool down the hot, compressed air coming from the turbo before it enters your engine. Cooler air is denser, which means more oxygen, more fuel, and ultimately, more power. If that fan isn’t working, the air gets too hot, the ECU senses this, and it cuts power to protect your engine from damage. This is often what you feel as “limp mode.”
Why You Can’t Ignore This Code: Risks vs. Rewards
Seeing a check engine light can be tempting to ignore, especially if the machine still runs. But with this specific code, that’s a bad idea. Ignoring it can lead to more significant issues down the line.
The Risks of Waiting
- Severe Power Loss: As the intercooler gets heat-soaked, your ECU will aggressively pull timing and fuel, making your high-performance machine feel weak.
- Engine Damage: Consistently running with hot intake air increases the risk of engine knock or detonation, which can cause catastrophic damage to your pistons and cylinders over time.
- Getting Stranded: What starts as a simple electrical fault can leave you limping back to the truck or, worse, stranded miles from anywhere.
The Benefits of a Proper Fix
Tackling this issue head-on offers clear advantages, showcasing the real benefits of 746 4 polaris code resolution.
- Restored Performance: The number one benefit is getting your machine’s power and throttle response back to 100%.
- Engine Longevity: By ensuring your engine gets cool, dense air, you’re protecting your investment and ensuring it runs strong for years.
- Confidence on the Trail: There’s no better feeling than knowing your machine is in top shape, allowing you to ride hard with peace of mind.
Common Problems Causing the 746 4 Polaris Code
Before you start tearing things apart, it’s helpful to know the usual suspects. In my experience, the problem is almost always one of these five things, often starting with the simplest. This is where we start our 746 4 polaris code guide to diagnosis.
- A Blown Fuse: The simplest and most common cause. A small power surge or a momentary short can pop the fuse protecting the fan circuit.
- A Bad Relay: Relays are small electronic switches that control high-current components like fans. They can and do fail over time.
- Damaged or Disconnected Wiring: Off-roading is rough. Wires can get snagged by branches, chafed against the frame, or simply come unplugged from vibrations.
- A Corroded Connector: Mud, water, and pressure washing are the enemies of electrical connectors. Corrosion can build up on the pins, creating an “open circuit” that the ECU detects.
- A Failed Fan Motor: While less common than the other issues, the fan motor itself can burn out, especially on high-mileage machines.
Your Step-by-Step 746 4 Polaris Code Guide to Diagnosis
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. Follow these steps in order, and you’ll pinpoint the problem without wasting time or money on parts you don’t need. This is how to 746 4 polaris code diagnosis is done right.
H3: Before You Start: Safety & Tools
Safety first, always. Grab your safety glasses and a pair of mechanic’s gloves. Most importantly, disconnect the negative terminal on your battery before you start messing with any wiring.
Essential Tools:
- A good multimeter (for testing continuity and voltage)
- Basic socket and wrench set
- A set of jumper wires (or a 12V power probe)
- Electrical contact cleaner
- Dielectric grease
Step 1: Check the Easiest Thing First – The Fuse
Always start with the simplest solution. Locate your machine’s fuse box. On most RZRs and Rangers, it’s under the driver’s seat or under the hood near the dash.
Pop the cover off and look at the diagram on the underside. Find the fuse labeled for the “Fan” or “Intercooler Fan.” Pull it out and hold it up to the light. If the thin metal strip inside is broken, you’ve found your problem! Replace it with a new fuse of the exact same amperage. If it blows again immediately, you have a short circuit somewhere that needs to be found.
Step 2: Test the Fan Relay
If the fuse is good, the next stop is the relay. The fuse box diagram should also show you which relay controls the fan. A great pro tip is to find another relay in the box with the same part number (like the one for the headlights or horn) and swap them.
If you swap the relays and your fan suddenly works (and your headlights don’t), you’ve found the culprit. A faulty relay is a cheap and easy fix. This is one of the best 746 4 polaris code tips to save you a headache.
Step 3: Inspect the Wiring and Connector
This step requires a good flashlight and some patience. Start at the intercooler fan itself (on most RZR Turbos, it’s mounted high on the firewall behind the seats). Find the electrical connector going into the fan motor.
Is it plugged in securely? Does it click when you push it in? Unplug it and look at the metal pins inside both halves. Are they green with corrosion, bent, or packed with mud? If so, spray them generously with electrical contact cleaner and use a small pick or brush to clean them up. This is a key part of any good 746 4 polaris code care guide.
After cleaning, trace the wiring harness as far back as you can, looking for any obvious signs of damage—pinched wires, melted sections, or areas where the loom has rubbed through against the frame.
Step 4: The Definitive Test – Powering the Fan Directly
This is the test that separates the guessers from the pros. It will tell you with 100% certainty whether your fan motor is good or bad.
With the fan connector unplugged, use your jumper wires to connect it directly to a 12V source. You can run long wires carefully from your machine’s battery. Connect the positive and negative leads to the two pins inside the fan’s side of the connector. Be very careful not to let the leads touch each other.
- If the fan spins to life: Congratulations! Your fan motor is perfectly fine. The problem lies upstream in the wiring, relay, or fuse you’ve already checked. Go back and double-check your work, or use your multimeter to check for 12V at the vehicle-side harness when the machine is on.
- If the fan does nothing: You have a dead fan motor. It’s time to order a replacement.
Best Practices for a Lasting Repair and Prevention
Fixing the problem is great, but making sure it doesn’t happen again is even better. Adopting some 746 4 polaris code best practices can save you future trouble.
A key principle is a sustainable 746 4 polaris code approach: diagnose before you replace. Throwing parts at a problem is wasteful and expensive. By following the steps above, you only replace what’s actually broken, which is also an eco-friendly 746 4 polaris code solution.
After any repair, apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the electrical connector before plugging it back in. This waterproofs the connection and prevents future corrosion. Also, take a moment to secure any loose wiring harnesses with a few zip ties to keep them from rubbing or snagging.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 746 4 Polaris Code
Can I still ride my Polaris with a 746 4 code?
It’s highly discouraged. While the machine may run, it will likely be in a reduced power or “limp” mode. Pushing it hard, especially in warm weather or under heavy load, can lead to overheating and potential engine damage. It’s best to diagnose and fix it before your next big ride.
Where is the intercooler fan located on my RZR Turbo?
On most Polaris RZR Turbo models, the intercooler and its cooling fan are mounted high up on the vehicle’s firewall, directly behind the passenger and driver seats. You’ll typically need to remove the rear cargo panel or box to get good access to it.
How much does it cost to fix a 746 4 code?
The cost can vary dramatically. If it’s a simple blown fuse, you’re looking at less than a dollar. A new relay might cost $15-$30. If the fan motor itself has failed, a replacement part could range from $150 to over $300, plus labor if you take it to a shop. Doing the diagnosis yourself is the best way to keep costs down.
Do I need a special tool to clear the code after I fix it?
Usually, no. Once you have repaired the underlying electrical issue, the code will often clear itself after you cycle the ignition (turn the key on and off) a few times and let the machine run for a minute. If it persists, a simple powersports-compatible OBD-II scanner can clear it, or you can disconnect the battery for 15 minutes to reset the ECU.
Tackling an electrical code can feel intimidating, but by following a logical process—fuse, relay, wiring, and finally the component itself—you can solve the 746 4 Polaris code with basic tools and confidence. You’ve not only saved a trip to the dealer but also learned more about how your machine works.
Now you have the knowledge to tackle this code head-on. Get those tools out, get it fixed, and we’ll see you back on the trail at full power. Ride safe!
- Getting Polaris 570 Error Codes – Your Ultimate DIY Diagnostic Guide - November 20, 2025
- All Polaris Error Codes – The Ultimate Guide To Diagnostics & Fixes - November 20, 2025
- Polaris Red Paint Code – Your Ultimate Guide To Flawless Touch-Ups - November 20, 2025