Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Manual - part 20

80

MAINTENANCE

Lights

Do not touch a halogen bulb with bare fingers. Oil from skin leaves a 
residue, causing a hot spot that will shorten the life of the lamp. If fin-
gers do touch the bulb, clean it with an alcohol-moistened towel.

Headlight Bulb Removal

1. Remove the plenum covering 

from the headlight assembly.

2. Lift the rubber boot to expose 

the bulb.

3. Push down on the spring (1) to 

release it from the housing.

4. With the wire harness (2) 

attached to the bulb (3), with-
draw the bulb from the housing.

5. Grasp the bulb by its metal base 

and carefully separate the bulb from the harness.

Headlight Bulb Installation

1. Hold the bulb by its metal base and install it into the wire harness.

NOTE: Recommended replacement bulbs include H4, HB2 and 9003 bulbs.

2. Insert the bulb into the housing.

3. Connect the spring to the housing.

4. Carefully flip the spring back into the housing, placing it around the 

wire harness.

5. Reinstall the plenum covering on the headlight assembly.

6. Verify headlight aim.

1

2

3

81

MAINTENANCE

Lights

Taillight/Brakelight Replacement

1. Remove the screws securing the taillight lens. Remove the lens.

2. Push the bulb inward and turn it counterclockwise to remove it.

3. Install a new bulb. Push the bulb inward and turn it clockwise to 

secure it.

4. Reinstall the taillight lens.

82

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

Periodically inspect clutch sheaves for damage, wear or belt residue. To 
maintain optimum performance, clean with non-oil based cleaners such 
as isopropyl alcohol. 

NOTICE: If you become aware of higher than normal clutch engagement or an 

unusual vibration or shift pattern, see your dealer immediately. Do not 
operate the machine until repairs have been made. 

All clutch maintenance and repairs must be performed by an autho-
rized POLARIS dealer. Any unauthorized modifications to clutches, 
such as adding or removing weights, will void the warranty.

The bushings in the weights and rollers of POLARIS clutches are 
made of a material that may be damaged if lubricated. Do not lubri-
cate clutch bushings.

Clutch Alignment Offset

Clutch alignment offset is important for maintaining optimum perfor-
mance. See your dealer for service and adjustments. A special tool is 
required to check for proper alignment.

Clutch Center Distance

See your Owner's Manual Supplement for recommended center distance 
for your machine. If adjustment is necessary, see your dealer.

83

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

n Drive Belt Condition

Periodically check the condition and tension of the drive belt, and 
always carry a spare. Inspect the belt for signs of excessive wear: frayed 
edges, missing cogs, cracks and excessive looseness. Replace the belt if 
any of these conditions exist. See Drive Belt Troubleshooting on page 
103.

For improved drive-away during extremely cold temperatures, remove 
the belt and warm it to room temperature.  Reinstall it before starting the 
snowmobile.

Drive Belt Removal 

NOTICE: Do not attempt to remove the drive belt after operating in reverse. The 

snowmobile must be stopped after forward motion to prevent damage 
to components during belt removal.

1. Stop the engine after operating in a forward motion.

2. Turn the ignition key off. Wait for the engine to come to a complete 

stop.

3. Lock the parking brake.

4. Open the hood. 

5. Remove the left side panel.

6. Locate the L-wrench in the tool kit. Install the wrench into the open 

threaded hole in the outer sheave of the clutch.

7. Turn the wrench clockwise until the sheaves open far enough to 

remove the belt.