Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 6

22

SAFETY

Safety Decals and Locations

Warning decals have been placed on the snowmobile for your protec-

tion. Read and follow the instructions of the decals and other warnings 

on the snowmobile carefully. If any of the decals depicted in this manual 

differ from the decals on your snowmobile, always read and follow the 

instructions of the decals on the snowmobile. 

If any decal becomes illegible or comes off, contact your Polaris dealer 

to purchase a replacement. Replacement safety decals are provided by 

Polaris at no charge. The part number is printed on the decal.

Clutch Cover Warning

This warning decal is found under the hood on the clutch cover:

WARNING
Do not operate engine with hood open.
Do not attempt adjustment with engine running.
Do not operate engine with plenum/belt guard removed.
Never run engine with drive belt removed.
Never service clutches yourself -- see your dealer.

Air Box Warning

This warning decal is found under the hood on applicable models:

CAUTION
Do not operate above 40 mph with hood-to-air box foam removed 

or engine failure will result.

23

SAFETY

Safety Decals and Locations

Track Warning

The track warning decal is on the 

rear of the tunnel:

WARNING
Stay clear of track. Do not sit on 

seat back. Entanglement with the 

track or a fall from seat back can 

result in severe injury or death.

Passenger Warning

Polaris touring models are 

designed for the operator and 

one passenger. For more infor-

mation on operating with a pas-

senger, see page 11.

The passenger warning decal is 

located at the right side of the 

steering post:

WARNING
This vehicle is designed for 

operator and ONE passenger 

only.

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24

SAFETY

Safety Decals and Locations

Electronic Reverse Warning

Polaris snowmobiles equipped 

with electronic reverse have a 

reverse warning decal on the 

lower dash:

WARNING
Reverse operation, even at low 

speeds, can cause loss of con-

trol resulting in serious injury 

or death. To avoid loss of con-

trol, always:

• Look behind before and 

while backing up.

• Avoid sharp turns.
• Shift to or from reverse only 

when stopped.

• Apply throttle slowly.

For more information, see Owner's Manual.
If electric reverse:

• Machine stopped and engine at idle, push yellow button on LH con-

trol to reverse. Flashing light on dash indicates reverse operation.

• Push button again to return to forward.
• Elevation setting (above 6000 feet): push and hold for longer than 5 

seconds to set. Let go of button at desired setting-fast flash for high 

elevation, slower flash for low. Setting will remain until changed.

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25

SAFETY

Safety Decals and Locations

Operation Warning

The operation warning decal is located on the console:

WARNING

• To avoid serious injury or death, read and understand all warnings 

and the Owner's Manual before operation. If manual is missing, con-

tact a Polaris dealer for a replacement.

• This vehicle is capable of high speeds. Buried objects or uneven 

terrain can cause loss of control. Reduce speed and use extreme 

caution when operating in unfamiliar terrain.

• Excessive speed, especially at night or with limited visibility, can 

result in insufficient time for you to react to terrain changes, to 

avoid unexpected obstacles, or to stop safely.

• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this vehi-

cle.

• In an emergency, push down the Auxiliary Shut-Off Switch, located 

on the top of the throttle control assembly, to stop the engine. Then 

pull the brake lever to stop.

• Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection, and adequate 

clothing while operating this vehicle.

• This vehicle is designed for adult use only. Check local laws for age 

requirements.

• When operating with a passenger (on approved models only) 

reduce speed and allow extra space for steering and stopping. A 

passenger reduces your ability to control the vehicle.

• When operating on hard-packed snow, ice, or when crossing roads, 

steering and braking ability are greatly reduced. Reduce speed and 

allow extra space to turn or stop.

• To maintain vehicle control on ice or hard-packed surfaces, you 

should have a proper balance of ski carbides to track studs. See 

Owner's Manual for proper use of traction products.

• Repeated stops from high speed may cause fading or sudden loss 

of braking ability.

• Parking brake may relax when used for long periods. Do not leave 

brake engaged for more than five minutes.

• Before starting engine, check throttle, brake, and steering for 

proper operation. Make sure hood is latched. Be seated and in posi-

tion to control the vehicle.

Oil injection system: Use unmixed fuel only. Check oil level when 

refueling.