Have you ever experienced your Polaris ATV or UTV suddenly losing power while driving? It could be due to a mysterious mode your machine goes in called ‘Limp Home Mode.’ Here’s what you need to know.
Limp mode, also known as Limp Home Mode, is a safety feature in vehicles that reduces engine power to prevent damage when a fault is detected. It allows drivers to continue safely to a service center for repair.
The mode earned its name because the vehicle restricts power output as a safeguard against potential harm yet still permits it to limp to the intended destination or a repair shop.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how limp home mode is activated, how to detect it, reset it, and much more. Keep reading!
Join our free Facebook group and ask your question there. We promise you, you’ll get an answer from one of our team members or group members. Join the group here!
How to Reset Polaris Limp Home Mode?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset Limp Home Mode on your Polaris ATV or UTV:
- Turn off the vehicle’s ignition and wait for a few minutes.
- Disconnect the vehicle’s battery cables, starting with the negative cable.
- Wait for at least 30 minutes before reconnecting the battery cables, starting with the positive cable.
- Turn on the vehicle’s ignition and wait for the check engine light to turn off.
- Drive the vehicle normally for a few minutes to allow the onboard computer to recalibrate.
- If the Limp Home Mode is still activated, it’s best to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify and repair the underlying issue.
By removing the voltage from the Polaris a for 30 minutes, the board computer will reset itself. This reset will return the computer to its initial settings and will, hopefully, reset the limp mode home. If this is not the case, then I advise you to visit a dealer because then there is more to it than you can solve yourself.
While resetting Limp Home Mode may be a temporary solution, it’s important to understand that it does not address the underlying issue (If there is any) that triggered
Also read: Are Polaris ATVs Reliable, Check Your Model Here!
Have all Polaris Vehicles Limp Mode Installed?
Most modern ATVs, UTVs, and roadsters like Slingshot have Limp Mode installed as a standard safety feature. However, it’s best to check with the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm whether a particular model has this feature.
If you own an ATV or UTV, it’s very likely that your machine has limp mode installed. Some older or less advanced models may not have the ‘Limp Home Mode’ feature.
If your vehicle doesn’t have limp mode, you must rely on your own judgment and driving skills to ensure the vehicle is not damaged further until it can be serviced.
Also read: Polaris UTV Reliability, Check Your Model Here!
How Does Limp Home Mode Work?
Polaris Limp Home Mode works by restricting the engine power and speed when the ATV or UTV detects an issue that could cause damage. This feature is activated by the vehicle’s onboard computer, which monitors various sensors and systems for potential faults.
When an issue is detected in the vehicle, such as a malfunctioning sensor or low oil pressure, the onboard machine program triggers Limp Home Mode to activate.
It is especially helpful in situations where the vehicle breaks down in a remote area or on a busy roadway. You know there is no repair facility or a safe location nearby.
By reducing engine power output, Limp Home Mode can help prevent accidents and ensure that the operator and passengers remain safe until the vehicle can be repaired.
What Speed Does Limp Home Mode Go?
Limp Home Mode restricts the speed of a Polaris ATV or UTV to a maximum of around 10-15 mph. For cars, the speed is reduced to approx. 35 mph.
The speed at which a vehicle in Limp Home Mode can go varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the underlying issue that triggered Limp Home Mode.
Also read: Polaris Ranger Front and Rear Differential Problems
How to Detect Limp Home Mode?
Polaris Limp Mode can be detected when a vehicle experiences a sudden loss of power, reduced acceleration, and limited speed, accompanied by warning lights on the dashboard. In some cases, the vehicle may also emit unusual noises or vibrations.
If you think your vehicle’s Limp Home Mode is on, here are some symptoms to verify:
1. Limited RPM Range
If your vehicle is in Limp Home Mode, you may notice that the engine cannot rev beyond a certain point, even if you apply more throttle. The RPMs will be limited to about 2000.
2. Transmission issues
Limp Home Mode can also affect transmission. You may notice that you can’t shift over to the third gear because the limp mode won’t let you do that due to the vehicle’s safety.
3. Illuminated Warning Lights
Limp Home Mode may be on if you see the ‘Check Engine’ light or any other warning lights due on the dashboard. However, there can be numerous other causes of warning lights.
4. Unusual noises
Hearing some unfamiliar voices out of your vehicle? Knocking, clunking, or grinding noises can come out of your engine. This is because the engine is not operating at full power, which can cause vibrations and other unusual noises.
5. Poor Performance
If you feel that the vehicle’s acceleration isn’t working normally – Limp Home Mode is probably the cause. The auxiliary functions may also stop working, such as lights.
5 × Causes of Limp Home Mode
Your Polaris machine can go into limp-home mode due to various reasons. Below are some main causes:
1. Wiring Issues
The vehicle’s onboard computer relies on a complex network of sensors and wiring to operate properly. If there is an issue with the wiring, such as a broken or corroded wire, or a short circuit, it can disrupt the signal from one or more sensors, causing Limp Home Mode to activate.
Engine wires can be damaged due to the following:
- Moisture
- Dirt
- Overheating
- Freezing temperatures
- Improper installation
- Vibration
- Rodents and animals
2. Malfunctioning Sensors
If one or more sensors in the vehicle are malfunctioning, Limp Home Mode may act to prevent damage to the engine or transmission. These sensors can become damaged, malfunction, or fail over time due to wear and tear, electrical issues, or other factors.
For example, a malfunctioning throttle position sensor can cause the engine to not receive the correct signals from the accelerator pedal, which can cause reduced power and speed.
Other sensors that may cause Limp mode are as follows:
- MAF sensor
- Engine temperature sensor
- Boost pressure sensor
- O2 sensor
- MAP sensor
3. Low Transmission Fluid Level
The transmission fluid is a crucial component in the operation of the transmission, providing lubrication, cooling, and hydraulic pressure to various components.
If the transmission fluid level is low, the transmission may not be able to function properly, leading to issues such as slipping gears or poor shifting performance. When the vehicle’s onboard computer detects low transmission fluid levels, it may trigger Limp Home Mode to prevent further damage to the transmission.
4. Overheating
When a vehicle’s engine overheats, it can cause significant damage and lead to Limp Home Mode activation.
Several factors can cause engine overheating, including a malfunctioning cooling system, low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, a broken water pump, or a clogged radiator. In some cases, external factors such as extreme weather conditions or driving in stop-and-go traffic can also cause engine overheating.
5. Brake System Malfunction
Limp Home Mode activation due to a brake system malfunction can cause the vehicle to operate at reduced power and speed.
Suppose you suspect that a brake system malfunction may be causing Limp Home Mode to activate in your vehicle. In that case, it’s important to address the issue immediately to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Is It OK to Drive in Limp Home Mode?
Driving in Limp Home Mode for short distances at reduced speeds is generally safe. If you try to bypass Limp Home Mode, it can compromise your safety and can cause further damage to your Polaris, such as total engine failure and more costly repairs down the line.
Attempting to bypass Limp Home Mode can be dangerous and is not recommended (unless you are 100% sure that the mode is malfunctioning and there isn’t anything serious with your machine).
Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent issues that can trigger Limp Home Mode and keep the vehicle operating at optimal performance.
Conclusion
In summation, the Polaris Limp Home Mode serves as an essential safety measure implemented in ATVs and UTVs to safeguard against the exacerbation of any detected defects.
It effectively constrains engine power and speed, allowing for safe travel to a specialized repair facility. The range of underlying culprits includes faulty wiring, malfunctioning sensors, inadequate transmission fluid levels, engine overheating and glitches in the brake system.
