Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 11

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.

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.

Ignition Switch

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

Tether Switch (if equipped)

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

Lighting

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

Mirrors (if equipped)

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

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

48

OPERATION

Emergency Stopping

The following chart lists methods for stopping the snowmobile in the 
event of an emergency. See page 56 for more information about the 
engine stop switch and throttle safety switch.

Break-In Period

Engine Break-In

No single action on your part is as important to long, trouble-free 
machine life as proper break-in of a new or rebuilt engine. Premix the 
first tank of fuel with one pint of POLARIS injection oil for each five 
gallons of fuel. This, in addition to the lubrication supplied by the injec-
tion system, will assure proper engine break-in.

NOTICE: Excessive heat build-up during the first three hours of operation will 

damage close-fitted engine parts. Do not operate at full throttle or high 
speeds for extended periods during the first three hours of use. Vary 
the throttle openings and machine speeds to reduce friction on all 
close-fitting machined parts, allowing them to break in slowly without 
damage.

Use of any lubricants other than those recommended by POLARIS 
may cause serious engine damage. We recommend the use of 
POLARIS lubricants for your vehicle.

Drive with extra caution during the break-in period. Perform regular 
checks on fluid levels, lines, and all other important areas of the 
machine.

SYSTEM

WHAT IT DOES

THROTTLE

CONDITION

Ignition Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Brake

Slows jackshaft

All

Choke

Floods engine

Half throttle or less

Engine Stop Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Throttle Safety Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Tether Switch (accessory) Interrupts ignition circuit

All

49

OPERATION

Break-In Period

Oil Injection System

Always check and fill the oil tank when refueling. See page 53.

NOTICE: Serious engine damage can occur without the proper lubrication. 

Check the oil tank level often during the first tank of fuel. If the oil level 
doesn't go down, contact your dealer immediately.

Oil Recommendations

Engine lubrication comes from oil added to the fuel and oil injection 
systems. POLARIS recommends the use of POLARIS Premium 2-
Cycle Semi-Synthetic Oil or VES Gold Plus 2-Cycle Oil for this engine. 
See page 102 for the part numbers of POLARIS products.

Never mix brands of oil. Serious chemical reactions can cause injection 
system blockage, resulting in serious engine damage. Oils may also be 
incompatible and the result could be sludge formation, filter blockage, 
and reduced cold weather flow rates. All POLARIS oils are compatible 
with each other.

Drive Belt Break-In

The break-in period for a new drive belt is 30 miles (48 km). During this 
time, vary the throttle position under 50% and limit full throttle use. 

New drive belts should be washed with warm, soapy water and allowed 
to air dry prior to use.

Always take time to warm up the belt and driveline prior to operating 
the snowmobile. Free the track and skis from the ground before engag-
ing throttle.