Polaris Ranger 2006 700 Xp Error Code 56

You’re out on the trail, miles from the nearest road, and that dreaded check engine light blinks on. Your heart sinks as you see a cryptic number on the dash. It’s a moment every off-roader knows and hates.

If you’re reading this, chances are your rig is flashing a polaris ranger 2006 700 xp error code 56, leaving you wondering if your day of riding is over. Agreeing that this is a frustrating situation is an understatement.

We promise this guide will demystify that code and give you the confidence to diagnose and fix it yourself. You don’t need to be a master mechanic, just someone willing to get their hands a little dirty.

In this complete polaris ranger 2006 700 xp error code 56 guide, we’ll break down what the code means, pinpoint the most common causes, and provide a step-by-step troubleshooting process with pro tips to get you back in the driver’s seat.

What Exactly is Polaris Ranger Error Code 56?

First things first, let’s translate what your Ranger is trying to tell you. Error Code 56 is officially defined as “Fuel Level Circuit High / Open.”

In plain English, this means the Engine Control Unit (ECU), your Ranger’s brain, is not getting a proper signal from the fuel sending unit. The circuit that reports your fuel level has a problem.

Think of it like a broken wire in a pair of headphones. The music is playing, but because of the break, it can’t reach your ears. Here, the fuel level information is available at the tank, but a break or fault in the circuit prevents it from reaching your dashboard. This is one of the most common problems with polaris ranger 2006 700 xp error code 56.

The most common symptom you’ll notice, besides the check engine light, is an inaccurate or completely dead fuel gauge. It might read full all the time, empty all the time, or not move at all.

The Most Common Culprits Behind Code 56

Before you start tearing things apart, it helps to know what you’re looking for. Over the years, we’ve seen this code pop up for a handful of reasons. The good news is that most of them are relatively simple fixes.

Here are the usual suspects, from most to least likely:

A Faulty Fuel Sending Unit: This is the number one cause. The sending unit is a sensor inside your fuel tank with a float arm. As the fuel level changes, the float moves, changing an electrical resistance that the ECU reads. These units can wear out or fail over time.
Damaged Wiring or Connectors: Your Ranger lives a tough life. Branches, rocks, and mud can snag, chafe, or break the wires running from the fuel tank to the ECU. Rodents also love to chew on wiring looms.
Corrosion is the Enemy: Water, mud, and time can lead to corrosion on the electrical connectors, especially the main plug on top of the fuel tank assembly. This green crusty buildup acts as an insulator, blocking the electrical signal.
A Bad Ground Connection: Every electrical circuit needs a solid ground to the vehicle’s frame to work correctly. A loose, rusty, or broken ground wire can cause all sorts of bizarre electrical issues, including error code 56.
A Problem with the ECU (Very Rare): While possible, a failed ECU is extremely unlikely to be the cause. Always exhaust every other possibility before even considering this.

Your Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide for Error Code 56

Alright, time to grab your tools and play detective. This systematic approach will help you pinpoint the exact problem without just throwing parts at it. Following these polaris ranger 2006 700 xp error code 56 best practices will save you time and money.

Safety First! You’re working around the fuel system. Disconnect the negative terminal on your battery before you begin. Work in a well-ventilated area and keep any sources of sparks or open flames far away.

Required Tools and Supplies

You don’t need a full professional shop, but having these on hand will make the job much easier:

A good Digital Multimeter (this is essential for testing circuits)
Basic socket and wrench set
Screwdrivers
Wire brush or sandpaper
Electrical contact cleaner spray
Dielectric grease

Step 1: The Visual Inspection

Always start with your eyes. Put on a headlamp and get under your Ranger. Start at the fuel tank and visually trace the wiring harness that comes out of the top of the fuel pump assembly.

Look for anything obvious. Are there wires that have been pulled tight, rubbed raw against the frame, or show signs of being chewed? Pay close attention to the main electrical connector on top of the tank. Is it clicked in securely? Do you see any dirt or green/white corrosion?

Step 2: Test the Circuit at the Connector

If the visual inspection doesn’t reveal a smoking gun, it’s time to break out the multimeter. This is the key to figuring out how to polaris ranger 2006 700 xp error code 56 is being triggered.

Locate the main connector on top of the fuel tank. You may need to lift the bed to get good access.
Disconnect the connector. Inspect the pins on both sides for corrosion. If you see any, clean it thoroughly with contact cleaner and a small brush.
Set your multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms, symbolized by Ω).
On the side of the connector coming from the fuel tank, find the two wires for the sending unit. On a 2006 700 XP, these are typically a purple wire and a black wire.
Touch the multimeter probes to the corresponding pins for these two wires. You should get a resistance reading. An “open” or “OL” reading suggests a break in the sending unit itself.
A healthy sending unit should read approximately 33 Ohms when the tank is full and around 240 Ohms when the tank is empty. Any reading drastically outside this range points to a faulty sending unit.

Step 3: Check the Wiring Harness to the ECU

If the sending unit tests okay, the problem lies in the wiring between the tank and the ECU. This test checks for a break in the wire.

Set your multimeter to the continuity setting (it usually looks like a sound wave symbol). When you touch the probes together, it should beep.

You’ll need to find the same wires at the ECU connector. This can be tricky, so a service manual is a huge help here. Test for continuity between the purple wire at the tank connector and the corresponding purple wire at the ECU connector. Do the same for the black wire. If you don’t get a beep, you have a break in that wire somewhere in the harness.

How to Fix Polaris Ranger 2006 700 XP Error Code 56 for Good

Once you’ve found the culprit, the fix is usually straightforward. Here are some key polaris ranger 2006 700 xp error code 56 tips for a lasting repair.

Replacing the Fuel Pump / Sending Unit Assembly

If your sending unit tested bad, it needs to be replaced. On these models, the sending unit is almost always integrated into the complete fuel pump assembly. You replace the whole unit.

While this is a bigger job, it’s very doable for a DIYer. You’ll need to remove the unit from the top of the tank, which involves disconnecting fuel lines and a locking ring. Be extremely careful and follow a service manual if you’re unsure.

This is where the idea of a sustainable polaris ranger 2006 700 xp error code 56 repair comes in. Don’t cheap out on this part. Buy a quality OEM or reputable aftermarket assembly to ensure it lasts.

Repairing Wires and Connectors

If you found a broken wire, the fix is simple. For the best, most weather-resistant repair, solder the wires together and seal the connection with adhesive-lined heat-shrink tubing. Crimp-on butt connectors can work in a pinch, but they are more susceptible to moisture and vibration over time.

For corroded connectors, a thorough cleaning with contact cleaner followed by a light coat of dielectric grease before you reconnect it will prevent the problem from returning. This is a crucial part of any electrical polaris ranger 2006 700 xp error code 56 care guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Error Code 56

Can I still drive my Ranger with error code 56?

Yes, in most cases, you can. This error code affects the fuel level reading system and typically does not impact how the engine runs. However, you will have no idea how much fuel is in your tank, which is a major safety risk when you’re far from camp or the truck.

How much does it cost to fix error code 56?

The cost varies wildly depending on the cause. A DIY wire repair might only cost a few dollars for supplies. If you need a new fuel pump assembly, the part itself can range from $150 to over $400, plus your time. A shop repair will add a few hours of labor to that cost.

Is the fuel sending unit the same as the fuel pump?

On the 2006 Polaris Ranger 700 XP, they are not the same component, but they are housed together in a single module. When you buy a new “fuel pump,” you are typically buying the entire assembly which includes the pump, pressure regulator, filter, and the fuel level sending unit.

What if I clear the code and it comes back immediately?

This confirms you have a “hard fault,” meaning the problem is constant and not just an intermittent glitch. A wire is broken, a sensor has failed, or a connector is bad. It’s time to start the step-by-step diagnostic process outlined above.

Tackling an electrical problem can seem intimidating, but error code 56 is one you can absolutely conquer. By following a logical process of elimination—inspecting, testing, and confirming—you can avoid guesswork and fix the problem right the first time.

Remember to prioritize safety, especially when working near fuel. Take your time, trust your multimeter, and you’ll have that fuel gauge working and the check engine light off in no time.

Now you have the expert knowledge and the action plan. Get out there, get it fixed, and get that Ranger back on the trails where it belongs. 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.