Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 16

62

OPERATION

n

Engine Stop Switch

Push down on the engine 

stop switch (+) to 

ground out the ignition 

and stop the engine 

quickly. Pull the switch 

up to the ON position to 

allow restarting.

n

Throttle Safety Switch

The throttle safety switch is designed to stop the engine whenever all 

pressure is removed from the throttle lever and the throttle cable or 

valves do not return to the normal closed position.

Test the throttle safety switch 

system daily before operation.

1. Sit on the seat.
2. Start the engine and allow it 

to idle.

3. Hold the throttle lever pin 

stationary by exerting pres-

sure on the pivot pin in the direction shown in the illustration.

4. Apply a slight amount of throttle. A properly functioning switch 

must shut down the engine.

WARNING

Operating the snowmobile with a faulty throttle safety switch can result in 

serious injury or death in the event of an accident. If the throttle safety switch 

does not shut off the engine during a carburetor/throttle system malfunction, 

immediately push down the engine stop switch. Do not start the engine again 

until the malfunction has been corrected by your dealer.

+

63

OPERATION

Throttle Lever

If the engine stops abruptly when the throttle lever is released:

1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
2. Visually inspect the throttle cable and carburetor to determine what 

caused the safety switch to activate.

3. Test the throttle lever by compressing and releasing it several times. 

The lever and cable must return to the idle position quickly and 

completely.

4. If the throttle lever operates properly, turn the ignition switch on and 

go through normal starting procedures.

5. If the engine doesn't start, take the snowmobile to an authorized 

Polaris dealer for service.

Excessive freeplay in the throttle cable may cause the safety switch to 

activate, preventing the engine from starting. If this occurs, return the 

machine to an authorized Polaris dealer for service. 

If an emergency exists and it's necessary to start the engine, the throttle 

safety switch and engine stop switch may be disconnected from the wire 

harness. When these switches are disconnected, the ignition key switch 

must be used to shut off the engine. DO NOT continue to operate the 

machine with the throttle safety switch disconnected. Return the 

machine to an authorized Polaris dealer for service as soon as possible.

WARNING

An improperly functioning throttle lever may cause erratic machine behavior 

and loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death. If the throttle 

lever does not work properly, DO NOT start the engine.

64

OPERATION

Emergency Stopping

The following chart lists methods for stopping the snowmobile in the 

event of an emergency. See page 62 for more information about the 

engine stop switch and throttle safety switch.

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 (if available)

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

65

OPERATION

Reverse Operation

Electronic Reverse (PERCt)

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 67. Always make sure the vehicle is 

stopped and the engine is running at idle before shifting to reverse.

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.

CAUTION

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.