Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 12

46

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

Before starting the engine, always refer to all safety warnings pertaining 

to snowmobile operation. Never start the engine without checking all 

vehicle components to be sure of proper operation.

Read and Understand Your Owner's Manual

Read the Owner's Manual completely and refer to it often. The manual 

is your guide to safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experience.

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Throttle Lever

The throttle and brake are the primary controls of your snowmobile. 

Always make sure both are functioning properly.

Squeeze the throttle lever to make sure it compresses evenly and 

smoothly. When released, the lever should immediately return to the 

idle position without binding or hesitation. If the throttle does not func-

tion smoothly, or if you discover excessive lever freeplay, DO NOT start 

the engine. Have the throttle serviced immediately.

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Throttle Safety Switch

Test the throttle safety switch system before the machine is operated. 

See page 62.

WARNING

Operating the vehicle with worn, damaged, or malfunctioning components 

coule result in serious injury or death. Never start the engine without check-

ing all vehicle components to be sure of proper operation.

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PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

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Hydraulic Brakes

Always check the following items for proper operation before starting 

the engine.
Brake Lever Travel
Squeeze the brake lever. It 

should move no closer to the 

handgrip than 1/2I (1.3 cm). 

A smaller distance indicates 

low brake fluid level or air in 

the hydraulic system. Refer to 

the brake bleeding information 

on page 88 or see your dealer for service.

NOTE: If the brake lever feels “spongy” when squeezed, check the 

brake fluid level and condition. Add fluid as needed. See page 

87.

WARNING

Continued use of “spongy” brakes may cause a complete loss of brakes, 

which could result in serious injury or death. Always have the brakes serviced 

at the first sign of sponginess.

1/2

I

 (1.3 cm)

48

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

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Parking Brake Lever Lock

Your snowmobile may have a 

parking brake lever lock located 

over the brake lever. Use the 

brake lever lock only when you 

want the machine to remain sta-

tionary; for example, when 

parked on an incline for a period 

of five minutes or less.

1. Brake Lever
2. Parking Brake Lever Lock 

(if equipped)

3. Master Cylinder Reservoir/ Cover
4. Fluid Level Indicator

Lock Engagement
To engage the lock, squeeze the brake lever tightly and push forward on 

the lock. Hold the lock forward while releasing the brake lever.

NOTE: If the brake lever is squeezed tightly enough, the lock will move 

freely into place. Do not force the lock or it may break.

The brake light on the console will light up if the parking brake lever 

lock is set while the engine is running. It will also be lit when the service 

brake is in use. If the parking brake light does not come on when the 

parking brake or service brake is in use, have it serviced by your dealer.
Lock Release
To release the lock, squeeze the brake lever tightly and release it. The 

lock will return to the unlocked position.

WARNING

If the parking brake lever lock is partially or entirely engaged while riding, the 

brakes may overheat, resulting in brake damage. In extreme cases it could 

cause a fire, which could result in serious injury or death. Always ensure that 

the lever lock is completely disengaged before operating the snowmobile.

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2

3

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PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

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Steering System

Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice 

and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty 

is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing 

the steering linkage.

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Track

Use of traction products such as studs increases the possibility of track 

damage and/or failure. Driving at high speeds for extended periods of 

time with inadequate lubrication could severely damage track rods, 

break track edges, and cause other track damage. Examples of inade-

quate lubrication would include frozen bodies of water without snow 

cover, icy trails, and no-snow conditions.

NOTE: Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or under 

poor lubrication conditions voids the track warranty.

WARNING

Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your machine, result-

ing in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free of snow and ice.

WARNING

Always inspect the track for damage before using the vehicle. Operating the 

snowmobile with a damaged track increases the possibility of track failure, 

which could cause loss of control resulting in serious injury or death.