Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 1

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.

DANGER

A DANGER indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in 
death or serious injury.

WARNING

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

CAUTION

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

NOTICE

A NOTICE indicates a situation that could 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

8

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Stay Clear of Track

Your snowmobile is propelled by a revolving 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 igni-
tion, 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.

9

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Riding Apparel

Be prepared, be warm and be com-
fortable when riding. Be aware of the 
weather forecast, especially the wind-

chill, 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 estab-
lished 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. When-
ever 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.

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