Snowmobile Polaris 600 IQ Widetrak (2017 year). Manual - part 26

107

MAINTENANCE

Steering System

Ski Skags

WARNING! Worn skis and/or skags will adversely affect handling. Loss of 
vehicle control may result, causing serious injury or death. See your dealer's 
studding chart for recommended skags. If you install longer or more aggressive 
carbide skags than the original equipment, it may also be necessary to add track 
studs to maintain proper vehicle control while turning on hard-packed snow or 
ice.

Check skags before each use of the snowmobile to ensure positive 
steering characteristics. Skags must be replaced when worn to half their 
original diameter. 

Tip: Carbide skags must be replaced if any abnormal wear or chipping is found.

Skag Replacement

1. Raise and support the 

front of the snowmo-
bile so the skis are 
approximately 6 
inches (15 cm) from 
the ground.

2. Remove the attaching 

nuts and pry the skag 
downward.

3. Remove the front end 

of the skag.

4. Remove the rear end 

of the skag.

5. Reverse the steps to 

install a skag.

Skag

108

MAINTENANCE

Battery

WARNING! Improperly connecting or disconnecting battery cables can result in 
an explosion and cause serious injury or death. When removing the battery, 
always disconnect the negative (black) cable first. When reinstalling the battery, 
always connect the negative (black) cable last.

Battery Removal

1. Release the seat latch and raise the seat to access the battery.

2. Disconnect the black (negative) battery cable first.

3. Disconnect the red (positive) battery cable last.

4. Remove the battery.

Battery Installation

When installing a new battery, make sure it's fully charged prior to its 
initial use. Using a new battery that has not been fully charged can 
damage the battery and result in a shorter life. It can also hinder vehicle 
performance. Follow the battery charging instructions on page 110 
before installing the battery.

1. Ensure that the battery is fully charged.

2. Set the battery in the battery holder.

3. Connect and tighten the red (positive) cable first.

4. Connect and tighten the black (negative) cable last.

5. Verify that cables are properly routed.

6. Lower the seat and secure the latch.

109

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery Storage

Whenever the vehicle is not used for a period of three months or more, 
remove the battery from the vehicle, ensure that it's fully charged, and 
store it out of the sun in a cool, dry place. Check battery voltage each 
month during storage and recharge as needed to maintain a full charge.

Tip: Battery charge can be maintained by using a POLARIS Battery Tender

TM

 

charger or by charging about once a month to make up for normal self-
discharge. Battery Tender

TM

 can be left connected during the storage 

period, and will automatically charge the battery if the voltage drops below a 
pre-determined point.

Battery Charging

The following battery charging instructions apply only to the 
installation of a sealed battery. Read all instructions before proceeding 
with the installation of this battery.

The sealed battery is already filled with electrolyte and has been sealed 
and fully charged at the factory. Do not ever pry the sealing strip off or 
add any other fluid to this battery. 

The single most important thing about maintaining a sealed battery is to 
keep it fully charged. Since the battery is sealed and the sealing strip 
cannot be removed, you must use a voltmeter or multimeter to measure 
DC voltage.

110

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery Charging

For a refresh charge, follow all instructions carefully.

1. Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter or multimeter. A fully 

charged battery will register 12.8 V or higher.

2. If the voltage is less than 12.8 volts, recharge the battery at 1.2 amps 

or less until the battery voltage is 12.8 or greater. 

Tip: When using an automatic charger, refer to the charger manufacturer's 

instructions for recharging. When using a constant current charger, use the 
following guidelines for recharging.

WARNING! An overheated battery may explode, causing severe injury or 
death. Always watch charging times carefully. Stop charging if the battery 
becomes very warm to the touch. Allow it to cool before resuming charging.

Tip: Always verify battery condition before and 1-2 hours after the end of 

charging.

State of 

Charge

Voltage

Action

Charge Time

(Using constant current

charger @ standard amps

specified on top of battery)

100%

12.8-13.0 volts

None, check at 3 

mos. from date of 

manufacture

None required

75%-100%

12.5-12.8 volts

May need slight 

charge, if no 

charge given, 

check in 3 months

3-6 hours

50%-75%

12.0-12.5 volts

Needs charge

5-11 hours

25%-50%

11.5-12.0 volts

Needs charge

At least 13 hours, 

verify state of charge

0%-25%

11.5 volts or less

Needs charge with 

desulfating charger

At least 20 hours