Polaris Ranger 900 Check Engine Code 746 - Your Complete Diagnostic &

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hitting the trail in your Polaris Ranger 900. But there’s also nothing that sinks your stomach faster than seeing that dreaded check engine light flick on, bringing your adventure to a screeching halt. You pull up the diagnostic screen and see a number that means nothing to you: 746. What now?

I know that feeling well. You’re out in the middle of nowhere, and your trusted machine is suddenly throwing a cryptic code. It’s frustrating and can feel overwhelming.

But I promise you, this is a problem you can understand and, in many cases, fix yourself with the right guidance. This article is your comprehensive guide to tackling the polaris ranger 900 check engine code 746. We’ll break down what it means, show you exactly how to diagnose the issue step-by-step, and walk you through the solutions to get you back on the trail safely and confidently.

Decoding the Mystery: What is Polaris Fault Code 746?

Before you can fix a problem, you have to understand it. In the simplest terms, code 746 points to an electrical issue with your Ranger’s Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid.

Think of the wastegate as a pressure relief valve for your turbo. Its job is to divert exhaust gas away from the turbine to control the amount of boost pressure being forced into your engine. This prevents the turbo from spinning too fast and creating excessive, damaging pressure.

The wastegate solenoid is the electronic brain that tells the wastegate when to open and close. Your Ranger’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) sends signals to this solenoid. When you see code 746, the ECU is telling you it has detected a problem in that circuit—specifically, a short to ground or a complete break (open circuit) in the wiring.

Common Symptoms of Code 746

Besides the check engine light, you might notice a few other performance issues that are tell-tale signs of this problem:

Significant Loss of Power: This is the most common symptom. The ECU will likely put the vehicle into a “limp mode” to protect the engine, drastically reducing power and speed.
Erratic or Surging Boost: You might feel the power delivery is inconsistent or jerky under acceleration.
The Check Engine Light (CEL) is On: This is the obvious one, often accompanied by the code 746 and a sub-code (like 520207 4) to specify the exact fault.

Essential Tools & Safety First: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

Before you dive in, let’s get your gear in order. Having the right tools makes the job smoother and safer. This isn’t a complex job, but it requires a bit more than a basic wrench.

Here’s what you’ll want on your workbench:

Digital Multimeter: This is non-negotiable for this code. You need it to test wires and components accurately.
Basic Socket and Wrench Set: To remove any panels or components blocking access.
Test Light: A great backup to the multimeter for quickly checking for power.

*Wire Strippers & Cutters: If you find a wiring issue, you’ll need these to make a proper repair.

Electrical Repair Supplies: Have some quality butt connectors, heat shrink tubing, and good electrical tape on hand.
Dielectric Grease & Electrical Contact Cleaner: Essential for cleaning and protecting connectors.
Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses and gloves.

Safety Warning: Before you begin any work, ensure the Ranger is on level ground, the engine is completely cool, and you have disconnected the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any accidental shorts.

How to Polaris Ranger 900 Check Engine Code 746: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. We’re going to work from the simplest and most common causes to the more complex ones. Follow this polaris ranger 900 check engine code 746 guide carefully.

Step 1: The Visual Inspection (Start Here!)

More often than not, the problem is something you can see. Wires on a UTV live a hard life with vibration, heat, and mud.

First, locate the wastegate solenoid. On most Ranger 900 XP Turbo models, you’ll find it mounted near the turbocharger itself. Follow the vacuum lines from the wastegate actuator. You’re looking for a small electronic component with a two-wire connector.

Once you’ve found it, perform a thorough visual inspection of its wiring harness. Look for:

Chafed or Rubbed Wires: Check where the harness runs near the engine block or frame. Vibration can easily rub through the insulation, causing a short to ground.
Melted Wires: Is the harness resting on the exhaust or turbo? Heat can melt the insulation and cause wires to short together.
Pinched or Stretched Wires: Look for any areas where the harness might be pulled too tight or pinched by a component.
Obvious Breaks: A stick or rock from the trail could have snagged the wire and broken it completely.

Step 2: Check the Connector

If the wiring looks okay, the next point of failure is the connector itself. These are exposed to water, mud, and dust.

Carefully unplug the electrical connector from the wastegate solenoid.
Look inside both ends of the connector. Do you see any green or white crusty corrosion? Are any of the metal pins bent or broken?
Even if it looks clean, spray both the solenoid side and the harness side with a quality electrical contact cleaner.
Before you plug it back in, apply a small dab of dielectric grease to the inside of the connector. This helps seal out moisture and prevent future corrosion.
Plug the connector back in firmly until you hear it click. Clear the code and start the machine. Sometimes, this is all it takes.

Step 3: Test the Wiring Circuit with a Multimeter

If a visual inspection and connector cleaning didn’t solve it, it’s time to bring out the multimeter to find the electrical fault. This is where we confirm if we have an open circuit or a short to ground.

Set your multimeter to the Ohms (Ω) setting. Disconnect the solenoid connector.

Test for a Short to Ground: Place one probe on a clean, unpainted part of the vehicle’s frame (a good ground). Touch the other probe to each of the two pins inside the harness-side connector, one at a time. Your multimeter should read “OL” or “Open Line.” If it beeps or gives you a resistance reading on either wire, that wire is shorted to ground somewhere in the harness.
Test for an Open Circuit (Break in the Wire): This is a more advanced test that involves checking continuity from the solenoid connector all the way back to the ECU connector. For most DIYers, if you’ve confirmed no short to ground and the solenoid itself tests good (see next step), a broken wire is the likely culprit. You’ll need to carefully unwrap the harness and trace the wires to find the break.

Step 4: Test the Solenoid Itself

It’s also possible the electronic solenoid has failed internally. With the connector still unplugged, switch your multimeter to the Ohms (Ω) setting.

Place one probe on each of the two metal prongs on the solenoid itself. You should get a resistance reading. The exact spec can be found in a service manual, but you’re typically looking for a reading somewhere between 20 and 40 Ohms. If you get a reading of “OL” (infinite resistance), the coil inside the solenoid is broken, and the solenoid needs to be replaced. If you get a reading of near-zero Ohms, it’s shorted internally and also needs replacement.

Common Problems with Polaris Ranger 900 Check Engine Code 746 and Their Fixes

Based on experience, here are the most common culprits for code 746, in order of likelihood.

Most Common: Damaged Wiring Harness

The vast majority of these codes are caused by a wire that has rubbed through its insulation and is touching the metal frame. The fix is to carefully cut out the damaged section of wire and splice in a new piece using weatherproof butt connectors and heat shrink tubing. Do not just wrap it in electrical tape. After repairing, use zip ties to secure the harness away from any sharp edges or hot components.

Also Common: Corroded or Loose Connector

As covered in Step 2, moisture and dirt are the enemy. A thorough cleaning and an application of dielectric grease are often all that’s needed. This is one of the key benefits of regular polaris ranger 900 check engine code 746 preventative care.

Less Common: Failed Solenoid

While the solenoid can fail, it’s less common than a wiring issue. If your multimeter tests confirmed the solenoid is bad, the only solution is replacement. Thankfully, it’s typically a simple part to unbolt and replace.

Very Rare: ECU Failure

This is extremely unlikely. Do not assume the ECU is the problem until you have exhaustively ruled out every other possibility. This is a last resort and a job for a professional dealer, as it’s an expensive part that requires programming.

Polaris Ranger 900 Check Engine Code 746 Best Practices for Prevention

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially on the trail. Adopting a few simple habits can save you from future headaches. This is the core of any good polaris ranger 900 check engine code 746 care guide.

This is also a great approach to a more sustainable polaris ranger 900 check engine code 746 solution. A well-maintained machine runs cleaner, uses fewer replacement parts, and lasts longer, which is the most eco-friendly polaris ranger 900 check engine code 746 strategy there is.

Perform Regular Harness Inspections: Every time you change your oil, take a bright flashlight and look over the main wiring harnesses for any signs of rubbing or damage.
Secure Loose Wires: See a dangling wire or a harness that’s vibrating against the frame? Secure it with a zip tie. It takes five seconds and can prevent a major failure.
Use Dielectric Grease: When you have connectors apart for any reason, add a little dielectric grease. It’s cheap insurance against moisture intrusion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris Ranger 900 Check Engine Code 746

Can I still drive my Ranger with code 746 active?

It is not recommended. The vehicle will likely be in limp mode with severely reduced power, making it unsafe and difficult to operate. Continuing to drive could potentially risk damage to the turbo or engine if the boost is not being controlled correctly.

How much does it cost to fix code 746?

The cost varies wildly. If it’s a broken wire you fix yourself, your cost could be less than $5 for connectors and tape. A new wastegate solenoid can cost anywhere from $70 to $150. If you take it to a shop, you can expect to add a few hours of labor, potentially bringing the total to $300-$500 or more.

I replaced the solenoid, but the code came back. What now?

This almost certainly means the problem is not the solenoid, but the wiring to the solenoid. Go back to Step 3 and meticulously test the harness for a short to ground or an open circuit. The fault lies somewhere between the ECU and that connector.

Tackling an electrical code like this can feel intimidating, but you’ve now got the knowledge and a clear set of steps to diagnose and fix it. Following this process not only saves you a trip to the dealer but also makes you a more knowledgeable and capable owner. You understand your machine better, and you’re prepared for what the trail throws at you.

So grab your tools, be methodical, and be patient. You can solve this. Get that Ranger fixed up, and get back to doing what you love. Stay safe and happy riding!

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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.