Polaris 550 IQ Shift User Manual

PMS 419

550 IQ Shift

550 IQ Shift ES

550 Shift 136

550 Shift 136 ES

550 IQ LXT

Snowmobile Owner's Manual

for Maintenance and Safety

WARNING

Read, understand, and follow all of the instructions and safety precautions in
this manual and on all product labels.

Failure to follow the safety precautions could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

The text is printed on 100% recycled

with 40% post-consumer waste (PCW).

PMS 419

For your nearest Polaris dealer,
call 1-800-POLARIS
or visit www.polarisindustries.com
Polaris Sales Inc.,
2100 Hwy. 55, Medina, MN 55340
Phone [phone]
Part No. 9922858 Rev 01
Printed in USA

*9922858 *

WELCOME

Thank you for purchasing a POLARIS vehicle, and welcome to our
world-wide family of POLARIS enthusiasts. Be sure to visit us online at
www.polarisindustries.com for the latest news, new product introduc­tions, upcoming events, career opportunities and more.

Here at POLARIS we proudly produce an exciting line of utility and
recreational products.

• Snowmobiles

• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

• RANGER

• Victory Motorcycles

• Low emission vehicles (LEVs)
We believe POLARIS sets a standard of excellence for all utility and

recreational vehicles manufactured in the world today. Many years of
experience have gone into the engineering, design, and development of
your POLARIS vehicle, making it the finest machine we've ever pro­duced.

For safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle, be sure to follow the
instructions and recommendations in this owner's manual. Your manual
contains instructions for minor maintenance, but information about
major repairs is outlined in the POLARIS Service Manual and should be
performed only by a factory certified Master Service Dealer
technician.

Your POLARIS dealer knows your vehicle b est and is interested in your
total satisfaction. Be sure to return to your dealership for all of your ser­vice needs during, and after, the warranty period.

We also take great pride in our complete line of apparel, parts and acces­sories, available through our online store at www .purepolaris.co m. Have
your accessories and clothing delivered right to your door!

®

utility vehicles

®

®

(MSD)

1

The following are registered trademarks of POLARIS Industries Inc.:

POLARIS

®

THE WAY OUT

®

®

IQ
IQ SHIFT

®

®

PERC

Copyright 2010 POLARIS Sales Inc. All information contained within this publication
is based on the latest product information at the time of publication. Due to constant
improvements in the design and quality of production components, some minor discrep­ancies may result between the actual vehicle and the information presented in this publi­cation. Depictions and/or procedures in this publication are intended for reference use
only. No liability can be accepted for omissions or in acc uracies. Any reprinting or reuse
of the depictions and/or procedures contained within, whether whole or in part, is
expressly prohibited.

The original instructions for this vehicle are in English. Other languages are provided as
translations of the original instructions.

Printed in U.S.A.
Owner's Manual P/N 9922858
2011 550 IQ SHIFT/ES, 550 SHIFT 136/ES, 550 IQ LXT

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

This section contains helpful information for owners and drivers and
illustrates the location of important identification numbers that should
be recorded in the owner's manual.

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

This section describes safe vehicle operation and identifies warning
decals and their locations.

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

This section identifies the locations of your snowmobile's controls and
features.

The Perfect Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

This section explains how to tailor the suspension and other features for
an optimum riding experience.

Pre-Ride Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

This section explains procedures that must be performed before riding.

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

This section explains proper engine break-in, operation of features and
general operating procedures.

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

This section defines your role, and your dealer's role, in your snowmo­bile's regular maintenance.

POLARIS Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

3

INTRODUCTION

H

Vehicle Identification Numbers

Record your snowmobile's identification numbers and key number in
the spaces provided. Remove the spare key and store it in a safe place.
Your key can be duplicated only by mating a POLARIS key blank with
one of your existing keys, so if both keys are lost, the ignition switch
must be replaced.

Vehicle Model Number: ___________________________________________________

H

Tunnel VIN (

Engine Serial Number (on recoil housing): ____________________________________

)(right side of the tunnel):_______________________________________

Key Number: ___________________________________________________________

Important Notes for Owners and Drivers

After reading this manual, store it in the snowmobile for convenient ref­erence. It should remain with the snowmobile when the snowmobile is
sold.

Follow the maintenance program outlined in this manual. Preventive
maintenance ensures that critical components of the snowmobile are
inspected by your dealer at specific mileage intervals.

You and your dealer must complete the registration form included with
your snowmobile and forward it to us. This completed form is neces­sary to ensure warranty coverage.

Protect and preserve your right to ride by joining your local trail riding
clubs.

4

INTRODUCTION

Preservation of the Environment

POLARIS is committed to supporting an environmental education cam­paign. We encourage governments to adopt rigorous safety training pro­grams that encourage protection of our environment, including wildlife
and vegetation.

Snowmobile clubs and other organizations are working together to pro­tect our environment. Please support their efforts and operate your
snowmobile with consideration for the protection and preservation of
our environment.

Noise Level

One of the most publicized issues about snowmobiles is noise. The
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the standard-setting body for
snowmobile development, recommends that snowmobiles conform to
prescribed sound levels.

POLARIS snowmobiles are engineered to conform to these SAE stan­dards. Our muffler systems are designed to reduce noise levels and
must not be altered or removed. The sound of your snowmobile may
not be welcome to non-snowmobilers, so you have a responsibility to
operate your snowmobile with concern for others. We do our part by
manufacturing quieter machines; we ask your help to further reduce the
impact of noise by operating your snowmobile safely and responsibly.

Air Pollution

POLARIS engineers continuously investigate ways to reduce emission
levels of two-stroke engines. We expect our efforts to lead to the reduc­tion of potential air pollution.

In addition to our technological research, we encourage government
agencies, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, ecologists, and other
interested parties to work together to develop data on environmental
topics.

5

SAFETY

Operator Safety

The following signal words and symbols appear throughout this manual
and on your vehicle. Your safety is involved when these words and sym­bols are used. Become familiar with their meanings before reading the
manual.

The safety alert symbol indicates a potential personal injury hazard.

WARNING

A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
death or serious injury.

CAUTION

A CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE

A NOTICE indicates a situation that may result in property damage.

The Prohibition Safety Sign indicates an action NOT to take in order
to avoid a hazard.

The Mandatory Action Sign indicates an action that NEEDS to be
taken to avoid a hazard.

6

SAFETY

WARNING

Operator Safety

Follow the recommended maintenance program beginning on page 62
of this manual to ensure that all critical components on the snowmobile
are thoroughly inspected by your dealer at specific mileage intervals.

Driving a snowmobile requires your full attention. DO NOT drink alcohol or use
drugs or medications before or while driving or riding as a passenger. They will
reduce your alertness and slow your reaction time.

Snowmobiles are capable of traveling at high speeds. Use extra caution to
ensure operator safety. Make sure your snowmobile is in excellent operating
condition at all times. Always check major and vital safety components before
every ride.

All POLARIS snowmobiles are designed and tested to provide safe operation
when used as directed. Failure of critical machine components may result from
operation with any modifications, especially those that increase speed or power.
DO NOT MODIFY YOUR MACHINE. The snowmobile may become
aerodynamically unstable at speeds higher than those for which it is designed.
Loss of control may occur at higher speeds. Modifications may also create a
safety hazard and lead to bodily injury.

The warranty on your entire machine is terminated if any equipment has been
added, or any modifications have been made, to increase the speed or power of
the snowmobile.

7

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Stay Clear of Track

Your snowmobile is propelled by a revo lving track that must be partially
exposed for proper operation.

WARNING! Serious injuries may result if hands, feet, or clothing become
entangled in the track. Be alert when riding, and remain properly seated to stay
clear of the track. Never hold the snowmobile up or stand behind it while
warming up the track. A loose track or flying debris could cause serious injury or
death. We recommend having your dealer perform all track service and
alignment procedures.

Stay Clear of Engine

Never attempt adjustments with the engine running. Turn off the igni­tion, raise the hood, make the adjustment, secure shields and guards,
secure the hood, and then restart the engine to check its operation.

WARNING! Serious injury can occur if fingers or clothing contact the moving
parts of an engine. Always stop the engine before attempting adjustments.

Riding Position

Operating a snowmobile requires skill and balance for proper control.
Rider positions may vary with experience and the features available on
some snowmobiles, but under many conditions, the proper position is to
be seated with both feet on the running boards and both hands on the
handlebar grips for proper throttle, brake and steering control.

WARNING! Improper riding position may reduce control and could result in
serious injury or death. Always ride in a position that allows for control of your
vehicle.

8

SAFETY

E

4

051039

0006.31

Operator Safety

Riding Apparel

Be prepared, be warm and be com­fortable when riding. Be aware of the
weather forecast, especially the wind­chill, and dress accordingly. See the
chart on page 20.

WARNING! Avoid wearing loose clothing
or long scarves, which can become
entangled in moving parts and cause
serious injury.

Helmet

Wearing a helmet can prevent a
severe head injury . Whenever riding a
POLARIS vehicle, always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds estab­lished safety standards.

Approved helmets in the USA and Canada bear a U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) label.

Approved helmets in Europe, Asia and Oceania
bear the ECE 22.05 label. The ECE mark consists
of a circle surrounding the letter E, followed by the
distinguishing number of the country which has
granted approval. The approval number and serial
number will also be displayed on the label.

Eye Protection

Do not depend on eyeglasses or sunglasses for eye protection. When­ever riding a POLARIS vehicle, always wear shatterproof goggles or
use a shatterproof helmet face shield. POLARIS recommends wearing
approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing markings such
as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE. Make sure protective eye wear is kept
clean.

9

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Survival Preparation

For your safety, always ride in a group of other snowmobilers. Always
tell someone where you're going and how long you expect to be gone. If
it isn't possible to ride with others, and you must travel into remote
areas, always carry survival equipment that's appropriate to the condi­tions you may encounter. Such equipment may include, but is not lim­ited to: extra clothing, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, food and water, a
signaling mirror, a means of building a fire, and a two-way radio or cel­lular telephone.

For added protection, carry the following items on your snowmobile at
all times:

• Spare Drive Belt • Winter Survival Kit

• Extra Set of Spark Plugs • Trail Map

• Tow Rope • Owner's Manual

• Extra Oil • First Aid Kit

• Fuel Deicer • Tool Kit

Disabled Operators

Safe operation of this rider-active vehicle requires good judgement and
physical skills. Operators with cognitive or physical disabilities have an
increased risk of loss of control, which could result in serious injury or
death.

Cargo Overload

Too much weight on the rear of the machine may reduce your ability to
steer. If equipped, do not exceed carrier and rack weight limits, and do
not allow a passenger to sit on the cargo carrier.

10

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Rider Capacity

Driving 1-Up - Some POLARIS snowmobiles are designed for a single
rider only. A decal on the console of these models indicates single rider
operation. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider snowmobile.

Driving 2-Up - Some POLARIS snowmobiles are designed for up to
two riders. A decal on the console of these models indicates that the
vehicle is designed for one operator and one passenger only.

WARNING! Control becomes more difficult with two people on board. More
space is required to make turns, and longer distances are needed for stopping.
Make sure the passenger remains seated behind the driver, facing forward, with
both feet placed firmly on the running boards. Slow down and avoid “jumping”
your snowmobile.

Snowmobiles designed for two riders should never be operated with
more than two people on board. When traveling with a passenger, it’s
the driver’s responsibility to operate the snowmobile safely.

Slow down! Control becomes more difficult with two people on board.
More space is required to make turns, and longer distances are necessary
for stopping.

Excessive Speed

WARNING! High speed driving, especially at night, could result in serious injury

or death. Always reduce speed when driving at night or in inclement weather.

Always observe all laws governing snowmobile operation and speed
limits. Always be alert and pay attention to the trail ahead. Multiplying
speed (MPH) by 1.5 will equal the approximate number of feet per sec­ond your machine travels. If your speed is 40 MPH, your machine is
traveling about 60 feet per second. If you look back for only two sec­onds, your machine will travel about 120 feet. If your speed is 60 MPH,
your machine will travel about 180 feet in two seconds.

Traveling at night requires extra caution. Check headlight and taillight
to ensure proper operation, and don't over-drive your headlight beam.
Always be able to bring your machine to a stop in the distance illumi­nated by the headlight.

11

SAFETY

RR

Operator Safety

Driver Awareness

Slow down when traveling near poles,
posts, or other obstacles. Be especially
alert if you're snowmobiling after dark.
Always be on the alert for wire fences.
Single strands are especially dangerous,
since there may be a great distance
between posts. Guy wires on utility poles
are also difficult to distinguish.

Make sure the way is clear before crossing
railroads and other roads and highways.
The noise of your machine will drown out
the sound of approaching vehicles. Look
ahead, behind, and to both sides before
turning or crossing railroad tracks or high­ways. Steep embankments may also hide
your view. Always leave yourself a way
out.

Variances in snow depth and/or water currents may result in uneven ice
thickness. Always check with local residents or authorities for general
information on conditions when traveling on lakes and streams that are
strange to you. Before riding your snowmobile on a frozen body of
water, be sure the ice is thick enough to support the snowmobile and its
operator, as well as the force created by a moving vehicle. You may
drown if you and the snowmobile break through the ice.

When teaching inexperienced operators to ride, set up a predetermined
course for practice. Make sure they know how to drive and control the
snowmobile before allowing them to make longer trips. Teach them
proper snowmobile courtesy, and enroll them in driver's training and
safety courses sponsored by local or state organizations.

12

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Avalanches

Snowmobilers should always be properly
trained and equipped before traveling in
mountainous terrain:

• Take an avalanche clas s

• Travel with experienced people

• Travel on designated trails

• Make sure each person is equipped
with a shovel, probe and avalanche
beacon.

You don't have to be snowmobiling on a slope for an avalanche to occur .
Be aware that all of the snow is connected. You may be riding on a flat
slope or snow covered road, but if the snowpack above is unstable
enough you can trigger an avalanche on a steeper slope above you.
Always be aware of snow conditions above you as you travel in moun­tainous terrain.

Before riding in mountainous terrain, call or log on to your local ava­lanche advisory to get current weather and snow stability information.

For more information about avalanche training and avalanche condi­tions, contact local law enforcement in your area, or visit either the
American Avalanche Association online at www.americanavalancheas­sociation.org or the U.S. Forest Service National Avalanche Center at
www.avalanche.org.

13

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Ice and Snow Build-up

WARNING! Ice and snow build-u p may interfere with the steering of your

machine, resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free of
snow and ice.

Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice
and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty
is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing
the steering linkage.

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

WARNING! Never attempt an abrupt change of direction when operating on

slippery surfaces. Proceed slowly and use extra caution. Driving on ice or hard­packed snow reduces steering and braking control, which may result in loss of
control and serious injury or death. Slow down and use extra caution when
operating on slippery surfaces.

14

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driving Downhill

When riding downhill, shift your weight to the rear of the machine and
reduce your speed to a minimum. Apply just enough throttle to keep the
clutch engaged, allowing the engine's compression to help slow the
machine and keep it from rolling freely downhill.

WARNING! When driving on long downhill stretches, pump the brakes. Riding
the brakes may cause the brake system to overheat, which may result in brake
failure. Excessive or repetitive use of the brakes for high speed stops will also
cause an overheated brake system. This condition may lead to a sudden loss of
brakes and/or fire and may result in serious injury or death.

15

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driving in Hilly Terrain

WARNING! Climbing a hill or crossing th e face of a slope may result in loss of

balance and machine roll-over, causing serious injury or death. Use caution and
good judgement when driving in hilly terrain.

Use extra caution when operating in hilly terrain. If climbing a hill is
unavoidable, keep your weight low and forward. If you must cross the
face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the machine to
maintain proper balance and avoid possible roll-over.

Slow down when reaching the crest of a hill. Be prepared to react to
obstacles, sharp drops or other people or vehicles that may be on the
other side of the hill.

If you're unable to continue up a hill, turn the machine downhill before
it loses momentum. If this isn't possible, spin the track just enough to
dig in to prevent it from rolling back down the hill. S top the engine and
set the parking brake (if equipped). Keeping away from the downhill
side of the machine, pull the rear of the snowmobile around and point
the front end and skis downhill. Remount the machine, restart the
engine, release the parking brake, and descend the hill carefully.

16

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Drive Belt

Do not operate the engine with the drive belt removed.

Any servicing that requires operation without a belt must be performed
by your dealer. Operation of the engine with the belt removed may
result in injury or damage to the engine.

Intake Silencer

Do not operate the engine with the intake silencer or filter removed.

Damage to the engine may occur if the intake silencer or filter are
removed.

Clutches

Do not attempt to service the clutches.

All clutch service must be performed by your dealer. The clutch is a
complex mechanism that rotates at high speeds. Each clutch is dynami­cally balanced before installation. Any tampering may disrupt this pre­cision balancing and create an unstable condition.

Cold Weather Drive-Away

Whenever your snowmobile has been parked for a length of time, espe­cially overnight, always make sure the skis and track are loosened from
ice and snow before attempting to drive. Apply the throttle with enough
authority to put the snowmobile into motion, but always operate within
safety limits and, on 2-up machines, with respect for a passenger.

Maneuverability

While much control and maneuverability is achieved through the steer­ing system and skis, maximum control is achieved by the shifting of
your body weight. Maneuverability will change for lighter operators or
snowmobiles designed to carry a load or a passenger.

Maintenance

Follow the recommended maintenance program beginning on page 62
of this manual to ensure that all critical components on the snowmobile
are thoroughly inspected by your dealer at specific mileage intervals.

17

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Inadequate Snow Conditions

WARNING! Do not drive for prolonged periods on blacktop, gravel, or ic e.

Doing so could cause irreversible track damage and lead to serious injury.

Since snow provides the only lubrication for the power slide suspension
and, on liquid cooled models, cooling for the engine, adequate snow
cover is a requirement for operation of your machine. Driving in too lit­tle snow will result in excessive wear and damage to the slide rail, track
and/or engine.

If the machine becomes stuck in snow, clear the running board area of
snow, then step down the snow in front of the machine so that when the
throttle is opened, the snowmobile will be able to climb up and over the
snow.

NOTICE: When operating on icy surfaces or hard-packed snow, avoid overheat-

ing the slide rail and track. Lack of lubrication and cooling will cause
overheating of the slide rail and track, resulting in premature wear and
failure. If frequently operating in low cooling conditions, see your
dealer for an optional wheel kit that will reduce the wear from over­heating.

18

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driving Responsibly

Every snowmobile handles differently, and even the most docile condi­tions may become dangerous if operators drive improperly. If you're
new to snowmobiling, acquaint yourself with the machine and with
what it will and won't do under various conditions. Even seasoned driv­ers should spend some time getting the feel for a machine before
attempting ambitious maneuvers.

• A snowmobile depends on the rider's body position for proper bal­ance in executing turns, traversing hills, etc. Always start on a
smooth, level area to begin building your operating experience.

• Before allowing someone else use your snowmobile, know the extent
of their operating skills. Check to see if they've taken a snowmobile
safety course and have an operator's certificate. For their protection,
as well as yours, make sure they take a snowmobile safety course.
Everyone can benefit from the course.

• Don't "jump" your snowmobile over large drifts or similar terrain.
Jumping may injure your back because of spinal compression that
could occur when the snowmobile impacts the ground. The seat and
suspension of your snowmobile have been designed to provide pro­tection under normal riding conditions. Your snowmobile is not
intended for this kind of use.

• Be courteous to oncoming traffic by dimming your headlights and
reducing your speed.

• When traveling in a group of snowmobiles, don't tailgate (follow too
closely). Leave enough distance between snowmobiles to provide
ample stopping room and to provide protection from flying snow and
debris. Allow even more distance when driving on slippery surfaces
or when driving in darkness or other low visibility conditions. Be
aware of any snowmobile traffic around your vehicle. Drive defen­sively to avoid accidents.

• Remove the key from the ignition when you leave the snowmobile
unattended.

19

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Windchill/Temperature Charts

The following information is provided to help you determine when tem­peratures become dangerous for riding.

WINDCHILL CHART (_F)

Wind

Speed

40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45

in

MPH
Calm 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15

5 3631251913 7 1 -5-11-16
10 34 27 21 15 9 3 -4 -10 -16
15 32 25 19 13 6 0 -7 -13
20 30 24 17 11 4 -2 -9 -15
25 29 23 16 9 3 -4 -11 -17
30 28 22 15 8 1 -5 -12
35 28 21 14 7 0 -7 -14
40 27 20 13 6 -1 -8 -15
45 26 19 12 5 -2 -9 -16
50 26 19 12 4 -3 -10 -17
55 25 18 11 4 -3 -11
60 25 17 10 3 -4 -11

Frostbite in >>

Actual Thermometer Reading (_F)

Equivalent Temperature (_F)

-20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45

-22 -28 -34 -40 -46 -52 -57 -63

-22 -28 -35 -41 -47 -53 -59 -66 -72

-19 -26 -32 -39 -45 -51 -58 -64 -71 -77

-22 -29 -35 -42 -48 -55 -61 -68 -74 -81

-24 -31 -37 -44 -51 -58 -64 -71 -78 -84

-19 -26 -33 -39 -46 -53 -60 -67 -73 -80 -87

-21 -27 -34 -41 -48 -55 -62 -69 -76 -82 -89

-22 -29 -36 -43 -50 -57 -64 -71 -78 -84 -91

-23 -30 -37 -44 -51 -58 -65 -72 -79 -86 -93

-24 -31 -38 -45 -52 -60 -67 -74 -81 -88 -95

-18 -25 -32 -39 -46 -54 -61 -68 -75 -82 -89 -97

-19 -26 -33 -40 -48 -55 -62 -69 -76 -84 -91 -98

30 min. 10 min. 5 min.

WINDCHILL CHART (_C)

Wind

Speed

5 2 -1 -4 -7 -10 -13 -16 -19 -22 -25 -28 -31 -34 -37 -40 -43 -46

in

KPH

Calm 5 2 -1 -4 -7 -10 -13 -16 -19 -22 -25 -28

8 3 0 -4 -7 -11 -14 -18 -22 -25 -29
16 2 -2 -6 -10 -13 -17 -21 -24 -28
24 1 -3 -7 -11 -15 -19 -22 -26
32 0 -4 -8 -12 -16 -20 -24 -28
40 -1 -5 -9 -13 -17 -21 -25 -29
48 -1 -5 -9 -13 -18 -22 -26
56 -2 -6 -10 -14 -18 -22 -26
64 -2 -6 -10 -15 -19 -23 -27
72 -2 -7 -11 -15 -19 -23 -28
80 -3 -7 -11 -15 -20 -24 -28
88 -3 -7 -12 -16 -20 -24
96 -3 -8 -12 -16 -21 -25

Frostbite in >>

20

Actual Thermometer Reading (_C)

Equivalent Temperature (_C)

-32 -36 -39 -43 -46 -50 -53 -57

-32 -36 -39 -43 -47 -50 -54 -58 -62

-30 -34 -38 -42 -45 -49 -53 -57 -61 -65

-32 -36 -39 -43 -47 -51 -55 -59 -63 -67

-33 -37 -41 -45 -49 -53 -57 -61 -65 -69

-30 -34 -38 -42 -46 -50 -54 -58 -62 -66 -70

-31 -35 -39 -43 -47 -51 -55 -59 -64 -68 -72

-31 -35 -40 -44 -48 -52 -56 -61 -65 -69 -73

-32 -36 -40 -45 -49 -53 -57 -61 -66 -70 -74

-33 -37 -41 -45 -50 -54 -58 -62 -67 -71 -75

-29 -33 -37 -42 -46 -50 -55 -59 -63 -67 -72 -76

-29 -34 -38 -42 -47 -51 -55 -60 -64 -68 -73 -77

30 min. 10 min. 5 min.

-31 -34 -37 -40 -43 -46

SAFETY

Safety Decals and Locations

Warning decals have been placed on the snowmobile for your protec-

tion. Read and follow the instructions of the decals and other warnings

on the snowmobile carefully. If any of the decals depicted in this manual

differ from the decals on your snowmobile, always read and follow the

instructions of the decals on the snowmobile.

If any decal becomes illegible or comes off, contact your POLARIS

dealer to purchase a replacement. Replacement safety decals are pro-

vided by POLARIS at no charge. The part number is printed on the

decal.

Clutch Cover Warning

This warning decal is found under the hood on the clutch cover:

WARNING
Do not operate engine with hood open.
Do not attempt adjustment with engine running.
Do not operate engine with plenum/belt guard removed.
Never run engine with drive belt removed.
Never service clutches yourself -- see your dealer.

21

SAFETY

H

H

Safety Decals and Locations

Track Warning

The track warning decal is on the
rear of the tunnel:

Stay clear of track. Do not sit
on seat back. Entanglement
with the track or a fall from seat
back may result in severe
injury or death.

"No Passenger" Warning

Snowmobiles designed for single­rider use have a warning decal on
the lower right console.

WARNING
This vehicle is designed for

operator only.
“NO PASSENGER”

Passenger Warning

Snowmobiles designed for an oper­ator and one passenger have a
warning decal on the lower right
console.

WARNING
This vehicle is designed for

operator and “ONE” passenger
only.

22

SAFETY

H

H

Safety Decals and Locations

Reverse Warning

The reverse warning decal is located

on the upper console:

WARNING
Reverse operation, even at low

speeds, can cause loss of control
resulting in serious injury or
death. To avoid loss of control,
always:

• Look behind before and while
backing up.

• Avoid sharp turns.

• Shift to or from reverse only
when stopped.

• Apply throttle slowly.

NOTE: For more information, see Owner's Manual.
If electric reverse:

• Machine stopped and engine at idle, push yellow button on LH con­trol to reverse. Flashing light on dash indicates reverse operation.

• Push button again to return to forward.

Operation Warning

The operation warning decal is
located on the lower console. See
page 24 for the text.

23

SAFETY

Safety Decals and Locations

Operation Warning

• To avoid serious injury or death, read and understand all warnings
and the Owner's Manual before operation. If manual is missing, con­tact a POLARIS dealer for a replacement.

• This vehicle is capable of high speeds. Buried objects or uneven
terrain can cause loss of control. Reduce speed and use extreme
caution when operating in unfamiliar terrain.

• Excessive speed, especially at night or with limited visibility, can
result in insufficient time for you to react to terrain changes, to
avoid unexpected obstacles, or to stop safely.

• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this vehi­cle.

• In an emergency, push down the Auxiliary Shut-Off Switch, located
on the top of the throttle control assembly, to stop the engine. Then
pull the brake lever to stop.

• Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection, and adequate
clothing while operating this vehic le .

• This vehicle is designed for adult use only. Check local laws for age
requirements.

• When operating with a passenger (on approved models only)
reduce speed and allow extra space for steering and stopping. A
passenger reduces your ability to control the vehicle.

• When operating on hard-packed snow, ice, or when crossing roads,
steering and braking ability are greatly reduced. Reduce speed and
allow extra space to turn or stop.

• To maint a in vehicle control on ice or hard-packed surfaces, you
should have a proper balance of ski carbides to track studs. See
Owner's Manual for proper use of traction products.

• Repeated stops from high speed may cause fading or sudden loss
of braking ability.

• Parking brake may relax when used for long periods. Do not leave
brake engaged for more than five minutes.

• Before starting engine, check throttle, brake, and steering for proper
operation. Make sure hood is latched. Be seated and in position to
control the vehicle.

Oil injection system: Use unmixed fuel only. Check oil level when
refueling.

24

FEATURES

5

11

2

3

4

10

8

12

13

14

1

9

7

6

15

16

17

18

19

1. Hood

2. Headlight

3. Windshield

4. Handlebar

5. Seat

6. Taillights

7. Rear Bumper

8. Snow Flap

9. Console Storage Compartment
(if equipped)

10. Suspension

11. Track

12. Skis

13. Nosepan

14. Front Bumper (do not use for pulling or dragging the snowmobile)

15. Passenger Grab Handle (LXT)

16. Passenger Seat (LXT)

17. Passenger Backrest (LXT Accessory)

18. Cargo Bag (LXT Accessory)

19. Cargo Rack (LXT Accessory)

25

FEATURES

1

8

6

2

7

4

5

3

13

14

10 11

12

9

15

1. Fuel Filler Cap/Dipstick

2. Recoil Starter Handle

3. Reverse Indicator

4. Headlight Adjuster

5. Speedometer

6. Engine Stop Switch

7. Choke Lever

8. Ignition Switch

9. Brake Lever

10. Parking Brake

11. Handlebar Grip Warmer Switch

12. Thumbwarmer Switch

13. Electronic Reverse Button

14. Headlight Dimmer Switch

15. Throt tle Co nt ro l

26