Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 6

26

FEATURES

1.

Fuel Filler Cap/Dipstick

2.

Recoil Starter Handle

3.

Reverse Indicator

4.

Headlight Adjuster

5.

Speedometer

6.

Engine Stop Switch

7.

Choke Lever

8.

Ignition Switch

9.

Brake Lever

10. Parking Brake
11. Handlebar Grip Warmer Switch
12. Thumbwarmer Switch
13. Electronic Reverse Button
14. Headlight Dimmer Switch
15. Throttle Control

1

8

6

2

7

4

5

3

13

14

10

11

12

9

15

27

FEATURES

Cargo Bag

The accessory cargo bag is secured to the 
rear of the tunnel with straps.

The maximum weight capacity for the 
cargo area is 30 lbs. (14 kg). Always 
secure cargo before operating. Do not 
exceed the weight limit. Do not allow a 
passenger to sit on the cargo area.

Adjustable Headlights

Adjust the headlight beam by moving 
the adjuster to the left or right.

Passenger Grab Handle

If equipped, the passenger grab handles 
can be adjusted for rider preference.

1. Remove the hardware securing the 

grab handles to the grab handle 
tube.

2. Reposition the grab handles to one 

of the three available positions and 
reinstall the hardware securely.

Cargo Bag

Adjustment Positions

28

THE PERFECT FIT

Front Suspension Adjustments

Independent Front Suspension (IFS)

Break in the suspension for about 150 miles (240 km) before making 
any fine-tuning adjustments. 

Settings will vary from rider to rider, depending on rider weight, vehicle 
speed, riding style, and trail conditions.  We recommend starting with 
factory settings and then customizing each adjustment individually to 
suit rider preference.  The machine should be methodically tested, one 
change at a time, under the same conditions (trail and snow conditions, 
vehicle speed, riding position, etc.) after each adjustment until the best 
ride is achieved. 

IFS Components

1. Skis

2. Front shocks and springs

3. Rod ends

4. A-arms

IFS Adjustment Options
• Front shock spring preload
• Optional springs

1

2

3

4

29

THE PERFECT FIT

Front Suspension Adjustments

Shock Spring Preload

Increasing spring preload will increase 
ski-to-ground pressure. Decreasing spring 
preload will decrease ski-to-ground pres-
sure. When adjusting, be sure the springs 
on both the left and right sides of the 
machine are at the same adjustment.

To change front shock spring preload, 
grasp the spring and rotate it.

Increasing the spring preload too much 
may adversely affect the handling of the 
snowmobile and the performance of the 
suspension. Never exceed one inch of pre-
load beyond the factory settings, and 
ensure that both sides are adjusted the 
same. When decreasing preload, make 
sure at least two turns of preload are hold-
ing the spring between the retainer on the 
top of the shock and the threaded spring 
preload adjuster nut on the shock body. 
Failure to do so could cause the retainer to fall off when the suspension 
is fully extended.

Tip: Not all models have shocks with thread adjustable spring preload. See your 

dealer for more information. 

NOTICE: On some models equipped with a plastic adjuster nut, the nut will 

break if it is unscrewed from the threaded body. Do not force the nut if 
resistance suddenly increases while you’re turning it.

Low

Preload

High

Preload