Polaris Code 0 656 13 2 - Your Complete DIY Diagnostic & Fix Guide

You’re geared up, the machine is ready, and the trail is calling. You turn the key, and then you see it—the dreaded check engine light, followed by a cryptic string of numbers on your display: polaris code 0 656 13 2. Your heart sinks. It’s a frustrating moment that can stop a great day of riding right in its tracks.

We’ve all been there. A confusing error code feels like a major roadblock, especially when you’re far from a dealership. But what if that code wasn’t a roadblock, but a roadmap?

I promise this guide will turn that frustration into confidence. We’re going to break down exactly what this code means, show you how to diagnose the common problems with polaris code 0 656 13 2, and walk you through the steps to get your machine running right again. You’ll learn how to pinpoint the issue, what tools you need, and how to perform the fixes yourself, saving you time and a hefty repair bill.

What Exactly is Polaris Code 0 656 13 2? Decoding the Numbers

First things first, don’t panic. A check engine light and a trouble code aren’t a death sentence for your ride. They are your Polaris’s way of talking to you, pointing you directly to a problem so you can fix it before it becomes something more serious.

Let’s translate that number string into plain English. The code is made up of a few key parts:

SPN 656: This is the most important part. SPN stands for Suspect Parameter Number. SPN 656 specifically points to an issue with the Fuel Injector Circuit for Cylinder #6.
FMI 13: This is the Failure Mode Identifier. It tells you the type of fault. FMI 13 means “Out of Calibration.” This isn’t a simple “on/off” failure; it means the Engine Control Unit (ECU) is seeing a signal from the injector that is electrically or mechanically out of its expected range.
The other numbers (0 and 2): The ‘0’ is often a controller address placeholder. The last digit (in this case, ‘2’) is usually the Occurrence Count, meaning the fault has been detected twice during a drive cycle.

So, the full message from your machine is: “Hey, I’ve detected an ‘Out of Calibration’ fault in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder #6 two times now. You should check it out.”

A Note on Cylinder Count

You might be thinking, “Wait a minute, my RZR or Sportsman only has two or four cylinders!” You’re absolutely right. Seeing a code for a sixth injector that doesn’t exist can be confusing.

This usually happens for one of two reasons. It can be a software glitch in the ECU, or the ECU software is designed to cover a range of engines, and it’s simply reporting a fault on a circuit that isn’t used. While it seems odd, the key takeaway is the same: the ECU is detecting a fuel injector circuit problem. Your diagnostic process, which we’ll cover below, should start with the injectors you do have.

Common Symptoms: How Your Machine Tells You Something’s Wrong

When an injector isn’t working correctly, it throws off the delicate air-fuel balance your engine needs to run smoothly. You’ll likely feel the effects before you even see the code. This is one of the most common problems with polaris code 0 656 13 2.

Look out for these performance issues:

Rough Idle or Misfiring: The engine might sputter, shake, or feel unbalanced, especially at a stop.
Loss of Power: Your machine will feel sluggish and won’t accelerate with its usual punch.
Poor Fuel Economy: If the injector is stuck open or spraying inefficiently, you’ll burn through fuel much faster.
Hard Starting: The engine may take longer to turn over or fail to start on the first try.
Smell of Unburnt Fuel: A rich-running condition caused by a faulty injector can lead to a distinct gasoline smell from the exhaust.

Your Diagnostic Toolkit: Gathering the Right Gear for the Job

You don’t need a full professional shop to tackle this job. With a few essential tools, you can perform a confident diagnosis. This is the first step in our polaris code 0 656 13 2 guide.

Basic Hand Tools: A good socket set, wrenches, and screwdrivers are a must for removing plastics and components.
Digital Multimeter (DMM): This is your most critical tool. A basic DMM is essential for testing the injector’s electrical health. Don’t skip this.
Electrical Contact Cleaner: A spray can of this can work wonders on dirty or corroded electrical connectors.
Dielectric Grease: Use this to protect your electrical connections from moisture and corrosion after cleaning them.
Safety Gear: Always wear gloves and safety glasses.
Pro Tip: A service manual for your specific Polaris model is the best investment you can make. It provides exact resistance values, wiring diagrams, and torque specs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Diagnosing Polaris Code 0 656 13 2

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. Follow these steps methodically. The goal is to find the simplest problem first before assuming the worst. Here’s how to polaris code 0 656 13 2 diagnostics.

Step 1: Safety First & Visual Inspection
Before you touch anything, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery to prevent any accidental shorts. Safety is paramount.
Now, locate your fuel injectors. They are typically seated in the intake manifold or cylinder head with a wire connector attached to the top. Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the entire wiring harness leading to the injectors. Look for obvious signs of trouble like melted plastic, chafed wires, or evidence of rodents chewing on the insulation.
Step 2: Check the Injector Connector
The injector connector is the most common failure point. Vibration, mud, and water can cause corrosion or a loose connection.
Carefully press the tab and unplug the electrical connector from the suspect injector. Look inside both ends. Do you see any green or white crusty corrosion? Are any of the metal pins bent or pushed back? If it looks dirty, spray both the injector side and the harness side with electrical contact cleaner and let it dry completely.
Before you plug it back in, apply a small dab of dielectric grease to the connector seal. This prevents future moisture intrusion. Reconnect it, ensuring it clicks firmly into place. Clear the codes and see if the problem returns. Often, this simple step is the fix.
Step 3: Test the Injector’s Resistance
If cleaning the connector didn’t work, it’s time to test the injector itself with your Digital Multimeter. Set your DMM to the Ohms (Ω) setting, usually in the 200 Ohm range.
With the connector still unplugged, touch the two probes of your DMM to the two metal prongs on the top of the fuel injector. A healthy Polaris injector should typically read between 12 and 15 Ohms, but check your service manual for the exact spec.
If the reading is significantly higher or lower, or if you get an “OL” (Open Loop) reading, the internal coil of the injector has failed. The injector needs to be replaced.
Step 4: Advanced Check: The Wiring Harness
If the injector tests good, the problem may lie in the wiring between the ECU and the injector. This is a more advanced check. It involves using your DMM’s continuity setting to verify there isn’t a break in the wire.
You’ll need a service manual to identify which pins on the main ECU connector correspond to the injector you’re testing. This can be a tricky task, and if you’re not comfortable with wiring diagrams, this is a good point to consider calling a professional technician.

Fixing the Problem: From Simple Repairs to Replacement

Once you’ve diagnosed the cause, the fix is usually straightforward. The benefits of polaris code 0 656 13 2 diagnostics are that you can often solve it with minimal cost.

The Easy Fix: Cleaning and Securing Connections

As mentioned, a dirty or loose connection is the number one culprit. Following the cleaning and greasing procedure in Step 2 is often all that’s needed. This is one of the most valuable polaris code 0 656 13 2 tips you can get.

When to Replace the Fuel Injector

If your multimeter test showed the injector is out of spec, replacement is the only option. The process generally involves relieving the fuel system pressure, disconnecting the fuel line, unbolting the fuel rail, and carefully pulling the rail and injectors out. Swap the bad injector with a new one, making sure to lubricate the new O-rings with a little motor oil for a smooth installation.

Best Practices for a Healthy Fuel System (The Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Approach)

Preventing this code from coming back is all about good maintenance. A well-maintained machine not only lasts longer (a sustainable polaris code 0 656 13 2 prevention plan) but also runs more efficiently, which is better for both your wallet and the environment (an eco-friendly polaris code 0 656 13 2 outcome).

Follow this simple polaris code 0 656 13 2 care guide:

Use High-Quality Fuel: Avoid old or questionable gas. Contaminants and water can wreck fuel system components.
Run a Fuel System Cleaner: Periodically add a quality injector cleaner to your fuel tank to dissolve deposits and keep injectors spraying cleanly.
Use Fuel Stabilizer for Storage: If your machine sits for long periods, a stabilizer prevents fuel from breaking down and gumming up the injectors.
Perform Regular Inspections: After a particularly rough ride, take a minute to look over your wiring harnesses to ensure nothing has come loose or started rubbing against the frame.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris Code 0 656 13 2

Can I ride my Polaris with this code?

It’s highly discouraged. You risk poor performance, getting stranded, and potentially causing further engine damage from an improper air-fuel mixture. It’s best to diagnose and fix it as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to fix this code?

The cost can vary dramatically. It could be a few dollars for a can of contact cleaner if it’s just a dirty connection. A new OEM fuel injector typically costs between $75 and $150. If you take it to a shop, expect to add 1-2 hours of labor for diagnosis and repair.

What happens if I ignore this code?

Ignoring the code will lead to worsening symptoms. Prolonged running with a bad injector can wash oil from the cylinder walls, potentially scoring the piston and cylinder. It can also overheat and damage the catalytic converter (if your model has one) with unburnt fuel.

Tackling a diagnostic code like polaris code 0 656 13 2 can seem intimidating, but it’s entirely manageable for a DIYer. By following a logical process—inspect, clean, test—you can zero in on the problem with confidence. You’ve now got the knowledge and the roadmap to turn that check engine light off and get back to what matters most.

Stay safe, trust your tools, and we’ll see you on the trail!

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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.