Snowmobile Polaris FS IQ Widetrak (2013 year). Manual - part 14

58

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

Hood Latches

The hood of the snowmobile protects the operator from moving parts as 
well as aiding in sound emission control and other functions. Under no 
circumstances should your snowmobile be operated with the hood open 
or removed. Always ensure that the hood straps are in good condition 
and that the latches are securely in place before operating the snowmo-
bile.

Steering System

WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your 
snowmobile, which could cause loss of control resulting in serious injury or 
death. Keep the underhood area free of snow and ice.

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.

59

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

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 1/2 inch (1.3 
cm). A smaller distance indi-
cates low brake fluid level or 
air in the hydraulic system. 
See pages 108-111 or see your 
dealer for service.

Brake Lever Feel

If the brake lever feels “spongy” when squeezed, check the brake fluid 
level and condition. Check for the presence of air in the fluid system. 
See pages 108-111 or see your dealer for service.

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.

Brake Fluid

Check the brake fluid in the mas-
ter cylinder before each ride.

View the brake fluid level through 
the sight glass on the top of the 
master cylinder. The eye will 
appear dark when the fluid level is 
full. If the sight glass is any color 
other than black, add brake fluid. 
See page 109.

1/2 inch (1.3 cm)

Sight 

Glass

Master 

Cylinder

60

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

Parking Brake Lever Lock

Use the parking brake lever lock 
only when you want the snowmo-
bile to remain stationary; for exam-
ple, when parked on an incline for a 
period of five minutes or less.

Lock Engagement

To engage the lock, squeeze the 
brake lever tightly and push for-
ward on the lock. Hold the lock for-
ward while releasing the brake 
lever.

Tip: 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 parking brake light on the gauge 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. 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.

Brake 

Lever

Parking Brake 

Lever Lock

61

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

Track Inspection

WARNING! 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. Always inspect the track for damage before using the vehicle.

WARNING! 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 
in marginal lubrication could severely damage track rods, break track edges, 
and cause other track damage. Examples of marginal lubrication would include 
frozen bodies of water without snow cover, icy trails, and no-snow conditions.

Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or poor lubrication 
conditions voids the track warranty.