Has your Polaris ATV or UTV ever reduced speed or acceleration when exploring trails? Have you ever found it difficult to shift past the third gear when riding your Polaris ATV or UTV? Well, the problem could be a mysterious mode called limp mode.
Also known as limp home mode, this is a safety feature found in all ATVs and UTVs. Basically, your vehicle’s onboard computer system monitors the different sensors in your vehicle. In case of an issue, the computer system will trigger limp mode and limit certain functions of your ATV or UTV. These functions include but are not limited to speed, power, transmission and acceleration.
Lucky for you, there are ways to reset limp mode. Want to know the step-by-step guide to carrying out a Polaris limp mode reset?
Keep reading!
What Is Polaris Limp Mode Reset?
Polaris limp mode is the vehicle’s safe mode. Also known as fail code, a limp mode is where the computer system in your Polaris discovers an issue that may pose a risk to the vehicle. Basically, a limp mode is your vehicle’s way of saying that there is something wrong and your attention is required.
Polaris limp mode reset is the process where you reset the vehicle’s onboard computer system. By doing so, the computer system will return to its initial settings and will reset limp mode. Want to know how to reset Polaris Limp mode?
How to Reset Polaris Limp Mode
The following are steps to reset your Polaris onboard computer system back to the initial setting.
- Start by turning off the ignition of your Polaris and then wait for a couple of minutes.
- Then, disconnect the battery cables. Make sure that you start with the negative cable to avoid a short circuit.
- Now, wait for at least 30 minutes before you reconnect the battery cables but this time round, start with the positive cable.
- Turn on the ignition of your Polaris and wait for the check engine light to turn off.
- Engage the vehicle’s first gear and drive it for a couple of minutes. This will allow the vehicle’s onboard computer system to recalibrate.
Once limp mode is active, you can drive the vehicle to your local repair shop and have it inspected by a professional mechanic. This will help identify the underlying issue that triggered limp mode.
What you ought to know is that removing the voltage for 30 minutes allows the onboard computer to reset itself. If this is not the case, we recommend that you visit your local repair shop or dealer as the underlying problem could be more than you can handle.
How Does Polaris Limp Mode Work
Polaris limp mode works by restricting the vehicle’s engine power and speed. This happens when the onboard computer system detects an issue that may cause damage to the components of the vehicle. This feature is usually activated by the onboard computer system that monitors the various sensors.
For example, if the onboard computer system detects low oil pressure or a malfunctioning sensor, the computer will trigger limp mode. This system is very helpful especially when your Polaris breaks down on a busy road or remote area and you know there is a local repair shop nearby.
Once your Polaris onboard computer system activates the limp mode, the ATV or UTV will have a maximum speed of 10 to 15 MPH. What you need to keep in mind is that the speed at which your Polaris goes after limp mode activates depends on the make and model plus the underlying issue.
Since limp mode reduces power output and speed, it helps to prevent accidents and ensure that the rider and passenger(s) are safe.
How to Detect Polaris Limp Mode?
There are several ways to detect when limp mode is activated.
Warning Lights
One of the signs that your Polaris limp mode is activated is when you see the check engine light and other warning lights illuminate on the dashboard or display. Yes, there are other numerous reasons why the warning lights turn on but if this happens and there is a sudden decrease in acceleration or reduced speed, the reason could be limp mode.
Decreased Acceleration or Speed
As aforementioned, when the limp mode is activated, the vehicle’s acceleration will not work normally. This will also affect the speed of your ATV or UTV. If this happens and you are exploring trails on your farm or public property, the reason could be limp mode. Also, you may notice the auxiliary function will stop functioning.
Limited RPM
Along with acceleration and speed, when the limp mode is the cause, you’ll notice that the engine cannot rev beyond a certain point. Even when you apply more throttle, the RPM will be limited to 2000.
Transmission Problems
Besides limiting the RPM range for your Polaris ATV or UTV to a certain point, you’ll also notice that you cannot shift over to the third gear. This is because limp mode won’t allow you to do that as a safety measure. By reducing acceleration and speed, the rider can bring the vehicle to a stop safely.
Unfamiliar Noises
Since the limp mode is usually activated by an underlying issue, you may hear unfamiliar noises coming from the engine. For example, you may hear clunking, knocking or grinding noises. The reason for this is that the engine of your Polaris is not operating at full power. As a result, there will be unusual noises and vibrations coming from the engine.
Final Thoughts
Driving your Polaris ATV or UTV for short distances at reduced speed can help you prevent accidents. However, if you want to reset limp mode, you need to follow the steps described above.
Trying to bypass limp mode is dangerous and not recommended. In doing so, not only will you be compromising your safety and that of your passenger(s). But you could cause further damage to your Polaris which could even result in total engine failure.
To prevent issues that trigger limp mode, carry out regular maintenance and inspection. This will ensure that your Polaris ATV and UTV operate at optimal performance.