Polaris ECM

[@janicewheeler6035]

Hi, I am Rusty, my Wife and I have an identical pair of Sportsman 500's and hers did what your's did. I took out both ECM's and swapped them. Sure enough here's did not work. When you said it could be rebuilt I got a wild hair and took the ECM apart to see what was inside and if I could fix it and found no circuit burns or solder problems on the board. While researching the rebuild company I glanced over at the board and noticed one of the plug prongs was bent, which I know I didn't do, and it had a small arc mark on the tip. I straightened the prong, cleaned the arc mark and put it back together. Now came the moment of truth, plugged it in and YAHOO, it worked. These machines have never been worked on mechanically so I know this was an OEM assembly malfunction. What is still a mystery is why it took 13 years to finally quit working. Well in short, thanks to your video and luck, problem solved, money saved and Happy Wife, Happy Life. Thank you.😉

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

That's awesome. That's better than my DIY fix. Surprising how little things can make big things go sideways. Great job.

[@aarontrompeterrealestatebr6159]

Mine starts on the pull starter but just turns over with the key. Runs fine, but wont start with key. What are your thoughts on that?

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

I've got a starting point, but keep in mind I am in no way shape or form, a mechanic. Start at the battery, it may not be turning the engine over fast enough and may not be creating a spark in the cylinders. With a car/truck engine off, use jumper cables connected to your ATV battery and see if it fires off. If it does, go get a new ATV battery. If it doesn't, then you can safely rule out a bad battery. Then move to the starter. With a volt meter check the voltage coming out of the starter when using the ATV battery. If your ATV runs fine with the pull start then something ie battery or starter is not allowing a spark in the cylinder. Without me being there to hear the sounds, that's about all I got. Good luck. I bet you get it figured out.

[@brianduff4278]

I have the same problem. you went the next step I haven't done yet and found it at the ECM. I feel good about going farther and checking that. Damn that's a lot. Not mad at the mechanic, he has to eat too. Every industry is over charging.

[@1skippyman]

Thanks for sharing,same exact machine and problem.Odd the ECM drops dead from just sitting.Thanks again.

[@paulsimeonides2185]

Hi Mathew great video and very informative , I have the same model but different colour . The last time I rode my quad was 13 months ago and when I went to start it the ENGINE HOT light came on and it sounds like the fuel pump keeps running and the machine won't start . I thought it was bad fuel so I changed the fuel and eventually it started but kept shutting down . Sometimes the LCD just continuously flashes and sometimes it stays on with the CHECK ENGINE or HOT ENGINE showing , this is doing my head in as don't want to start changing parts unnecessarily and throwing away $$$ . You see down here in Australia we haven't got the ATV support network like you guys have with repair shops , we really only have the dealers who rip you off because they can . I did eventually get the 500 running but I left the key on for about 3 minutes and it sounded like the the fuel pump finally got pressure , surprisingly the thing ran for 20 minutes with the fan cycling on & off and no coughing or spluttering , I put it down to bad fuel . The next day it went back to the same faults with ENGINE HOT so now I'm going to have to take out another home loan and visit a Polaris dealer unless someone out there has any suggestions .

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Before taking the machine to a dealer I would find a Polaris blog where people brainstorm over issues concerning their ATVs or if you have Facebook you can find a Polaris ATV owners group. I just checked to make sure they are out there. One of my 'toys" is a Catalina 22 sailboat and I make use of the Catalina Sailboat group on FB and those guys with the collective knowledge can answer literally anything concerning my sailing vessel. I know some people will dislike this comment, but I will only take something to a dealership right before I choose to smash my head into a wall.

[@JuNiOrELVIEJO]

And what was the name or place on the internet!! Thanks...

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

You can always tell the ones that skip through a video. 5:29, literally went through the trouble of even printing it on the screen with the address. But, that's ok.

[@JuNiOrELVIEJO]

@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643 🤣🤣 naaa brother, honestly no skip. But i was not paying attention to what you put on the screen 🤦‍♂️. Thanks anyways 👍💪...

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

You're welcome.@@JuNiOrELVIEJO

[@brianhagar7766]

I have the same polaris and my battery light flashes would that be my ecm going bad

[@chemalupyvlogs8858]

Hello Matthew thank you for the great info, i have a 2006 polaris sportsman 500 that doesn't turn on everything look to be working on the dash but doesn't start on, where did you send the model to get it fox for cheaper??

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Thanks. I literally just got off the phone with my Father, trouble shooting his Polaris 500 side by side. Just clicks, he used a multimeter and traced it to the starter on his machine. Anyways, I sent my ECM to Modular Masters in Moscow, Idaho. Give them a call and see if they can help you if you think it's the ECM as they don't cover ALL ECMs.

[@paulbryans1732]

Hi Matthew! first of all thanks for the info! I think you just saved a lot of us a ton of money! Love the dog,, he also acts like he thinks you should use the four wheeler a little more often! What a great sidekick you have there!

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@Plflybit]

I don’t hang out with people like you. You get an opinion just to complain how it will cost money and brag about the money you saved doing it yourself. If you had friends you could have borrowed a computer 🤷‍♂️

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

LOL. I don't think I'm going to loose any sleep over it. I totally agree. I don't hang out with people not willing to show their face along with their words. You and I are not the same.

[@LuvelySwiftiess13]

That part you are replacing is the PDM.. the ECM is below the headlamp. Most mechanics have a set diagnostic charge to avoid the “gouging” you talk about, same price whether it takes 5 minutes or 5 hours. Tracing wiring on those Sportsmans can be a nightmare if you don’t have the right equipment to diagnose them.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

From your analogy, it strange that I fixed the ATV at all, since it only took me 45 minutes with a simple Walmart multi meter to track the problem down to the wrong part, and that includes removing the deck and side panels. Then me calling Modular Masters and providing the wrong name for the part and Modular Masters rebuilding the wrong part and labeled it the incorrect name on the invoice when they sent it back to me. It must be a miracle that the ATV fired up immediately after installing the part. Or just maybe, just maybe, this isn't that difficult after all and I sent in the correct part to have rebuilt.

[@Audigiant]

@@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643 Still the PDM and not the ECM, The ECM controls the spark + injection etc. The PDM distribute power to the starter switch, starter solenoid etc etc..

[@dingoschannel3228]

How were you able to trace power into and not out of the PDM? What pins are power?

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

I'm sorry. This video is 6 years old and I've slept since then. I've explained as much as I could on the video, which is much more than I remember today.

[@mapo130]

Great video ...i have the same problem but i want to fix it this modul .

[@alloutofdonuts3998]

Thanks for this vid. I hate when ***hole mechanics do that type of thing. It gives honest people a bad rep! Then you have to basically gouge yourself to make people happy and to stay in business! Ahhhh!

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Alloutofdonuts very true. Thanks for watching

[@JuanPerez-mg8dw]

Same deal at premier Polaris in monroe wa in the beginning was $100 and then they ask for o e more hour a week later they ask me for one more hour I say no I was going To pick it up my four wheeler a then he only changed me $90 dls I'm wondering why? May be

[@shadetreeracer3715]

Fire that guy should do that for free I do that's total bs

[@MrAlternation]

ill pay for the job , no by the hour lol

[@macariotorrez2121]

That is a PDM power distribution module you are replacing

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Strange the company that repaired it called it exactly what I called it in the video. Hmm go figure.

[@Hammerback0]

The mechanic probably felt like someone that couldn't test the ecm with a multimeter probably wouldnt know figure out a 4 hr @ 85.00 per hr was excessive.

[@erichill5208]

The part you say was bad the part in front of the radiator is the power distribution module. The ecm is the black box right under the handlebars

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

I'm using the terminology from the mechanic I sent it to, as I am no mechanic. Since I knew he was going to try and rip me off and I was going to have it repaired my way, I was very specific about him pointing out the part that was faulty. I contacted Module Masters using the same terminology as the mechanic and sent them the part. It came back repaired and the ATV immediately started once it was installed.

[@couchrider6228]

Why did you buy the machine ¿ probably need to bolt the bracket back on that ECM may ground thru that.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

If you are referring to the ATV I bought it when I had a 160 acreage. Sold the big acreage and I didn't need the ATV for the smaller acreages that I have.

[@townsendliving9750]

Try owning a mechanic shop, giving I dont know if he was a good mechanic or a bad mechanic. But you have to diagnose it to be confident in the part you're about to replace, if it takes 3 hours so be it. We also need to make alittle money on parts. If you buy a 500 dollar ecm and it doenst work, the mechanic kind of owns that ecm. And just lost 500. Givin this seems like a straight forward problem, sometimes it's not. Sometimes you loose your ass. And that sucks when you have a family to feed

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

All good points. I'm just one of those that likes to keep my money in my pocket if at all possible.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

All good points. I'm just one of those that likes to keep my money in my pocket if at all possible.

[@townsendliving9750]

Yea the best method is to have a spare ecm to swap out and make sure. I have fried a 2nd ecm that way as well. The mechanics at thedealers usually have them on the shelf for text purposes. I only work on diesel trucks, trying to fix my sportsman right now. Its defently tricky of you dont have a manual or guide to work with. That God for KZbin

[@Betanzio]

Hello I have had many problems if I leave battery connected for a long time and then it dies, the ECM will damage.

[@pierrecejudo6761]

Hey this is pierre. Great video. how long did it take for turnaround to get your module back?

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Hi Pierre, It's been a while since I did that, but I don't remember it taking too long at all. Maybe two weeks total from the time I shipped it to the time it was back in my hand.

[@jessicafleury9096]

quand je tourne la cle jai un courrant faible sur mon selenoid et ne demarre pas

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Je ne suis pas mécanicien. Mais, vérifiez la corrosion à l'extrémité des fils entre la batterie et le solénoïde. la corrosion pourrait empêcher toute l'électricité d'aller au solénoïde. Retirez les fils et nettoyez bien les extrémités. Recherchez également une rupture dans les fils qui peuvent toucher le métal. J'espère que Google a bien traduit cela. Bonne chance.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Thank you. Glad the video could be of some use.

[@peterfrench4612]

Good Afternoon Matthew Thanks for posting this video , I'm working on a Polaris Ranger and the ECM went bad no crank no start and Your right to replace one is ridiculously expensive, and rebuilding it just makes more sense and the warranty and turn around time sound Great!

[@zzzzzz...9902]

My dad has a 2006 can am outlander 800 and the problem with it is it won't start due to engine light. I pulled the code off of it after some research, and the code is p1656. This code according to the manual means D.E.S.S is shorted to ground. It told me to check the 2 wires going from the ignition switch connector to the ecm and I did that and there within spec. I turned on the ignition with the connector disconnected from the ecm and did the same check and again, the wires have continuity and is not shorted. I turn it off and plug connector back into ecm and again with the same engine light. So, I believe it's a short to ground inside the ecm. Do you know if module masters do ecm repair for can ams? P.S We lost his key about a year ago and had that replaced so I know it's not the key as we had the dealership program a new key for it. I also checked all fuses just for the heck of it and everything is good there too and it's not the ignition switch either as otherwise it wouldn't light up on the dash at all and wouldn't prime fuel pump if switch was bad.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

You will have to E-mail Module Masters as I don't work for them. There are some ECMs that they don't work on. I've been through the lost key bit before. My daughter lost our ATV key up in the mountains of Colorado during an elk hunt. That was a mess, but we found another replacement in Pagosa Springs during the trip.

[@zzzzzz...9902]

@@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643 Thanks for the comment. I will go ahead and do that then as I was just wondering if you knew. Great video btw!

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

@@zzzzzz...9902 Thanks, hopefully they can help you out. I know they saved me a LOT of money.

[@gradysanders2713]

You don’t have to program them?

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

It was ready to go when it was shipped to me. The Polaris ran like a champ after installing it.

[@gordonstennings7532]

hi mate Gordo from back yard tinkers in Australia just like to say that these guys fixed me problem with the PDM unit and speedy as well thank you for your for the information ill be putting up a video for fellow Australians as well as Australia has not got any information and polaris dealers do not have the intel to fix or provide options but only to supply a new one at 900AU defo a good fix comes to 375AU with exstnage rate at moment cheers mate awesome work

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Gordon Stennings I’m very glad to hear that the video was useful and glad you got the problem fixed. I had no idea that was the situation with Polaris over there.

[@gordonstennings7532]

hi mate yes very much appreciated i will be putting up a video on the repair as you have done.i cant thank you enough as i went right through the wierrring too and it lead back to that module Australian dealers over here do not have a idea but want to charge you there time on the impossible now i have one up on them and the correct info.I will be taking more of these on with same issue i have spoken to ModulMastrers in person and they are very good to deal with lovely to talk to and will answer any Q&A's so if any one from Australia reads this feel free to talk to me or Matty on your repair once again Matty thanks for your valuable information and hope karma brings back your fortunes my friend G ordo from back yard tinkers OVER AND OUT

[@zees5888]

On my 2004 330 atp my ecm is smoking it burn a little hole in the back and it smoks lol. Thank for the video

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Zee S, glad it came in handy.

[@1ropro]

Thanks for the video. My son is having the same problem. When you checked the ecm. Did you check voltage on the big red wire? If so was it 12v?

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

It's been a very long time ago, but I believe it was 12v. Hope the video was helpful.

[@1ropro]

@@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643 thanks

[@andyanderson6668]

Thanks, i just got one and supposedly with a new gauge, no manual, guess i investigate

[@stevehall7372]

Get ya self batt tender bro👍5$ cheaper then new batteries 😎

[@charlottebreland6152]

Where did you send the part to be refurbished?

[@nelsongranados8313]

Hello friend, a question when the ECM was damaged, the Speedometer or the information screen did not turn on or work for you.?? I would appreciate it I have a 2015 polaris 570 and it doesn't turn on but neither does the speedometer nor the information screen turn on I already changed all the fuses but the speedometer nor the atv doesn't turn on. I would appreciate your help

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

This was around 5 years ago so I had to review my own video to be able to answer your question. I answer your question 47 seconds into the video, 0:47. Hope you can track down the problem, if not, a mechanic will be able to help you out.

[@stacycantrell2187]

I have the 2008 year model, my issue has been while riding the four wheeler it will just die as if I reached up and turned the key off. It also Boggs down when at full throttle or at a slow speed when going through the slightest mud hole and the display shows the 4 wheel drive is engaged but the front axles won’t pull.. anyone have this issues or suggestions on what could be wrong...

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Stacy Cantrell hopefully some of the backyard mechanics can point you in the right direction. So basically anytime the ATV is place under an “X” amount of strain it struggles, not to include the times it outright dies on you. I’m going to lean toward a fuel flow problem. Fuel filter, fuel pump. Also NEVER run gas with ethanol through that machine. I did..... wait a minute , I had a similar problem years ago, but it did clear up on itself when I switched to pure gas no ethanol. Just remembered that while typing this . Lol. From what I understand, ethanol degraded the rubber in the gas lines allowing tiny pieces of rubber to mix with the gas. This could also jack up you injectors if it’s fuel injected like mine. Those are Super easy to clean, far easier than a carburetor. Lots of KZbin video on how to clean them including my own videos.

[@williamkenopke3900]

Very good video, thanks for sharing !

[@Rawusa]

I have 2005 Sportsman 500 , 2006 I snorkeled it , relocated rad,28” outlaw tires on it, beat on it in the swamps of Florida , I have over 3500 miles on it & still going , pull starter even works , use it & abuse it 👍😎die electric grease all wires for sure.

[@Tristanallen77]

I have a 2008 Polaris 450 and it’s having the exact same issues. How long did it take for that company to ship you’re ecm back to you?

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

I believe it was about two or three weeks at the most.

[@bryankerr69]

I have the same exact machine. Having a problem with the cooling fan. Fan works when power applied directly to it. Still diagnosing. Great machine otherwise.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Hi Bryan. I hope you get it figured out. They are powerful machines.

[@mikebrisebois]

Great help! Thanks

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

You are very welcome.

[@bubbabooeyboy]

Thanks. Really appreciate it.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Bubbabooey anytime.

[@benjamin.25junkie57]

what year model is this

[@coffeemaninsanity8596]

Great video

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Thanks

[@murphydandme284]

That thing not covered by the recall?

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

That vaguely rings a bell. Seems like it missed the recall by being the wrong year of ATV but not by much.

[@marciaklemp1072]

2006 Polaris sportsman 500 ecm

[@louherrera6]

I have a 2006 polaris ranger 700 and my ecm went out. I was wondering what the company was that you had rebuild it and if they had a site or phone number.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Module Master out of Moscow Idaho. You might call them first to make sure they can refurbish it for you. They did an awesome job on my Polaris but were unable to help me on my daughter’s Jeep Wrangler PCM.

[@mcoody4866]

How do I get in touch with the place that rebuilds them thanks

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Module Master out of Moscow Idaho. Google will fix you up with the number. Give them a call and make sure they can fix your specific ECM.

[@johnbalogna803]

Did the cost of rebuilding the ecm include the programing of it or did you have to have the dealer do that at additional cost??

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Programming was included. All I had to do was plug and play.

[@AT4AFT20]

what was the cost of repair i might have missed it in the video.. im looking at same situation but slightly different ecm. i have contacted the company you did just waiting for a response

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

AT4AFT20 the company refurbished the ECM for $150.00. Not including shipping. I paid the mechanic $200 but I really don't consider that part of the repair since he didn't do any more than I did on tracing wires.

[@AT4AFT20]

thank you i hope they can do mine.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

AT4AFT20 you're very welcome. I suspect they will have no trouble fixing it. Good luck.

[@andyanderson6668]

how come when it got fixed there was no fuel gauge

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

I may be mistaken but I believe this model has a couple of menu screens that you can pick through. I sold it last year, so I'm unable to confirm that.

[@mikecanby8687]

You tube 8s not a complaint department. This is all your own ignorance!

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Who are you directing this at?

[@tankabbot22]

Do you complain when you go to the doctors and the bill is $500? You couldn’t fix it! A mechanic diagnosed it for you. Sometimes it takes time to be 100%! Next time jut throw parts at it and see where your at!

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Thanks for playing.

[@Jack-ri6oi]

He said he narrowed it down to the ecm but took it to a mechanic to make sure. I'd be pissed if the guy pulled that same 4 hour shot on me as well. It took him and his daughter 45 minutes. Screw that mechanic

[@redcloud870]

Thank you Sir!

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

You are very welcome.

[@myemail3829]

I have done that and been there with mechanics diagnostic charges. Have the same machine as yours. Mine just went out as well. Like how your dog rides with you.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Hope you get yours up and running soon. They are strong machines.

[@razorsharptokill]

I have an 04 Sportsman 500 that has power to the dash and lights but will not turn the starter over. Tried a new solenoid, still no power to starter. Cross terminals on the solenoid and starter turns over... thoughts?

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

Keep in mind I'm not a mechanic, but with that being said.... Look up how a solenoid works and you will have an AHHH HAA moment. If I'm not mistaken a solenoid is nothing more than a large mechanical relay. A small bit of electrical current moves a large piece of metal in the solenoid to create a "bridge" between to metal bars so a much larger electrical current, directly from the battery, can pass through and kick the starter in gear. So the problem is probably a wire or corroded connection within your ignition switch or an in line fuse that has popped before the small current makes it to the solenoid. Check the solenoid for a small low current (red) wire and trace it back to the ignition switch/button. Use your multimeter has you go. Hope this helps.

[@googlemustdie]

Thank you so much for the info. my ECM is OK, but if it fails I know where to go. I can't find where the regulator is located so I'm going to pull the deck off tomorrow and see if it's near the ECM. Thanks again!

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

You are very welcome. Hope you discover the problem soon.

[@justinscott2494]

Mine has a charging issue I was told regulator is in ecm did you figure yours out? @googlemustdie

[@googlemustdie]

@@justinscott2494 I found low cost ecms on ebay that worked. They were like $35 each at the time. I had to switch the headlights to LED and now it works great, since about the time I asked this original question.