Snowmobile Polaris FS IQ Widetrak (2013 year). Manual - part 26

106

MAINTENANCE

Cooling System

Bleeding the Cooling System

5. Remove the bleed screw on the radiator.  Do not lose the washer.

6. Remove the coolant pressure cap from the coolant reservoir.

7. Fill the coolant reservoir until coolant bleeds out the radiator bleed 

screw removed in step 4.  Reinstall the bleed screw and washer and 
tighten.

8. Continue filling the coolant reservoir to 3/4 full.  This may require 

adding coolant several times.

Tip: Monitor the coolant level throughout the following steps, adding coolant as 

needed.  

9. Reinstall the coolant pressure cap onto the coolant reservoir to the 

first click only.

10. Disconnect the radiator fan power connector.

11. Ensure that the transmission is in neutral and start the engine.  

Tip: Monitor engine coolant temperature on the MFD (press the mode button 

once to view the screen).

12. Refill the coolant reservoir to 3/4 full (as needed) while allowing the 

engine to reach 160° F. (71° C.).

Tip: Increase engine speed to 4000 RPM intermittently (1-2 seconds) through-

out the following steps.  

13. When coolant temperatures reach 185° F. (85° C.), pinch off the 

coolant hose to the radiator using a vice-grip pliers with the jaws 
covered (rubber hose or tape over the jaws) to prevent damage to the 
coolant hose. This will help push the air out of the rear coolers. 

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MAINTENANCE

Cooling System

Bleeding the Cooling System

14. Monitor engine coolant temperature. When it reaches 195° F. (90° 

C.), remove the vice-grip pliers.

15. Continue monitoring temperature until it reaches 205° F. (96° C.).  

Fill the reservoir completely full, then install and tighten the pres-
sure cap securely. 

16. Fill the coolant recovery bottle to the top of the white label on the 

side of the bottle. 

17. Stop the engine. Leave the front bumper elevated and allow the 

engine to cool for one hour.

18. Lower machine to the ground after the one-hour cool-down. 

19. Make sure the coolant reservoir is completely full (add coolant as 

needed).

20. Add coolant to the recovery bottle to the “COLD FILL” level.

21. Reconnect the power lead to the radiator fan.

22. Monitor coolant levels during operation and add coolant as needed.

Tip: Air will continue to bleed from the system for several hundred miles and 

may require adding some coolant to maintain a "full" level.

108

MAINTENANCE

Brakes

Hydraulic Brake Inspection

Inspect the brake lever reserve before each use of the snowmobile. See 
page 59.

Brake pads must be replaced when the brake pad material becomes thin-
ner than the backing plate, approximately 1/16 inch (1.5 mm). A kit is 
available for replacing brake pads. See your dealer.

WARNING! Brake failure during operation can result in serious injury or death. 
Be sure the brake pads do not drag on the disc and that brake lever travel is not 
excessive. Always replace brake pads when the brake pad material becomes 
thinner than the backing plate, approximately 1/16 inch (1.5 mm).

Brake Components

• Brake Caliper

• Gearcase

• Brake  Disc

• Backing Plate

• Brake Pad Material - Replace 

when thickness is less than 1/16 
inch (1.5 mm).

Brake Disc

Backing 

Plate

Brake Pad 

Material

Gearcase

Brake 

Caliper

109

MAINTENANCE

Brakes

Brake Fluid

After opening a bottle of brake fluid, always discard any unused portion. Never 
store or use a partial bottle. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it rapidly 
absorbs moisture from the air. The moisture causes the boiling temperature of 
the brake fluid to drop, which can lead to early brake fade and the possibility of 
accident or serious injury.

Keep the master cylinder cover free of dirt and debris. The vent slits allow for 
diaphragm movement, and if they become plugged, movement of brake fluid 
below the diaphragm may be restricted, altering brake function.

NOTICE: Brake fluid will damage decals, paint and some plastics. Always wipe 

up spills immediately.

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.

1. Position the handlebars so the 

master cylinder is level.

2. Remove the master cylinder 

cover.

3. Add DOT 4 brake fluid only. Do not overfill. See page 133 for the 

part numbers of POLARIS products.

WARNING

Sight 

Glass

Master 

Cylinder