Bad Tether / Intermittent engine problem

[Flying Dutchman]

I see a lot of posts where their engine bogs, misfires, shutoffs, etc. and just reminds me of a recent fix.
We have a 2013 Pro in our group that had intermittent running issues. (I know the machine history since new). Might bog out here and there, but then run great for days/weeks. The machine sounded exactly as if the TSS was activated. Over a period of a year, we did all kinds of checks, but in the end it turned out to be the OEM Tether switch. The switch worked, but was not getting depressed far enough. Seemed like it was right on that fine line of on or off. We actually ruled the switch out by holding the plunger down with a finger, so figuring it worked fine. But finally confirmed when we disconnected it from the harness.
A simple fix of adjusting the male end or installing something in the cap to depress the plunger (yes a tiny screw will work). Did this at beginning of the season and machine has been running great since.
So anyone with running issues and has the Polaris tether, it's simple to try, and might save you a lot of headaches.

 

[BeartoothBaron]

I have the same type of tether, thought not from Polaris. It started giving me issues the second season after I put it on, so I put a small nail in the little rubber peg, which helped for a while. But then, I think this is the third season with it, and the rubber had worn enough that it'd cut out intermittently when I wore it, so I rode around a day without it attached. Then it started cutting out just from the cord flopping around. The rubber plug type just isn't a good design unless you replace the plug every season. You should be able to buy a dozen for $1 each, but unfortunately it seems you have to buy the plug and cord for $10 each. Seems the magnetic type is the way to go, but unfortunately the aftermarket (and Polaris) are too lazy to make anything but the same old garbage.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

To be fair, the switch itself works fine, just have to make sure it's depressed far enough. I have the same tether on my 2015 since day one, and it still works perfect.

 

[sledhed]

I found that how fat the switch gets pushed in can also be affected by whether or not you use the washer that comes with the Polaris tether and / or which side of the plastic you put the washer on...