Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Manual - part 11

44

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

n Steering System

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.

n Track

WARNING! Operating the snowmobile with a damaged track increases the 
possibility of track failure, which could cause loss of control resulting in serious 
injury or death. Always inspect the track for damage before using the vehicle.

Use of traction products such as studs increases the possibility of track 
damage and/or failure. Driving at high speeds for extended periods of 
time in marginal lubrication could severely damage track rods, break 
track edges, and cause other track damage. Examples of marginal lubri-
cation would include frozen bodies of water without snow cover, icy 
trails, and no-snow conditions.

Tip: Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or poor lubrication con-

ditions voids the track warranty.

45

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

n Hood Latches

The hood of the snowmobile protects the operator from moving parts as 
well as aiding in sound emission control and other functions. Under no 
circumstances should your snowmobile be operated with the hood open 
or removed. Always ensure that the hood straps are in good condition 
and that the latches are securely in place before operating the snowmo-
bile.

n Recoil Rope

Inspect the recoil rope and handle for excessive wear, and make sure the 
knot securing the rope inside the handle is secure.  If excessive wear is 
found, see your POLARIS dealer for replacement.

n Pre-Ride Suspension Inspection

Loose nuts and bolts can reduce your snowmobile's reliability and cause 
needless repairs and down time.  Before beginning any snowmobile trip, 
a visual inspection will uncover potential problems.  Check the follow-
ing items on a weekly basis or before any long trip.

Item

Check

Page

Suspension mounting bolts

Tightness

--

Rear idler wheel bolts

Tightness

89

Rear idler adjusting bolt locknuts

Tightness

--

Torque arm bolts

Tightness

--

Carrier and bogie wheel bolts

Tightness

--

Front torque arm limiter strap

Condition

--

Rail slide

Condition

94

Track

Tension

88

All rear suspension components

Lubrication

66

Ski runner/skag

Condition

93

Ski spindle bolts

Tightness

--

Tie rod end nuts

Tightness

--

46

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Start the Engine and Check

Before starting the engine, always refer to all safety warnings pertaining 
to snowmobile operation. Never start your snowmobile without check-
ing all components to be sure of proper operation. See Before Starting 
the Engine beginning on page 41.

n

Engine Stop Switch

Check the auxiliary shut-off switch for proper operation.  Push the 
switch down to stop the engine.  Pull it up to allow restarting.

n

Ignition Switch

Make sure the engine stops when the ignition switch is turned to OFF.

n

Tether Switch (if equipped)

If your machine has a tether switch, remove the tether from the switch to 
make sure the engine stops immediately.

n

Lighting

Check the headlight (high and low beam), taillight, and brake light.  
Replace burned out lamps before operating.

n

Mirrors (if equipped)

Adjust the mirrors so they can be used to their full advantage.

n

Operating Area

Before driving away, check your surroundings. Be aware of obstacles 
and make sure bystanders are a safe distance from the machine. 

47

OPERATION

Starting the Engine

NOTICE: Engaging the starter when the engine is running WILL result in serious 

engine damage, especially if the transmission is in reverse. Never 
engage the starter when the engine is running.

1. Turn the fuel valve on. See 

page 52.

2. Turn the key to the ON 

position.

3. Pull the engine stop switch 

up to the RUN position.

4. If starting a cold engine, 

flip the choke toggle to 
FULL CHOKE. Do not use 
the choke if starting a warm 
engine. Do not depress the 
throttle until the engine 
starts.

CAUTION! To avoid injury and/or engine damage, do not operate the electric 
starter or pull-rope starter while the engine is running.

NOTICE: Don't pull the starter rope to the fully extended position and don't allow 

it to snap back into the housing. Damage may result.

5. If equipped with electric start, turn the key to START to crank the 

engine. Release the key to the ON position when the engine starts.

6. If not equipped with electric start, grasp the starter handle and pull 

slowly until the recoil engages; then pull abruptly to crank the 
engine.

7. Repeat the cranking procedure as needed until the engine starts.

8. After the engine starts, flip the choke toggle to the OFF position. If 

the engine slows or wants to stop, use intermittent choking to the 
HALF CHOKE position.

CHOKE POSITIONS

OFF

1/2 CHOKE

FULL CHOKE