Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 14

58

OPERATION

Electronic Reverse (PERC)

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 (PERC)

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.

60

OPERATION

Towing

Do not use the front bumper to pull or drag the snowmobile. The front 
bumper is not designed for this type of use and may detach from the 
vehicle if force is applied.

For your safety, do not attempt to use a tow hitch until you've read the 
following warnings and understand the proper hitch functions.

WARNING! Objects towed with a rope have no braking power and can easily 
collide with the rear of the snowmobile or other objects, resulting in serious 
injury or death. DO NOT tow toboggans, sleds, saucers, or any type of vehicle 
with a rope. 

Only a stiff metal pole connecting the towed object and the tow hitch on 
the snowmobile should be used. If passengers are to be towed on a 
toboggan or sled, make sure the pole is at least four feet (1.2 meters) 
long to prevent any possibility of contact between the snowmobile's 
track and a person riding in the towed object.

Braking distances increase when towing loads. Slow down to maintain 
control of the snowmobile.

If the snowmobile becomes inoperable and must be towed, and if it isn't 
possible to use a rigid tow bar, attach the tow rope to the ski spindles 
(not to the ski loops) to prevent damage to the steering components. 
Remove the drive belt before towing, and have someone ride on the 
towed snowmobile to operate the brake and steering when necessary.

NOTICE: Towing a disabled snowmobile with the drive belt in place can result in 

serious damage to the engine and drive system. Always remove the 
drive belt from a disabled snowmobile before towing.

61

MAINTENANCE

Emission Control Information

Any qualified repair shop or qualified person may maintain, replace, or 
repair the emission control devices or systems on your snowmobile.

Emission Control Label

Your snowmobile is equipped at the time of sale with an emission con-
trol information (ECI) label and a factory-installed emissions informa-
tion hangtag. These items are required by U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency regulations. The ECI label is permanently affixed to 
either the right side of the tunnel or the engine recoil cover. The ECI 
label should not be removed, even after you purchase the snowmobile. 
You may remove the factory-installed emissions information hangtag, 
which is intended solely for your use in making a purchasing decision.

Emission Control Maintenance Requirements

Your snowmobile is certified to operate on gasoline with a minimum 
octane level of 87 (R+M)/2. If your snowmobile is equipped with a 
check engine light and it comes on, you must take your snowmobile to a 
qualified dealer for diagnostic service. Specifications and adjustments 
for engine tune-ups are located in the Service Manual, which is avail-
able to your qualified service technician. Reverse (if equipped) must not 
be engaged during engine tune-ups.

Owner's Responsibilities

Please read the U.S.A EPA Emissions Limited Warranty beginning on 
page 117, and read the maintenance section of your owner's manual. 
You are responsible for ensuring that the specified maintenance is per-
formed. POLARIS recommends that you contact an authorized 
POLARIS dealer to perform any service that may be necessary.

Non-ionizing Radiation

This vehicle emits some electromagnetic energy. People with active or 
non-active implantable medical devices (such as heart monitoring or 
controlling devices) should review the limitations of their device and the 
applicable electromagnetic standards and directives that apply to this 
vehicle.