While Polaris vehicles are some of the best overall vehicles you’ll come across in the powersports industry, anyone who owns one knows what a pain it can be when an engine code flashes across the display indicating an issue with your rig.
Polaris code 2 84 1, also known simply as Polaris code 84, is one of the most commonly experienced engine error codes by owners of a Polaris side-by-side – right up there with the dreaded Polaris Code 65590 and Polaris Code 65592.
Code 2 84 1 happens most often in the Polaris RZR and Polaris Ranger models, but can happen in other modern Polaris models as well.
This guide will explore the following around Polaris code 2 84 1:
- What it means
- What happens when it displays
- What causes it
- How serious it is
- Whether it’s safe to continue driving with the code displayed
- How to fix your issue and clear the code
What Polaris Code 2 84 1 Means
Polaris Code 84, which is usually shown as 2 84 1 on the display, is an error code associated with three primary components – the brake switch, the speed sensor, or the wiring associated with either of them.
This error code usually displays as a sign that either the brake switch or the speed sensor are not functioning correctly.
While it could be either one, generally the symptoms experienced along with this error code will give an indication as to which one it is.
Polaris Code 84 Symptoms
If you’re seeing Polaris Code 2 84 1 display on your dash, it will likely be accompanied by some of the following symptoms:
- Check engine light comes on
- Brake lights are stuck on at all times
- Brake lights may not function at all
- Power steering light comes on
- Intermittent loss of power steering
- Speedometer may not work at all
- Speedometer may jump up to high speeds and then quickly drop back down
- Vehicle may hesitate when accelerating
If you’re experiencing issues with the brake lights, chances are the error code stems from a problem with your brake switch.
For issues with the power steering, speedometer, and acceleration, you likely have a problem with your vehicle’s speed sensor.
This is not an exact science, as some or all of these symptoms can be present when there is an issue with either component, but in many cases the symptoms will be specific to the faulty component.
You can still drive your vehicle while this code is displayed, as most of these symptoms don’t affect the operating ability of your side by side.
That said, the intermittent loss of power steering and the inability to reach the vehicle’s top speed due to hesitation when accelerating may be pretty noticeable in some cases.
Either way, it’s best to get this code fixed and cleared as soon as you’re able.
Common Causes of Polaris Code 2 84 1
Brake Switch
The most common cause of an issue with the brake switch is water, moisture, or mud coming in contact with it and leading to malfunctioning.
The brake switch is particularly susceptible to this as it is located up under the vehicle on the master brake cylinder and is not sealed very well.
A brake switch failure may occur soon after a ride through a big puddle or a shallow water crossing where it gets splashed.
But it also may occur over time as a result of this water, moisture, or mud corroding the brake switch itself or the connectors.
Speed Sensor
Similarly, the speed sensor is also known to be affected by water, moisture, or mud working its way into the sensor itself or its connectors.
It is located under the vehicle on the transmission, with the tires prone to splashing it.
But the speed sensors on Polaris Rangers are also prone to another type of damage because of their location.
The cargo beds of the Rangers are supported by a strut that assists them in lifting. This strut attaches to the frame of the vehicle directly beside the speed sensor.
If you overload your bed, you can shear off the bottom of this support strut.
When this happens you likely won’t realize it, and when you go to push down on your bed to close it from dumping, the support strut will now push right down onto the speed sensor and damage it.
Wiring
While the brake switch and speed sensor are often the direct culprits of error code 84, the wiring that connects them can also be at fault.
Most often an electrical issue will result from corrosion in the wire connectors of these components. But the actual wiring itself is known to cause these issues in some instances.
The wiring that runs to the speed sensor and brake switch can become dislodged and relocate over time, and can end up rubbing on the frame of the vehicle.
Not only can this damage the wiring so that it won’t function, but the wiring being in direct contact with the frame can essentially ground the signal wire so that it doesn’t function properly.
Fixing & Clearing Polaris Code 84
Fortunately for owners who experience code 2 84 1 and the symptoms that come along with it, there are usually some pretty simple solutions.
And usually the symptoms are more of a nuisance than
Brake Switch
If your brake switch is the culprit, you’ll want to remove the brake switch and let it dry out in the sun for a good while.
Be sure to apply dielectric grease to the switch and its connectors before reinstalling it to help protect it from water or moisture damage.
Assuming the problem is resolved once you reinstall it, the code will clear on its own.
But you can clear it manually by driving in Low gear above 3,500 RPMs for around 60 seconds, which should reset it.
If doing this still results in this error code, you’ll likely want to replace the brake switch.
You’ll also want to inspect the connectors and wiring of the brake switch for any corrosion or damage, and repair/replace them as needed.
Speed Sensor
You’ll want to follow the same process for the speed sensor, disconnecting it and letting it dry in the sun.
Applying dielectric grease to the speed sensor and its connectors will help protect it from the issue recurring as well.
If this doesn’t work, and the error code still displays after reinstalling it, you’ll want to replace the speed sensor.
Likewise if your speed sensor has been damaged by the strut from the dump bed, it will need to replaced.
But be sure to check the connectors and wiring on this component as well to see if corrosion or damage in these areas may be the problem.
Wiring
If you’ve replaced both your brake switch and speed sensor, but are still getting code 84 and any of its symptoms, you can be pretty sure you’ve got an electrical issue.
You’ll need to closely inspect any of the wiring leading to the either component for damage.
It may make sense to take it to a dealer at this point if you haven’t already, but a number of owners have reported being told their wiring harness was bad when in actuality it was a more simple wiring fix that didn’t require an expensive replacement of the wiring harness, so be aware of that.
Conclusion
Polaris code 2 84 1 is a common error code for those with Polaris Rangers and RZRs, but fortunately usually doesn’t point to a serious issue with your vehicle.
That said, you’ll likely need to do some troubleshooting or even replace one of either the brake switch or speed sensor to overcome it.
For more on Polaris issues, check out the following before you go:
