There’s nothing worse. You’re deep on the trail, miles from the truck, and that dreaded check engine light flashes on. Your Polaris General sputters, loses power, and limps along. Your dashboard is screaming an error at you, and your epic ride just came to a grinding halt. Sound familiar?
We’ve all been there. That frustrating error is often the polaris general code 5 746, a common issue that can sideline even the best-maintained machines. It signals a problem with your throttle system, and it’s the machine’s way of protecting itself.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to immediately surrender your wallet to the dealership. This comprehensive guide will give you the confidence and know-how to diagnose and fix this problem yourself. Keep reading, and we’ll turn that trailside headache into a garage victory.
What is Polaris General Code 5 746 and Why Is It on My Dash?
When your dash displays this error, it’s actually a two-part code. The first number, 5, is the FMI (Failure Mode Identifier). The second number, 746, is the SPN (Suspect Parameter Number). Together, they point to a specific problem.
In this case, DTC 5 746 5 translates to: Throttle Position Sensor 1 (TPS1) – Voltage Below Normal, or Shorted to Low Source.
Let’s break that down. The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is a critical component that tells your General’s brain, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), exactly how much you’re pressing the gas pedal. Think of it as the volume knob for your engine’s power. It sends a varying voltage signal based on the throttle plate’s angle.
When the ECU sees a voltage from this sensor that is too low or nonexistent, it gets confused. It doesn’t know how much power you’re asking for. To prevent potential engine damage or unsafe acceleration, it triggers the check engine light and puts the machine into a protective “limp mode,” drastically reducing power. This is your machine playing it safe until the issue is resolved.
Common Symptoms: How Your General Tells You There’s a Problem
While the check engine light and the code itself are the most obvious signs, your machine will give you other clues that something is wrong with the throttle system. Recognizing these can help confirm your diagnosis.
Here are the most common symptoms associated with a polaris general code 5 746:
- The Obvious Check Engine Light (CEL): This is your first and most direct warning.
- Limp Mode: You’ll notice a significant loss of power and acceleration. The machine will feel sluggish and won’t rev up like it normally does.
- Hesitation or Sputtering: When you press the gas, the engine might hesitate, sputter, or feel jerky instead of delivering smooth power.
- Rough or Unstable Idle: The engine may idle erratically, revving up and down on its own, or it might stall completely when you come to a stop.
- Difficulty Starting: In some cases, a faulty TPS signal can make the engine difficult to start.
The Most Common Causes of Code 5 746 (And How to Spot Them)
Before you start ordering parts, it’s crucial to understand what typically causes this code. More often than not, it’s a simple connection issue rather than a completely failed component. This is one of the most important polaris general code 5 746 tips we can offer: inspect before you replace.
The Usual Suspect: Damaged Wiring and Connectors
Your General lives a tough life. It gets blasted with mud, water, and vibrations on every ride. This environment is brutal on electrical connections. The wiring harness leading to the TPS on the throttle body is a prime candidate for damage.
Look for wires that are chafed, pinched, melted from touching the exhaust, or pulled tight. The plastic connector itself can become packed with dirt or water, causing a short or poor connection. Corrosion on the pins is another common problem.
The Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
Like any electronic part, the TPS can simply wear out and fail. Internally, a small wiper moves across a resistive strip to create the voltage signal. Over time, this strip can wear down, creating dead spots or causing the sensor to send an incorrect signal, triggering the code.
A Less Common Culprit: The Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS)
Your General has a drive-by-wire system, meaning there’s no physical cable from your gas pedal to the engine. Instead, a sensor at the pedal (the APPS) reads your foot’s input and sends a signal to the ECU, which then commands the throttle body. While less common for this specific code, a failing APPS can sometimes cause related throttle-body issues.
Your Step-by-Step Polaris General Code 5 746 Guide to Diagnosis
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This diagnostic process moves from the easiest and most common fixes to the more involved ones. This methodical approach is part of our polaris general code 5 746 guide to save you time and money.
Safety First: Before you begin, park your General on a level surface, turn it off, and disconnect the negative terminal on your battery to prevent any accidental shorts.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Basic socket set and wrenches
- A good flashlight or headlamp
- Electrical contact cleaner
- Dielectric grease
- A digital multimeter (for more advanced testing)
- Zip ties
Step 1: The Visual Inspection (Your First and Best Tool)
Start by locating the throttle body on your engine. The TPS is a small, black plastic sensor mounted on its side, with a wiring harness plugging into it. Grab your flashlight and perform a thorough inspection.
Carefully trace the wires from the TPS connector as far back as you can. Look for any signs of damage: cuts, melted spots, or areas where the wire has rubbed through its insulation. Wiggle the connector gently to see if it’s loose.
Step 2: Cleaning the Connection (The Easiest Potential Fix)
If the visual inspection doesn’t reveal an obvious problem, the next step is to clean the connection. This simple action fixes a surprising number of common problems with polaris general code 5 746.
- Carefully unplug the connector from the TPS. There’s usually a small plastic tab you need to press to release it.
- Inspect the inside of both the plug and the sensor side for any green or white corrosion, bent pins, or packed-in mud.
- Generously spray both sides of the connection with electrical contact cleaner. This will dissolve grime and displace moisture without leaving a residue.
- Let it air dry completely for a few minutes.
- Before plugging it back in, apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the connector. This grease doesn’t conduct electricity but seals out moisture and dirt, preventing future corrosion. This is one of the most crucial polaris general code 5 746 best practices.
- Plug the connector back in firmly until you hear it click. Reconnect your battery and start the machine to see if the code has cleared.
Step 3: Testing the Wiring with a Multimeter (For the Confident DIYer)
If cleaning didn’t work, it’s time to confirm if the sensor is getting the power it needs. This requires a multimeter and some basic electrical knowledge. If you’re not comfortable with this, it may be time to consult a professional.
You’ll need to look up a wiring diagram for your specific model year to identify the power, ground, and signal wires. With the key on (engine off), you can carefully probe the back of the connector to check for the correct voltages. If you’re missing the reference voltage (usually 5V) or have a bad ground, the problem is in the wiring harness, not the sensor itself.
How to Fix Polaris General Code 5 746 and Get Back on the Trail
Once you’ve diagnosed the cause, the fix is usually straightforward. The main benefits of polaris general code 5 746 troubleshooting yourself are the cost savings and the satisfaction of a job well done.
Replacing the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
If you’ve confirmed the wiring is good but the sensor has failed, it’s time for a replacement. On many General models, the TPS is held on by two small Torx screws. Simply unscrew the old one, install the new one, and plug it in. Important: On some newer models, the TPS is integrated into the throttle body and is not sold separately. In this case, you would need to replace the entire throttle body assembly.
Repairing Damaged Wires
If you found a broken or chafed wire, a proper repair is essential. Avoid the temptation to just wrap it in electrical tape. For a lasting fix, use a weatherproof butt connector or solder the wires together and seal the connection with heat-shrink tubing.
Clearing the Code and Verifying the Fix
After your repair, the code may not disappear immediately. You can often clear it by leaving the battery disconnected for about 15-20 minutes. Once you reconnect it and start the engine, the check engine light should be off. Take it for a short test ride to ensure the power is restored and the code does not return.
A Sustainable Approach: Best Practices and Care Guide
Thinking about a sustainable polaris general code 5 746 solution might sound odd, but it really comes down to preventative maintenance and doing the job right the first time. An eco-friendly polaris general code 5 746 fix is one that improves your engine’s efficiency and prevents you from throwing away perfectly good parts due to a misdiagnosis.
Follow this simple polaris general code 5 746 care guide to minimize future issues:
- Regular Inspections: Every time you wash your machine, take a minute to look over key wiring harnesses, especially around the engine and suspension.
- Use Dielectric Grease: Make it a habit to apply dielectric grease to any major electrical connector you unplug. It’s cheap insurance against moisture and corrosion.
- Secure Your Harnesses: Check for loose wiring harnesses that could rub against the frame or engine. Use zip ties to secure them and prevent chafing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris General Code 5 746
Can I still ride my General with code 5 746 active?
It’s strongly advised not to. Limp mode is a safety feature to protect your engine. Continuing to ride could potentially cause more damage or, at the very least, leave you stranded far from help when the machine decides it’s had enough.
How much does it cost to fix this code at a dealership?
Costs can vary widely. A dealership will charge for diagnostic time (typically 1-2 hours) plus parts and labor. If it’s a simple corroded connector, it might be a couple of hundred dollars. If they need to replace an entire throttle body assembly, the bill could easily climb to $500 or more.
Will just clearing the code fix the problem?
No. Clearing the code simply erases the error from the ECU’s memory. If the underlying physical problem (bad wire, faulty sensor) has not been fixed, the code will come right back as soon as the ECU detects the fault again.
Tackling a diagnostic code like this can seem intimidating, but it’s often more straightforward than you think. By following a logical process of elimination—from the visual inspection to cleaning connections and then testing—you can pinpoint the problem with confidence. You’ve now learned how to polaris general code 5 746 and have the knowledge to get your machine running strong again.
Get those tools out, take your time, and enjoy the satisfaction of fixing it yourself. We’ll see you back on the trail!
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