Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Manual - part 1

4

INTRODUCTION

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: ___________________________________________________

Tunnel VIN (right side of the tunnel): _________________________________________

Engine Serial Number (on recoil housing): ____________________________________

Key Number: ___________________________________________________________

Important Notes for Owners and Drivers

After reading this manual, store it in the snowmobile for convenient ref-
erence. 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 neces-
sary to ensure warranty coverage.

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

Tunnel VIN

5

INTRODUCTION

Preservation of the Environment

POLARIS is committed to supporting an environmental education cam-
paign. We encourage governments to adopt rigorous safety training pro-
grams that encourage protection of our environment, including wildlife 
and vegetation.

Snowmobile clubs and other organizations are working together to pro-
tect 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 stan-
dards.  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 reduc-
tion 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.

6

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 sym-
bols 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.

7

SAFETY

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.

WARNING