Snowmobile Polaris FS IQ Widetrak (2013 year). Manual - part 34

138

TROUBLESHOOTING

Engine and Drive Train Troubleshooting

Engine Runs Irregularly, Stops or Loses Power

Probable Cause

Solution

Engine Management System RPM 
Reduction Mode is activated

See causes on page 33.

Low battery voltage

Recharge the battery to 12.8 VDC.

Water is present in fuel

See your dealer.

Poor quality or low octane fuel

Replace with fresh recommended fuel.

Loose ignition connections

Check all connections and tighten.

Incorrect spark plug gap or heat range

Set gap to specs or replace plug.

Fouled or defective spark plug

Inspect, clean and/or replace spark plug.

Kinked or plugged fuel vent line

Inspect and replace.

Engine management system failure

See your dealer.

Engine overheating

Stop and cool the engine. See the “Engine 
Overheating” troubleshooting section on 
page 139.

Fuel in crankcase

See your dealer.

Drive clutch binding

See your dealer.

Incorrect clutching

See your dealer.

Driven clutch malfunction

See your dealer.

Worn drive belt

Replace with the recommended belt.

Excessive belt/sheave clearance

See your dealer.

Loose torque stop

Inspect and adjust.

Other mechanical failure

See your dealer.

139

TROUBLESHOOTING

Engine and Drive Train Troubleshooting

Engine Overheating

Harsh Drive Clutch Engagement

Drive Belt Turns Over

Drive System Noise

Probable Cause

Solution

Inadequate snow conditions

Stop and cool the engine. Drive into snow 
frequently to prevent overheating. See 
page 19.

Low coolant

Stop and cool the engine. Check the cool-
ant level. See page 103. Check for leaks. 
Bleed the system if the coolant level is 
extremely low.

Restricted air flow to radiator

Stop and cool the engine. Clean snow and 
debris from the radiator.

Fan failure

If high temp light is on, check fan by 
stopping the engine. Fan should continue. 
Check fuse and/or see your dealer.

Probable Cause

Solution

Worn drive belt

Replace with the recommended belt.

Excessive belt/sheave clearance

See your dealer.

Probable Cause

Solution

Incorrect belt

Replace with the recommended belt.

Incorrect clutch alignment

See your dealer.

Broken or loose engine mount

See your dealer.

Probable Cause

Solution

Broken drive clutch components

See your dealer.

Bearing failure (gearcase, jackshaft or 
front drive shaft)

See your dealer.

Flat spots on drive belt surface

Inspect and replace as needed.

Worn drive chain/broken sprocket teeth

See your dealer.

140

TROUBLESHOOTING

Suspension Troubleshooting

Problem

Solution

Rear suspension 
bottoms too easily 

• Set static sag (see page 50). Adjust torsion spring blocks or 

install optional torsion springs to achieve correct sag 
dimensions.

Rides too stiff in rear

• Check for binding suspension components and grease all 

pivot points.

• Set static sag (see page 50). Adjust torsion spring blocks or 

install optional torsion springs to achieve correct sag 
dimensions.

Too much weight 
transfer when 
climbing

• Set static sag (see page 50). Adjust torsion spring blocks or 

install optional torsion springs to achieve correct sag.

• Move limiter strap to high position (see page 52).

Too little weight 
transfer when 
climbing

• Set static sag (see page 50). Adjust torsion spring blocks or 

install optional torsion springs to achieve correct sag.

• Move limiter strap to low position (see page 52).

Front end pushes

• Check for worn skags.
• Check for binding front suspension shafts/steering compo-

nents, grease all pivot points (elevate front of machine).

• Set static sag (see page 50). Adjust torsion spring blocks or 

install optional torsion springs to achieve correct sag.

• Increase IFS preload (if equipped) (see page 48).
• Move limiter strap to high position (see page 52).

Steering is heavy

• Make sure spindles and all steering components turn freely.
• Check ski alignment (see page 126).
• Check skags and skis for damage.
• Set static sag (see page 50).

Machine darts from 
side to side

• Check ski alignment (see page 126).
• Check for binding front suspension shafts/steering compo-

nents, grease all pivot points (elevate front of machine).

• Check for excessive play in steering assembly (see dealer).
• Ensure skags are straight on skis.
• Set static sag (see page 50).
• Check rail slide/replace if worn (see page 124).

141

TROUBLESHOOTING

Drive Belt Wear/Burn

Cause

Solution 

Driving at low RPM

Drive at higher RPM. Gear the machine down. Check belt 
deflection.

Insufficient warm-up

Warm the engine at least five minutes. Take the drive belt off 
the machine in extremely cold weather and warm it up. Break 
machine loose from the snow.

Towing at low RPM

Do not tow in high gear. Do not tow in deep snow. Use fast, 
aggressive throttle to engage clutch.

Riding with high 
RPM and slow speed 
(8000 RPM at 10 
MPH/16 km/h)

Lower the gear ratio. Reduce RPM. Avoid riding in high 
ambient temperatures. Check for snow ingestion.

Ice and snow build-
up between track and 
tunnel

Warm the engine at least five minutes. Take the drive belt off 
the machine in extremely cold weather and warm it up. Break 
machine loose from the snow.

Poor engine perfor-
mance

Check for fouled plugs or water, ice, or dirt in the gas tank or 
fuel line.

Loading machines 
onto trailers

Skis may gouge into trailers and prevent the drivetrain from 
spinning properly. Use enough speed to drive the machine 
completely onto the trailer. Push and pull it to finish loading if 
necessary.

Clutch malfunction

Inspect clutch components. See your dealer.

Slow, easy clutch 
engagement

Use fast, aggressive throttle to engage clutch.

Wrong or missing 
belt

Always use the recommended belt.

Improper break-in

Always break in a new belt and/or clutch by avoiding aggres-
sive or high speed operation during the break-in period.