Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Manual - part 14

56

OPERATION

n

Engine Stop Switch

Push down on the engine 
stop switch () to ground 
out the ignition and stop 
the engine quickly. Pull 
the switch up to the ON 
position to allow restart-
ing.

n

Throttle Safety Switch

The throttle safety switch is designed to stop the engine whenever all 
pressure is removed from the throttle lever and the throttle cable or 
valves do not return to the normal closed position.

WARNING! Operating the snowmobile with a faulty throttle safety switch can 
result in serious injury or death in the event of an accident. If the throttle safety 
switch does not shut off the engine during a carburetor/throttle system 
malfunction, immediately push down the engine stop switch. Do not start the 
engine again until the malfunction has been corrected by your dealer.

Test the throttle safety 
switch system daily before 
operation.

1. Sit on the seat.

2. Start the engine and 

allow it to idle.

3. Hold the throttle lever 

pin stationary by exert-
ing pressure on the pivot pin in the direction shown in the illustra-
tion.

4. Apply a slight amount of throttle.  A properly functioning switch 

must shut down the engine.



57

OPERATION

Throttle Lever

WARNING! An improperly functioning throttle lever may cause erratic machine 
behavior and loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death. If the 
throttle lever does not work properly, DO NOT start the engine.

If the engine stops abruptly when the throttle lever is released:

1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.

2. Visually inspect the throttle cable and carburetor to determine what 

caused the safety switch to activate.

3. Test the throttle lever by compressing and releasing it several times.  

The lever and cable must return to the idle position quickly and 
completely.

4. If the throttle lever operates properly, turn the ignition switch on and 

go through normal starting procedures.

5. If the engine doesn't start, take the snowmobile to an authorized 

POLARIS dealer for service.

Excessive freeplay in the throttle cable may cause the safety switch to 
activate, preventing the engine from starting.  If this occurs, return the 
machine to an authorized POLARIS dealer for service.  

If an emergency exists and it's necessary to start the engine, the throttle 
safety switch and engine stop switch may be disconnected from the wire 
harness. When these switches are disconnected, the ignition key switch 
must be used to shut off the engine. DO NOT continue to operate the 
machine with the throttle safety switch disconnected. Return the 
machine to an authorized POLARIS dealer for service as soon as possi-
ble.

58

OPERATION

Electronic Reverse (PERCt)

Electronic reverse will activate only if the engine RPM is below 4000. If 
your machine is running at an altitude of over 6000 feet, adjust the igni-
tion setting as described on page 59. Always make sure the vehicle is 
stopped and the engine is running at idle before shifting to reverse

Tip: The engine will activate a misfire mode and begin to stutter after 45 sec-

onds in reverse. This feature protects the engine from overheating and will 
reset when it is shifted into forward or when the engine is stopped and 
restarted.

WARNING! Improper reverse operation, even at low speeds, may cause loss of 
control, resulting in serious injury or death. Damage will occur to the chaincase 
or transmission if shifting is attempted when the engine is operating above idle 
speed.

• Shift to or from reverse only when the snowmobile is stopped and when 

engine speed is at idle.

• Look behind the vehicle before and while backing.

• Avoid sharp turns.

• Apply throttle slowly.

59

OPERATION

Electronic Reverse (PERCt)

Engaging Reverse

1. Stop the snowmobile and leave the engine idling.

2. Make sure the area behind your vehicle is clear.

3. Push the yellow reverse button on the left-hand control for one sec-

ond, then release.  The engine will automatically reduce RPM and 
start a reverse rotation.  A flashing reverse light on the instrument 
panel will indicate that the machine is in reverse.

4. Apply the throttle slowly to make sure the machine is in reverse.

Tip: The maximum engine RPM will be 6000 when in reverse. 

Tip: If the engine stops running, the snowmobile will be in forward gear when it's 

restarted.

Disengaging Reverse

1. Stop the snowmobile and leave the engine idling. 

2. Push the yellow reverse button for one second and release.  The 

engine will slow and and begin to rotate forward.  The light on the 
instrument panel will shut off.

3. Apply the throttle slowly to make sure the machine is in forward.

Altitude Setting

At higher altitudes (above 6000 feet), the engine will require a different 
ignition setting to improve the success of the reverse system. To set for a 
higher altitude, start the engine and hold the button down until the light 
on the instrument panel flashes rapidly, then release the button.

To set the reverse for lower elevations, continue holding the button 
down until the reverse indicator light blinks slowly. Once set, it's stored 
in memory until changed, whether the machine is running or not.