Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 27

106

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery Installation

1. Place the battery in its holder. Attach the hold down strap.
2. Install the battery vent line. It must be free from obstructions and 

securely installed. Route the vent line properly to prevent kinks and 

to allow for proper drainage.

3. Connect and tighten the red (positive) cable first.
4. Connect and tighten the black (negative) cable last.
5. Verify that cables and vent hose are properly routed.

WARNING

Batteries contain gases that can explode. If the battery vent tube is pinched 

or kinked, battery gases could accumulate. Whenever removing or installing 

the battery, disconnect the negative (black) cable first and reinstall the nega-

tive cable last to avoid the possibility of explosion.
Battery electrolyte contains acid. Avoid skin contact with electrolyte as 

severe burns may result.

107

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery Storage

When your snowmobile is placed in storage for one month or more:
• Remove the battery.
• Charge it to the proper level.
• Store it in a cool dry place.
• Check and/or charge monthly.

Before using the battery, take it to your dealer for testing and recharging.

Batteries may freeze if not fully charged, resulting in cell damage.

Charge condition

Will freeze at:

100%

-75_ F(-59_ C)

75%

-24_ F(-31_ C)

50%

0_ F(-18_ C)

25%

+13_ F(-11_ C)

0%

+18_ F(-8_ C)

108

MAINTENANCE

n

Pre-Ride Suspension Inspection

Loose nuts and bolts can reduce your snowmobile's reliability and cause 

needless repairs and down time. Before beginning any snowmobile trip, 

a visual inspection will uncover potential problems. Check the follow-

ing items on a weekly basis or before any long trip:

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Check suspension mounting bolts for tightness.

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Check rear idler wheel bolts for tightness. See page 99.

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Check rear idler adjusting bolt locknuts for tightness.

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Check front torque arm limiter strap condition.

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Check rail slide condition.

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Check track tension. See page 98.

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Lubricate all rear suspension components. See page 76.

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Check ski runner/skag condition. See page 103.

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Check ski spindle bolts for tightness.

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Check tie rod end nuts for tightness.

109

MAINTENANCE

Extended Storage

Off-season or extended storage of your snowmobile requires preventive 

measures to aid against deterioration and to prolong the useful life of 

many components. See page 113 for the part numbers of Polaris prod-

ucts.

Cleaning and Preservation

Proper storage starts with cleaning, washing, and waxing the hood, 

chassis, and plastic parts. Wipe down remaining surfaces with a damp 

cloth. Clean and touch up with paint any rusted or previously painted 

surfaces. Be sure that corrosive salt and acids are removed from surfaces 

before beginning preservation with waxes and rust inhibitors (grease, oil 

or paint).

The machine should be stored in a dry garage or shed, out of direct sun-

light, and covered with a fabric snowmobile cover. Plastic tarp may 

cause condensation to form and damage snowmobile components.

Controls and Linkage

Lubricate bushings, spindle shafts, tie rod ends and cables as outlined in 

the Periodic Maintenance Table beginning on page 73.