Snowmobile Polaris 600 RMK / 600 PRO RMK / 800 RMK / 800 PRO RMK / 800 RMK Assault. Manual - part 17

70

OPERATION

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.

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.

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.

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 station-

ary by exerting pressure 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.

Stop 

Switch

71

OPERATION

Throttle Lever

WARNING! An improperly functioning throttle lever may cause erratic 
snowmobile 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.

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/throttle body 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 
snowmobile 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 
snowmobile with the throttle safety switch disconnected. Return the 
snowmobile to an authorized POLARIS dealer for service as soon as 
possible.

72

OPERATION

Electronic Reverse (PERC)

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 trans-
mission 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.

Electronic reverse will activate only if the engine RPM is below 4000.

NOTICE: 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.

WARNING

73

OPERATION

Electronic Reverse (PERC)

Engaging Reverse

1. Stop the snowmobile and leave the engine idling.

2. Make sure the area behind your vehicle is clear.

3. Push the yellow reverse button on the left-hand control for one sec-

ond, then release. The engine will automatically reduce RPM and 
start a reverse rotation. A flashing reverse light on the instrument 
panel will indicate that the transmission is in reverse.

4. Apply the throttle slowly to make sure the transmission is in 

reverse.The maximum engine RPM will be 6000 when in reverse. 

TIP: If the engine stops running, the snowmobile will be in forward gear when it's 

restarted.

Disengaging Reverse

1. Stop the snowmobile and leave the engine idling.

NOTICE: 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.

2. Push the yellow reverse button for one second and release. The 

engine will slow and begin to rotate forward. The light on the instru-
ment panel will shut off.

3. Apply the throttle slowly to make sure the transmission is in for-

ward.